Linda Martell (born Thelma Bynem; June 4, 1941) is an American singer. She became the first commercially successful Black female artist in the country music field and the first to play the Grand Ole Opry. As one of the first African-American country performers, Martell helped influence the careers of future Nashville artists of color. Born and raised in South Carolina, Martell listened to country, gospel and R&B music. In her teens, she formed a singing trio with her family titled... [more on Wikipedia]