#1 R&B Song 1970: “Call Me,” Aretha Franklin
Born: Eddie “Son” House, 1902; Otis Spann, 1930; Russell Thompkins, Jr. (the Stylistics), 1951
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1930 Otis Spann, considered one of the finest blues piano players, was born today. He began in the ’40s playing with the likes of Memphis Slim, Muddy Waters, and Roosevelt Sykes. His technical ability was mind-boggling, and his right hand was one of the fastest across the keys of anyone this side of Big Maceo. Over the years he played with artists as diverse as Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Fleetwood Mac, and Howlin’ Wolf.
1959 The Platters’ “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (one of my favourite Platters hits, and one of the most beautiful songs ever written or sung), reached #1 in England, spending an amazing seventeen weeks in the British Top 10. The quintet would chart sixteen times in the United Kingdom over four years, including placing their hits “I’m Sorry” and “My Prayer” (another one of my favourites) on the charts three times, each one making the Top 30.
They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
Oh, I of course replied
Something here inside cannot be denied
They said someday you’ll find
All who love are blind
Oh, when your heart’s on fire
You must realize
Smoke gets in your eyes
So I chaffed them and I gaily laughed
To think they could doubt my love
Yet today my love has flown away
I am without my love
Now laughing friends deride
Tears I can not hide
Oh, so I smile and say
When a lovely flame dies
Smoke gets in your eyes
Smoke gets in your eyes
1960 Rarely was an artist so versatile that he could have a two-sided hit with two so distinctly different recordings, but few were as great as Jackie Wilson. “Mr. Excitement” charted with the pop ballad “Night” (based on the classical melody “My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice” from Saint-Saens’ Samson and Delilah), reaching #3 R&B and #4 pop. The flip, “Doggin Around,” a classic wailing blues number, reached #15 pop and spent three weeks at #1 R&B.
1963 Little Esther Phillips began a two-week engagement at Baltimore’s Royal Theater.
1992 R. Kelly charted with “Honey Love,” reaching #1 R&B and #39 pop. Known as a solo artist, Kelly recorded the song with his vocal group Public Announcement.
1998 Puff Daddy & the Family, featuring the Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes, charted with “Victory,” reaching #13 R&B and #19 pop.
Ann
