She started working as a cook and waitress, wrote poems, and began frequenting the blues and jazz clubs on Rampart Street.
LaBostrie went to Cosimo Matassa's studio, where Richard was recording, and reportedly rewrote the words of the song in 15 minutes.
The record, produced by then teenager Dr. John, a blues and r&b musician also known as Mac Rebennack, was a local hit and started Adams' successful career.
She also wrote Irma Thomas' first record, "(You Can Have My Husband But Please) Don't Mess With My Man", which reached the national R&B chart in 1960.
In the 1980s, she was reported to be living a quiet life, receiving regular royalty payments from the continued popularity of "Tutti Frutti".