Willmer Broadnax was and will forever be known as the mystery gospel singer. He serenaded gospel lovers with his down-home-south delivery. He was real churchy! In 1948, Willmer started recording with Coleman Records. Hence, he signed with Art Rupe’s Specialty Records to record nine songs, this time with Paul Foster.
Willmer accomplished fame throughout the years with various groups. It was perhaps under his sobriquet Little Axe that he gained the most notoriety. But when he died in 1992, his death certificate revealed he was born a woman.
Regardless of speculation, Little Axe was a powerful singer worthy of a salute.
Does this face look familiar?