ON THIS DAY IN BLACK MUSIC HISTORY: FEBRUARY 17

#1 Song 1962:   “Duke of Earl,” Gene Chandler & the Dukays

Born:   Orville “Hoppy” Jones (the Ink Spots), 1905; Tommy Edwards, 1922; Bobby Lewis, 1933; Mickey McGill (the Dells), 1937

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1958   The Drifters, the Silhouettes, and the Dubs appeared at Houston’s Municipal Auditorium for their Teenage Record Hop.

1958   Little Richard’s “Good Golly Miss Molly” charted, reaching #10 pop and #4 R&B. It was Richard’s fourteenth and last R&B Top 10 smash. Richard’s piano introduction was inspired by the late Jackie Brenston’s 1951 R&B hit, “Rocket 88,” which many historians consider the first rock ‘n’ roll record.

1958   The Monotones’ classic rocker “Book of Love” (Mascot $225) was released.

1958   Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little 16” charted on its way to #2 pop.

1961   Brook Benton headlined at the Apollo Theater in New York City. Aretha Franklin, a newcomer to R&B, was the opening act.

1962   The Platters charted with “It’s Magic,” reaching only #91 pop, while becoming their last of thirty-five hits on the Top 100 while with Mercury Records. At the same time, the group toured Poland, becoming the first American vocal group to perform behind the Iron Curtain without a government subsidy. Nate Nelson, former lead of the Flamingos, also joined the group, who stated they would not perform in Atlanta, GA, until audiences became desegregated.

1973   The Jackson 5 charted with “Doctor My Eyes,” reaching #9. The song was a cover of the Jackson Browne hit but was never issued in America.

Jackson 5:

The Jackson Five comprised five brothers: Jermaine Jackson (b. Jermaine LaJuane Jackson, 11 December 1954, Gary, Indiana, USA); Tito Jackson (b. Toriano Adaryll Jackson, 15 October 1953, Gary, Indiana, USA); Michael Jackson (b. 29 August 1958, Gary, Indiana, USA); Marlon Jackson (b. 12 March 1957, Gary, Indiana, USA) ; Jackie Jackson (b. Sigmund Esco Jackson, 4 May 1951, Gary, Indiana, USA).

 

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1980   Muddy Waters won his sixth Grammy in nine years; all were in the same category: Best Ethnic & Traditional Recording.

1990   Actress/singer/rapper Queen Latifah made her chart debut with “Ladies First,” reaching #64 R&B. Through 1998, she would manage to hit the chart fifteen times, though she was spending more time acting in films than recording.

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