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Jackson, TN – October 26, 2009, On Saturday, October 24, 2009, in the small Mississippi Delta town of Belzoni, Soul Blues singer-songwriter legend Denise LaSalle was crowned Queen of the Blues by the venerable Mississippi Delta Blue Society. <o:p></o:p>
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LaSalle, a Jackson, Tennessee resident, lives with her husband of 32 years, Minister James Edward “Super” Wolfe Jr.—in his own right a noted media mogul, humanitarian, radio and television personality. Since 1967, LaSalle has garnered an international reputation as a prolific singer-songwriter, producer, live performer, and recording artist. Also signed with Chess records. In 1969, her song “Get Your Lie Straight” sang by Billy Coday topped the R&B charts selling nearly one million single records. In 1971, her self-penned song “Trapped By A Thing Called Love,” produced by he legendary Willie Mitchell in 1971, sold over 1 million copies, and won her a large international following. In 1972 and 1973 her songs “Now Run An Tell That” and “A Man Size Job’ topped the R&B charts and sold hundreds of thousands of records. In 1986, LaSalle’s interpretation of the song “Don’t Mess With My Tu Tu” reached the top 10 in England. Her reputation as a songwriter has caused artists ranging from Bob Dylan, Barbara Mandrell, Z. Z. Hill to cover, sing, or request material she has produced. Presently, she records with Malaco Records of Jackson, Mississippi. <o:p></o:p>
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Mrs. Helen Sims, president of the Mississippi Delta Blues Society, told the capacity crowd of 200 gathered to witness the coronation that she was proud to be a part of making history. She was moved by the significance of the day, and she made a point to inform parents that they, their children and grand children will have nostalgic memories of pride and joy that their home town was the birthplace of the “Undisputed” Queen of the Blues. Sims also stated, “after searching high and low, we found that Ms. LaSalle is the most qualified Blues singer to follow in the footsteps of the late legendary Queen of the Blues, Ms. KoKo Taylor, who was a friend and close acquaintance of Denise.<o:p></o:p>
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Following Ms. Sims oration on the fact that LaSalle was the greatest living exemplar of the Blues in the emotional atmosphere, those gathered cheered and many who had followed LaSalle’s entire career were moved to tears and shouts of joy. LaSalle, having received her crown, took to the stage to give a royal performance to show her appreciation and that she merited the honor.<o:p></o:p>
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LaSalle, backed by her band “Blak Ice,” treated those gathered to a live concert at the famed California Club in Belzoni, Mississippi. The sold-out house’s audience was dazzled by the high-energy performance by LaSalle and “Blak Ice.” LaSalle rifted through her hits and local favorites, and the audience danced, clapped hands, and begged for more. After completing her performance, the crowd unanimously gave a rousing standing ovation. <o:p></o:p>
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Immediately following LaSalle’s performance, Wardell Walton, Belzoni’s first African-American mayor, local elected officials, and dignitaries had to appeal to the audience for calm. Mayor Walton reminded those gathered that the time had come to crown LaSalle. As the audience still spellbound by the performance gathered themselves, Ms. LaSalle was escorted down the red carpet laden with rose pedals, to the place of honor. President Sims, Mayor Walton, and members of the Belzoni City Council presented LaSalle with a citation of merit, city resolution, and one dozen long-stem roses. Then, President Helen Sims placed a jeweled tiara on LaSalle’s head proclaiming her the Queen of the Blues. <o:p></o:p>
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LaSalle, no stranger to coronations, was crowned the Queen of Southern Blues in 1984 in Greenwood, Mississippi. However, LaSalle received the recent honor with gratitude. Upon receiving her crown, she remarked, “to try and follow in the footsteps of someone as great as KoKo Taylor is truly humbling. “I am most grateful for this honor, and I will try to make my hometown proud of me always.” “ You all must admit that KoKo is a hard act to follow, but I can do it, because I take the Lord along with me and trust in him in everything I do.” She concluded her short speech expressing thanks saying, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” As she descended from the stage to the red carpet, the men and women bowed and curtsied as she passed by. Some sought autographs and asked for her to pose in photos with them. <o:p></o:p>
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After the autographs and photo session, I spoke with Ms. LaSalle about some of the challenges she would face as Queen of the Blues. She said, “You know that I’ve always, well, mostly always,” she corrected herself, had an x-rated adult oriented show. A lot of profantity! Calling men MF’s and Women B’s was my thing. Except when there were kids at my daytime shows and festivals. I would tone those shows way, way down. That’s when my fans would say, “I enjoy you better in the night clubs and auditoriums.” God has given me common sense and I know when to tone it down. I know that if I ever want to attain the success and respect that Ms KoKo Taylor had, I will have to tailor the shows to fit the audience, crowd and situation. Ms Taylor played at the White House before the President of the United States. I hope to accomplish this someday as well.<o:p></o:p>
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For interviews or booking contact Denise LaSalle Booking Associates: (731) 265-9800. Direct Contacts: Randy Short at (731) 394-7217, wrandyshort@gmail.com, or Phillip Dunlap at (901) 412-5551, pmauricee@yahoo.com. <o:p></o:p>
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