ESSIE LEE HAYES - I’m Working For The Lord b/w God Truly Healed My Body (Custom Sound, circa 1972)

ESSIE LEE HAYES - God Truly Healed My Body (Custom Sound, circa 1972)

ESSIE LEE HAYES - I’m Working For The Lord (Custom Sound, circa 1972)

Dear readers, the Shreveport Songs blog needs your help. Who is Essie Lee Hayes? Here are the details we know…

Around 1972, Essie Lee Hayes recorded two gospel songs at Sound City Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana. These songs appeared on a 45 released on Custom Sound Records. The B-side, “God Truly Healed My Body,” relates a story about Sister Essie’s sickness and subsequent healing. This spoken recording features a haunting, repetitive guitar. Hidden in the background, there’s the sound of a bass guitar and maracas. This somber recording is a favorite around these parts. The A-side, “I’m Working For The Lord,” proves to be the record’s upbeat side. It’s a memorable song, too.

Can anyone shed light on Essie Lee Hayes?

ESSIE LEE HAYES
Custom Sound SC-180 (circa 1972)
Rogan Publishing Company
SC-180-A I’m Working For The Lord (Hayes)
SC-180-B God Truly Healed My Body (Hayes)