Blues
Richmond, VA
Ethel Barnett-Johnson, known to most as De Lady E, Lady E, or simply Lady, was born in Pensacola, Florida. She was raised in a family of singers, her mother was a preacher and her father, a promoter, sang in a gospel group for many years. Lady E started singing gospel in the church when she was only five—her mother often invited her to sing before or after a sermon.
Lady E continued singing in church until she turned 16, when she stopped in pursuit of different hobbies. At 17, she met and married her husband Wallace, who was stationed in Florida in the Air Force. Within four years, Lady E birthed two sons: Pierre and Wallace III. Wallace relocated their family to his hometown of Richmond, where he joined the National Guard. Tragically, he was bitten by a tick during a monthly drill and passed away three weeks later.
After her husband’s death, Lady E believes she inherited his deep voice. She is a contralto singer, which has helped her greatly to sing the blues. It has also helped her cope with the grief of losing her husband.
Lady E has traveled and performed on numerous stages along the East Coast, including the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem. In 2016, she was crowned Duchess of the Blues in Richmond. Her work has been featured in documentaries and articles in the Times Dispatch, Free Press, Richmond Magazine, North of the James, Average Girl Magazine, and more. She continues singing the blues (her way) at too many venues to list. She loves sharing her blues with you. Her motto is: There is no Lady E without You.