ON THIS DAY IN BLACK MUSIC HISTORY: MAY 4

#1 R&B Song 1968:   “I Got the Feelin’ “James Brown

 

Born:   Tyrone Davis, 1938; Nick Ashford (Ashford & Simpson), 1943; Sigmund Esco “Jackie” Jackson (the Jackson 5), 1951

 

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1946   Billy Eckstine charted with “Prisoner of Love,” reaching #3 R&B and #10 pop. The song would be later passionately revived in James Brown’s electric version.

 

 

1962   The latest edition of the Biggest Show of Stars 1962 tour began at Pittsburgh’s Syria Mosque, Featuring fats Domino, Don & juan, Brook Benton, the Impressions, and Gene Chandler.

 

1967   The Jimi Hendrix Experience peaked at #3 with “Purple Haze” on the British charts, their second Top 10 hit in a row.

 

 

1991   Crystal Waters, niece of legendary vocalist Ethel Waters, vaulted onto the Top 100 with “Gypsy Woman.”

 

1993   In order to get his battered girlfriend to drop charges against him, Wilson Pickett paid a $6,500 fine along with $3,500 to the battered women’s shelter she was staying in.

 

1994   Toni Braxton was named the World’s Best-Selling R&B Newcomer of the Year at the sixth annual World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco, while Whitney Houston received the World’s Best-Selling pop Artist of the Year, Female recording Artist of the Year, American Recording Artist of the Year, R&B Artist of the Year, and Overall recording Artist awards.