The Mississippi Legislature honored soul singer and Belzoni native Denise Lasalle today with a "resolution saying she had made a 'lasting impact' on rhythm and blues music," according to the Associated Press.
LaSalle said she knew as a child that she wanted to become a performer and earned her first pay 50 cents from a woman who overheard her singing a song as she walked from school.
Born in Leflore County in central Mississippi in 1939, her family eventually moved to a nearby county where she helped them pick cotton. LaSalle headed to Chicago when she was 13 to live with relatives.
"When I left Mississippi, I left with tears in eyes," LaSalle told lawmakers. "But I'm so proud of Mississippi. Mississippi is my banner."
Her first hit came in 1967 with "A Love Reputation." She's also a noted songwriter, penning Z.Z. Hill's hit, "Someone Else Is Stepping In."
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