Fontella Bass was an influential American R&B and soul singer best known for her 1965 hit "Rescue Me." Her vocal style, characterized by a powerful, gospel-inflected delivery, was honed in her youth singing in church choirs in St. Louis. Bass' music, while primarily centering on R&B and soul, also incorporated elements of gospel and jazz, reflecting her varied musical background. Despite her relatively brief peak in popularity, Bass left an indelible mark on the soul genre and her signature song has been covered by numerous artists, testifying to her enduring influence.