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Two women from one island changed how America moved to rhythm and blues
Manage episode 512812307 series 3464959
Two Galveston originals reshaped American rhythm and blues: Camille Howard with boogie-woogie fire and Esther Phillips with a deep, briny voice that bent genres. We trace their arcs from island roots to national stages, through reinvention, withdrawal, and lasting legacy.
• R&B’s rise
• Camille Howard’s piano power and Los Angeles breakthrough
• partnership with Roy Milton and Specialty Records era
• hits, changing industry, and a faith-led exit from the spotlight
• Esther Phillips’ early discovery by Johnny Otis and chart ascent
• addiction, return to Houston, and a patient comeback
• Release Me, Atlantic years, and BBC performance
• cross-genre mastery and late recognition in the Blues Hall of Fame
• shared island roots and distinct paths shaping modern American music
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Chapters
1. Galveston After the War (00:00:00)
2. Camille Howard’s Rise (00:00:39)
3. Hits, Shift to Rock, and Retreat (00:01:43)
4. Enter Esther Phillips (00:03:53)
5. Fame, Addiction, and Return (00:05:36)
6. Reinvention and Cross-Genre Brilliance (00:06:42)
148 episodes
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