Marion Abernathy

Marion Abernathy, otherwise known as "the Blues Woman," was one of a handful of artists who played a key role in starting Specialty Records. In 1944, founder Art Rupe, having felt cheated in his first partnership in a record label, put together what was then known as Juke Box Records. Abernathy, who he dubbed "the Blues Woman," was the second artist ever released on the label (backed by the Buddy Banks Sextet) doing "Voo-It! Voo-It!," co-written by saxman Banks and guitarist William "Frosty" Pyles. She may have left behind as many as a dozen tracks from this period. ~ Bruce Ed...