Linda Martell is an influential American singer and songwriter known as a country music pioneer.
Born Thelma Bynem in South Carolina on June 4, 1941, she was the first black female artist to achieve commercial success in country music.
Her debut single “Color Him Father” peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1969, establishing her as a trailblazer for future generations of artists of color in Nashville.
contour
- Full name: Thelma Bynem
- Date of birth: June 4, 1941
- Age: 83 years old
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: South Carolina, USA
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Clarence Bynum and Willie Mae Caldwell Bynum
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Ted Jacobs
- Children: 3
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: African American
- Net worth: $12 million
early life and education
Linda Martell is 83 years old. She was born in South Carolina on June 4, 1941, to Clarence Bynem and Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem. Her father was a sharecropper and a Baptist minister, while her mother worked in a chicken slaughterhouse.
She is one of five children in the family. She grew up in a religious family and was exposed to gospel music at an early age, which laid the foundation for her music career.
Martell began her musical journey by performing in a gospel band with her family. This early experience helped her develop her vocal technique and stage presence.
In the mid-1960s, she turned to R&B music and formed a band called Linda Martell and The Anglos. The band recorded several singles but achieved no major commercial success.
Despite the setback, Martell’s talent caught the attention of producers after she performed at an Air Force base, where she was encouraged to sing country music. That pivotal moment brought her to Nashville in 1969.
Martell signed to Shelby Singleton’s Plantation Records and recorded her debut album, Color Me Country, which included her hit single “Color Him Father.” The album showcases her ability to blend a variety of musical styles while maintaining authenticity in her country music style.
personal life
Linda Martell was married twice: first to drummer Clark Thompson when she was 19, with whom she had three children; and later to business owner Ted Jacobs.
After finding success in country music, she faced significant challenges that led her to leave the industry to focus on raising her children. While she has spoken about her experiences in the music industry, specific information about her relationships remains limited.
After leaving Nashville in the mid-1970s, Martell returned to South Carolina and continued to perform locally while working various jobs, including driving a school bus. She remained connected to music through different avenues, but only returned to the spotlight in recent years.
Profession
Linda Martell began her career playing gospel music before turning to R&B with her band. However, it was her turn to country music that defined her legacy. In 1969, she became the first black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, where she performed 12 times throughout her career.
Her debut single “Color Him Father” was a hit, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The achievement marked a turning point for black female artists in country music.
Her only album, Color Me Country, was released in August 1970. It features several chart-topping songs and has received positive reviews for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Despite facing racial discrimination during live performances – often receiving slurs and hostility – Martell persevered and continued to perform with famous country artists such as Waylon Jennings and Hank Snow.
However, after releasing her final single, “Bad Case of the Blues,” she faced challenges from her record label, ultimately leading to her departure from country music in 1974.
In the years that followed, Martell pursued various careers outside of music but remained connected to the industry through acting and local gigs. In recent years, she has been recognized for her contributions to country music, notably receiving the Equal Game Award at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.
In March 2024, she appeared on two songs from Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, further cementing her relevance in contemporary music discussions.
Awards
- CMT Music Awards Equal Game Awards (2021)
net worth
Linda Martell’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $12 million. Her income comes primarily from royalties from past recordings and performances.
dispute
Linda Martell’s career was not without controversy. However, much of this stems from systemic issues within the country music industry rather than personal scandals.
As one of the first black female artists in a predominantly white genre during a time of severe racial tensions in the United States, Martell faced considerable discrimination both on and off the stage.
At live performances in Nashville and elsewhere, audiences often racially profiled her while she sang — an experience that is deeply traumatic for any artist. This hostility was compounded by an industry largely controlled by whites, who often sidelined or blocked black artists like Martell.
After the release of “Bad Case of the Blues,” Nashville essentially locked down Martell due to internal record company politics – specifically due to Shelby Singleton’s influence on promoting or recording artists of that era. .
The experience completely distanced Martell from mainstream country music. She felt marginalized by an industry that did not fully support or recognize her contribution.
social media
- Instagram: @iamlindamartell
- Twitter: @iamlindamartell
- YouTube: Linda Martell
discography
- Color My Country (1970)
