Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, Powell was a heavily gospel-influenced soul artist, who achieved modest success in the 60s and 70s recording for small southern labels. He began his career in the church and singing in gospel groups, and in 1965 began recording for Lionel Whitfield’s Whit label in Shreveport, Louisiana. Powell secured his biggest success in 1965 with ‘C.C. Rider’ (number 1 on the Cash Box R&B chart), a remake of a 20s blues standard.

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