1964 American Folk Blues Festival

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This performance filmed in England on the 1964 American Folk Blues Festival tour features Pilipino-American R&B singer Sugar Pie Desanto’s rendition of “Rock Me Baby” backed by Hubert Sumlin (guitar), Willie Dixon (bass), and Clifton James (drums).

Rhythm & blues singer Umpeylia Marsema Balinton grew up in San Francisco and a childhood friend of Etta James. She toured with The Johnny Otis Revue in 1955 and it was Otis who coined her famous stage name Sugar Pie Desanto. In 1962 she singed with Chess records and in 1964 proved herself to be a memorably energetic addition to the American Folk Blues Festival tour.

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