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Phillips ultimately got well enough to launch a comeback in 1962.

Now billed as Esther Phillips instead of Little Esther, she recorded a country tune, " Release Me ," with producer Bob Gans.

This went to number 1 R & B and number 8 on the pop listings.

After several other minor R & B hits on Lenox, she was signed by Atlantic Records.

Her cover of The Beatles ' song " And I Love Him " nearly made the R & B Top Ten in 1965 and the Beatles flew her to the UK for her first overseas performances.