Ellington

The Mississippi Legislature honored soul singer and Belzoni native Denise Lasalle today with a "resolution saying she had made a 'lasting impact' on rhythm and blues music," according to the Associated Press.

LaSalle said she knew as a child that she wanted to become a performer and earned her first pay — 50 cents — from a woman who overheard her singing a song as she walked from school.

Born in Leflore County in central Mississippi in 1939, her family eventually moved to a nearby county where she helped them pick cotton. LaSalle headed to Chicago when she was 13 to live with relatives.

"When I left Mississippi, I left with tears in eyes," LaSalle told lawmakers. "But I'm so proud of Mississippi. Mississippi is my banner."

Her first hit came in 1967 with "A Love Reputation." She's also a noted songwriter, penning Z.Z. Hill's hit, "Someone Else Is Stepping In."