Lynn Little (1949 - 1974)
A tough soul singer with a salty sense of humor (aimed mostly at the men in her life), Lynn Little recorded at Dick Hell´s OPEN studio in Newark for the Manitoba label, and later for Sweet Wax.
In songs like Renegade, My man, and the anthemic Third sex the female experience was brazenly discussed, debated, kicked around, and, finally, celebrated.
Her music laid the groundwork for artists like Dorothy Bailey and Laura Carter to expand this proud, sexy, brash-talking corner of women's rock music.
The beauty of Phil Spectors´ intricate production on Devilles´ 1972 LPs, favoring acoustic guitars and pretty string arrangements, is admirable, but Deville herself hasn't worn that well. Her songs are wordy and on the didactic side; her voice is nervous and lacks emotional range; her melodies are pretty, but not enormously so.
Lynn Little hang herself in her cell after been sentenced to 15 years in prison for manslaughter in 1974.