Maurice Played On Fontella Bass’ 1965 Hit “Rescue Me”

While at Chess Records, Maurice played drums and Louis Satterfield (The Phenix Horns) played bass on the 1965 hit “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass.

Maurice:
One day in late August of 1965, I went to work like on any other day. Near quitting time, Billy (Davis) called up a little Carl Smith/Raynard Miner ditty, “Rescue Me,” sung by the talented young Fontella Bass. Fontella had a crisp voice that really cut through the music, and she was an outstanding piano player.

During the session Raynard and Carl were very specific about what they wanted – a Motown swing feel with big drum fills and a loud backbeat. I counted the song off, and by the second verse, the smiles on all of our faces showed that we had something special. We did two takes. When we finished, the room was slient. You could’ve heard a rat licking ice!

“Rescue Me” turned out to be a big-ass smash for Chess, one of the biggest hits in Chess Records’ history. After the rhythm section had our names on that hit, we were wanted everywhere.

– Maurice White. My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire, by Maurice White with Herb Powell, 2016.