Gaye Adegbalola

Gaye Adegbalola (born Gaye Todd; March 21, 1944,) is an American blues singer and guitarist, teacher, lecturer, activist, and photographer.

Early life and education Gaye Adegbalola was born on March 21, 1944, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Adegbalola's father, Clarence R. Todd, was the first Black school board member in Fredericksburg, as well as a jazz musician. Her mother, Gladys P. Todd, was an early organizer of local civil rights movement in Fredericksburg and she frequently brought home old jazz records from her job at the Youth Canteen to give to young Gaye. She later attended Boston University, where she graduated with a B.A. in biology. These were all in sharp contrast to her first job as a teenager, where she worked at a laundry mat for forty-five cents an hour.

In 1970, Adgbalola returned to Fredericksburg, where she taught science, gifted and talented and creative thinking courses in local schools. In 1978, she received her Master of Education in Educational Media from Virginia State University, She spent much of the rest of the 1980s conducting teachers' workshops on motivational and teaching techniques.

Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women was first formed as a duo in 1984 by Adegbalola and her guitar teacher, Ann Rabson, with Earlene Lewis joining later to form a trio. Adegbalola's song "Big Ovaries, Baby" was used in episode 23 of The War On Democracy! podcast. Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women disbanded amicably in 2009, but Adegbalola continues to pursue solo projects.

Adegbalola was honored as one of the Library of Virginia's Virginia Women in History for 2018.

In 2026, she was a recipient of the Torchbearer "Carrying Change" Awards' Legend Award.

Personal life

In 1992, Adegbalola was diagnosed with uterine and cervical cancer, and fortunately she eventually recovered. The surname translates to "I am reclaiming my royalty," and Gaye uses the name to signify her pride in her black heritage. Neoclassic Blues (2004) The Griot (2019) Is It Still Good To Ya? (2019) Satisfied (2023)