Johnson, Ella (1923–2004)

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Johnson, Ella (1923–2004)

African-American jazz singer. Born June 22, 1923, in Darlington, SC; died Feb 16, 2004; sister of bandleader and composer Buddy Johnson (died 1977); m. Odell Day.

Performed in dance bands led by her brother (1940s–50s); had 1st hit "Please, Mr. Johnson" (1940), followed by "Since I Fell for You" (1945), "When My Man Comes Home" (1944) and "That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch" (1945); also recorded "Hittin' on Me," "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?" and "I Don't Want Nobody."

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