Big Maybelle, born as Mabel Louise Smith, was an influential rhythm and blues singer in the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for her rich, powerful voice, she put a distinctive stamp on hits like "Candy" and "My Country Man". Big Maybelle's raw, emotive style was rooted in gospel and blues, and her recordings, particularly her rendition of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," significantly influenced the development of rock music. Despite her early passing, she left an indelible mark on the music landscape, contributing significantly to the evolution of modern popular music genres.