Tony-winning actress and singer -- via Soul Tracks. AKA Melinda Helen Matthews, 'Lil Helen Matthews.' She was discovered as a child by Mahalia Jackson. She saw Bessie Smith perform, and later did a well-done tribute show to her. She sang gospel, blues, and jazz; she played with Pops. She recorded "Shake a Hand" with Jackie Wilson. She was in the 1961 Broadway hit Purlie, and won a Tony in 1972 for Inner City.