'Rescue Me' singer Fontella Bass dead at 73 Actor Robert Guillaume and jazz singer Fontella Bass, share a laugh during the St. Louis Walk of Fame ceremonies, May 21, 2000. LOUIS, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- R&B singer Fontella Bass has died in a St. Louis hospital from complications she suffered following a heart attack three weeks ago, her family said. She was 72 when she died Wednesday, TMZ said. Bass is best known for her hits "Rescue Me," "You'll Miss Me [When I'm Gone]" and "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing."