Born in Oklahoma, she was a popular blues singer when she made her film debut in "Blackenstein" (1973), which she also composed the music for. Her other credits included "Dolemite" (1975), "Rude" (1982), "Penitentiary" (1979) and "Pirates Of Silicon Valley" (1999). For television, she was best remembered for the role of 'Lucille Pinkney' on the series "Sanford And Son".