#1 R&B Song 1977: “At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up),” Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan
Born: Tony Williams (the Platters), 1928; Roy Hamilton, 1929
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1949 Roy Milton charted R&B with “Hucklebuck,” reaching #5. The singer, bandleader, and drummer (an unusual combination) charted R&B tewnty-one times between 1946 and 1961. His first nineteen hits all made the Top 10.
1960 The latest installment of the Biggest Show of Stars ’60 tour—including Joe Turner, Llyod Price, Little Anthony & the Imperials, LaVern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, the Coasters, Jimmy Jones, Sammy Turner, and Jimmy Reed—began their travels at the Municipal Auditorium in Norfolk, VA.
1966 Percy Sledge entered the R&B hit list with what would become an all-time soul classic, “When A Man Loves A Woman,” reaching #1 both R&B and pop.
1969 The Fifth Dimension’s “Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In,” charted in England on its way to #11. The original American release, which was shortened for radio play and which omitted most of “Aquarius,” was accidentally issued in England. The radio edit became the British hit and was never corrected.
1988 DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince landed on the R&B hit list with “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” reaching #10 and #12 pop. It was the first of three Top 10 hits for the rappers, who were actually Jeffrey Townes and actor/rapper Will Smith. (And, no, parents just do understand, which is why they tear children a new ass to prevent children from messing up more than they could 😉
1990 Anita Baker, Natalie Cole, Bonnie Raitt, and Mica Paris sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” at Nelson Mandela-an International Tribute to a Free South Africa concert at Wembley Stadium in England.
Ann
