#1 Song 1958: “Twilight Time,” the Platters
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1956 Argo Records announced the signing of the Ravens (minus bass lead Jimmy Ricks), and the Six Teens’ debut, “A Casual Look” (#25 pop, #7 R&B), was released. Meanwhile, Joe Turner, backed by the Cookies, entered the R&B charts with “Corrine, Corrina,” reaching #2.
1958 The Shirelles charted for the first time with “I Met Him on a Sunday,” reaching #49 pop. They were originally formed in junior high school as the Poquellos. The New Jersey teens renamed themselves the Shirelles, most likely after lead singer Shirley Owens Alston.
1958 Jackie Wilson charted for the first time R&B as a solo artist with “To Be Loved,” reaching #7 and #22 pop. In England, it hit #27 in March, fell off the charts, and re-entered in May, peaking at #23, a practice that was common in Britain but unheard of in the States.
1961 Shep & the Limelites performed their hit “Daddy’s Home” on American Bandstand. The song was a continuation of the Heartbeats’ 1956 hit “A Thousand Miles Away.” Not surprising since both were written by James Sheppard, who had been lead singer of both groups.
1962 Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles hit the Hot 100 with a song they hadn’t recorded: “I Sold My Heart to the Junkman” was actually done by the Starlets (featuring Dynette Boone), who were signed to Chicago-based Pam Records. While touring in Philadelphia, they recorded “Junkman” for a used-car dealer, who issued the rocker as by his own unsuspecting Blue Belles. It rose to #15 as Patti & company rose to stardom while the Starlets drifted into obscurity.
1962 Tamla/Motown records issued the Marvelettes’ single, “Playboy,” an eventual #7 hit. A year earlier, the high school students, calling themselves the Marvels, auditioned for Motown boss Berry Gordy singing Chantels and Shirelles songs and were told to go home and come back when they graduated.
1974 The Pointer Sisters became the first pop act ever to perform at the San Francisco Opera House. The night’s work was recorded for a live album that eventually reached #96 pop.
1997 Babyface was named among the twenty-five most influential people in America by Time magazine, which considered him the “yin to gangsta rap’s yang.”