Wet Willie Backup Singer Ella Brown Avery Dead at 62

Posted: Jun 15, 2010

Ella Brown Avery, 62 died on Friday, June 11, 2010 in Warner Robins, Georgia after a long illness. Ella sang backup for Jimmy Hall as one half of "The Williettes" in the band Wet Willie, performing alongside Hall’s sister Donna.

Besides her work with Wet Willie, Ella Brown recorded a number of solo releases recording for  Charles Adams in Macon as well as some solo sides at Capricorn Records. 

Ella’s Capricorn 45’s were leased out by husband Jackie Avery to Lee Lavergne’s Church Point, Louisiana based Lanor Records. The cream of these recordings is said to be her cover of  Dan Penn’s “A Woman Left Lonely.”

During her time at Capricorn Ella made a lot of uncredited appearances as a background singer - but one she did get a credit for was "Snake In The grass" a cut on The Devil And Other Blues Demons album Eddie Kirkland.

“I liked Ella before I even met her or knew she could sing,” famed Capricorn producer Johnny Sandlin told GRITZ.  “She made you feel good just being around her.  She was a great background singer who brought a light to the sessions and she was one of the nicest people I've ever known.”

Another legendary Capricorn producer, Paul Hornsby added “She sang a lot of pretty notes on several of my records. She was great.”

"Ella was a great addition to our Wet Willie lineup bringing to it her soulful voice, positive attitude, and a wonderful sense of humor," Jimmy Hall tells GRITZ. "She made everyone laugh when we needed to and  will always be remembered  for her duet with me on " Mama Didn't Raise No Fools" which was inspired by Otis Redding's duet with Carla Thomas."

Donna Hall Foster told us, "Ella was my soul sister - We grew up together on the road with Wet Willie, blending our voices and sharing our secrets and dreams. We have lost a great talent and a stellar spirit."

Another golden voice in the history of Southern Rock has been silenced, but the music of Ella Brown Avery will live on.

Keep it Real. Keep it Southern. Buffalo

Credits: Gritz, Swampland.com