William Bell longed for home. It was the summer of 1960 and his career as a rhythm and blues singer was proceeding slowly. It had been five years since he received $500 for winning a talent contest at the annual Mid-South Fair in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. This was quite an accomplishment for a 16-year-old. Winning the contest also earned him a trip to Chicago to sing at a club with the Red Saunders Band. Saunders was impressed with the prodigy and helped Bell get a job as a singer for Phineas Newborn’s Orchestra.
William Bell, The Byrds: The Well Runs Dry
William Bell, The Byrds: The Well Runs Dry
William Bell, The Byrds: The Well Runs Dry
William Bell longed for home. It was the summer of 1960 and his career as a rhythm and blues singer was proceeding slowly. It had been five years since he received $500 for winning a talent contest at the annual Mid-South Fair in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. This was quite an accomplishment for a 16-year-old. Winning the contest also earned him a trip to Chicago to sing at a club with the Red Saunders Band. Saunders was impressed with the prodigy and helped Bell get a job as a singer for Phineas Newborn’s Orchestra.