I watched the programme and disagreed with some of the claims made.
Otillie was not the first female singer of blues in the UK. Neva Raphello preceded her as did Beryl Bryden.

I am also hard pressed to think of any British singers who were inspired by her.

I agree that many people enjoyed what she did but the Barber Band was one of the most popular and the longest enduring on the British and international jazz scene with or without Otillie.