Denise LaSalle was more than just a singer—she was a storyteller, a savvy businesswoman, and one of the most influential voices in soul-blues. Best known for her 1971 chart-topping hit “Trapped By a Thing Called Love,” LaSalle carved a unique space in American music with her raw, relatable lyrics and commanding vocal presence.
Over a five-decade career, she released dozens of albums, remained a fierce advocate for blues music, and earned the title “Queen of the Blues” following the death of Koko Taylor in 2009.
| Full Name | Ora Denise Allen (later Craig, then LaSalle) |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Denise LaSalle |
| Birthdate | July 16, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Sidon, Mississippi, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Blues, Southern Soul, Gospel |
| Breakout Hit | “Trapped By a Thing Called Love” (1971) |
| Years Active | 1960s–2018 |
| Labels | Chess, Westbound, ABC, MCA, Malaco |
| Known As | Queen of the Blues (post-2009) |
Humble Beginnings in Mississippi
Ora Denise Allen was born on July 16, 1939, in Sidon, Mississippi. She grew up in Belzoni, a town steeped in Delta blues tradition. As a child, she sang gospel in local churches, inspired by both spirituals and the sounds of the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. By her teenage years, LaSalle had relocated to Chicago, where she began to write and record music seriously.
Early Career and Songwriting Break
In 1967, LaSalle signed with the iconic Chess Records. Her single “A Love Reputation” was a regional hit, and she quickly gained recognition as a skilled songwriter. Unlike many of her peers, LaSalle wrote much of her own material, often blending realism, wit, and emotional depth in her lyrics.
Breakthrough with “Trapped By a Thing Called Love”
View this post on Instagram
LaSalle and her husband, Bill Jones, formed Crajon Enterprises, their own production company. They partnered with Detroit-based Westbound Records to release her debut album. The title track, “Trapped By a Thing Called Love,” shot to #1 on the R&B chart and climbed to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. It sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc, marking the high point of her commercial success.
Her follow-up singles, including “Now Run and Tell That” and “Man Sized Job,” also performed well on the R&B charts. LaSalle’s signature style—part blues, part Southern soul—resonated with audiences, particularly women who identified with her bold and unapologetic lyrics.
Transition to ABC Records and Further Hits
In 1975, LaSalle signed with ABC Records, releasing three albums over the next few years. “Love Me Right,” one of her strongest tracks from this period, reached #10 on the R&B chart in 1978. She also released the hit “Married, But Not to Each Other,” which was widely covered by other soul artists.
Although she continued releasing music, changes at ABC and later MCA Records (which acquired ABC) left LaSalle disillusioned with the industry’s treatment of Black female artists. She temporarily stepped back from major label recordings but remained active in live performance and independent production.
Reinvention at Malaco Records
In the 1980s, LaSalle found a new musical home at Malaco Records, a Mississippi-based label known for preserving and promoting Southern soul and blues. She released over a dozen albums there, including:
-
Lady in the Street (1983)
-
Right Place, Right Time (1984)
-
Smokin’ in Bed (1997)
These albums proved she was still in top form, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase across the blues, R&B, and gospel communities.
Exploring Gospel and Entrepreneurship
LaSalle also ventured into gospel with albums like This Real Woman (2000) and There’s No Separation (2001). Always entrepreneurial, she founded her own label, Ordena, and operated the Blues Legend Café in Jackson, Tennessee. Her contributions to blues and soul were more than artistic—they were also community-based.
Recognition and Legacy
After Koko Taylor’s passing in 2009, LaSalle was crowned “Queen of the Blues” in recognition of her decades-long impact on the genre. She was a 2011 inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame and continued performing until health issues slowed her down in the late 2010s.
Denise LaSalle passed away on January 8, 2018, at age 78, following complications from heart disease and a fall that required amputation.
Influence and Impact
Denise LaSalle broke barriers as a woman in blues and soul music. Her songs, often infused with humor, sensuality, and resilience, stood out in a genre dominated by men. Her ability to write, perform, and produce made her a rare force in the industry. Through every phase of her career—from Chess to Malaco—she embodied grit, soul, and truth.
Her music continues to inspire generations of blues and R&B artists, and her legacy is preserved through her recordings, honors, and the countless fans who still resonate with her message.