Jessie Mae Robinson

Jessie Mae Robinson was an African American songwriter, who's peak of success was between 1949 - 1953. She is probably best remembered for the song she penned for Elvis Presley, that Wanda Jackson turned into a world wide hit, "Let's Have a Party". Her songs continue to be covered today.

Artists who have recorded from Jessie Mae's catalogue include: Elvis Costello, Nina Simone, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Buckley, Willie Nelson, Holly Golightly and Jewel. Amos Milburn, B.B. King, Louis Jordan, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn. Patti Page, Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby, and Judy Garland. There are many more well known names to add to the list.

By the time of her premature death in 1966 at the age of 47, she had become a prolific songwriter, predominantly in the genre of Rhythm and Blues, but having also crossed over into the popular charts. Instead of being hailed as the song writing queen she was, she has been largely overlooked from music history, but not from musicians memories.

Jessie Mae, beautiful and classy, was the first black woman to be inducted into ASCAP, in 1953, after having three of her songs in the top ten hit parade. Her determination to be remembered after death, lives on, and her call to have a party, is heard.