Born in Bastrop, LA, Mable John grew up in Arkansas, birthplace of her brother, blues legend Little Willie John. Their family later moved to Detroit, where her musical journey began. As the first female signed to the Tamla-Motown label, she recorded with her mentor, Berry Cordy, The Supremes, The Miracles, and many others. As a Raelette, she sang on many of Ray Charles' standards while also writing and releasing a string of her own hits on the Stax label. After years of touring, Mable John found her calling as a gospel music pioneer, minister, and community activist in California.