Linda Martell Biography: Husband, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Children, Songs, Awards   

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Linda Martell is an influential American singer and songwriter recognized as a country music pioneer.

Born Thelma Bynem on June 4, 1941, in South Carolina, she was the first Black female artist to achieve commercial success in country music.

Her debut single, “Color Him Father”, reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1969, making her a trailblazer for future generations of artists of colour in Nashville.

Profile

•   Full name: Thelma Bynem
•   Date of birth: June 4, 1941
•   Age: 83 years old
•   Gender: Female
•   Place of birth: South Carolina, USA
•   Nationality: American
•   Profession: Singer, songwriter
•   Height: N/A
•   Parents: Clarence Bynem and Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem
•   Siblings: N/A
•   Spouse: Ted Jacobs
•   Children: 3
•   Relationship status: married
•   Religion: N/A
•   Ethnicity: African American
•   Net worth: $12 million

Early Life and Education

Linda Martell is now at the age of 83. She was born in South Carolina on June 4, 1941, to Clarence Bynem and Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem. Her father was a sharecropper and Baptist minister, while her mother worked in a chicken slaughterhouse.

She was one of five children in the family. Raised in a religious household, she was exposed to gospel music from a young age, which laid the foundation for her musical career.

Martell began her journey in music by performing with her family in a gospel group. This early experience helped her develop her vocal skills and stage presence.

In the mid-1960s, she transitioned to R&B music and formed a group called Linda Martell and The Anglos. The group recorded several singles but did not achieve significant commercial success.

Despite this setback, Martell‘s talent caught the attention of producers after she performed at an Air Force base where she was encouraged to sing country music. This pivotal moment led her to Nashville in 1969.

Martell signed with Shelby Singleton’s Plantation Records and recorded her debut album “Color Me Country,” which featured her hit single “Color Him Father.” The album showcased her ability to blend various musical styles while maintaining authenticity within the country genre.

Personal Life

Linda Martell was married twice: first, at the age of 19, to drummer Clark Thompson, with whom she had three children, and later to business owner Ted Jacobs.

After achieving success in country music, she faced significant challenges that led her to step away from the industry to focus on raising her children. While she has spoken about her experiences in the music industry, specific information regarding her relationships remains limited.

After leaving Nashville in the mid-1970s, Martell returned to South Carolina and continued to perform locally while taking on various jobs, including driving a school bus. She remained connected to music through different avenues but did not return to the spotlight until recent years.

Career

Linda Martell‘s career began with her involvement in gospel music before transitioning into R&B with her group. However, it was her move to country music that defined her legacy. In 1969, she became the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, making twelve appearances there throughout her career.

Her debut single, “Color Him Father”, became a significant hit, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This achievement marked a turning point for Black female artists in country music.

Her only album, “Color Me Country,” was released in August 1970. It featured several charting singles and received positive reviews for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Despite facing racial discrimination during live performances—often being subjected to slurs and hostility—, Martell persevered and continued to perform alongside notable country artists like Waylon Jennings and Hank Snow.

However, after releasing her final single, “Bad Case of the Blues,” she faced challenges with her record label, ultimately leading to her departure from country music in 1974.

In subsequent years, Martell pursued various careers outside of music but remained connected to the industry through performances and local gigs. She has been recognized for contributing to country music in recent years, notably receiving the Equal Play Award at the CMT Music Awards in 2021.

In March 2024, she was featured on two tracks from Beyoncé’s eighth studio album “Cowboy Carter,” which further solidified her relevance within contemporary music discussions.

Awards

•   Equal Play Award at CMT Music Awards (2021)

Net worth

Linda Martell‘s net worth is estimated at approximately $12 million. Her income primarily comes from royalties from past recordings and performances.

Controversy

Linda Martell’s career has not been without its controversies; however, much stems from systemic issues within the country music industry rather than personal scandals.

As one of the first Black female artists in a predominantly white genre during a time of significant racial tension in America, Martell faced considerable discrimination both on and off stage.

During live performances in Nashville and elsewhere, audiences often hurled racial slurs at her while she sang—an experience that would be deeply traumatic for any artist. This hostility was compounded by an industry that was primarily controlled by white men who often sidelined or blocked Black artists like Martell.

After releasing “Bad Case of the Blues,” Nashville essentially blocked Martell due to internal politics within record labels—specifically citing Shelby Singleton’s influence over what artists were promoted or recorded during that era.

This experience led Martell to step away from mainstream country music entirely. She felt marginalized by an industry that did not adequately support or recognize her contributions.

Social Media

•   Instagram: @iamlindamartell
•   Twitter: @iamlindamartell
•   YouTube: Linda Martell

Discography

•   Color Me Country (1970)

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