#1 Song 1977: “Sir Duke,” Stevie Wonder
Born: Thomas “Fats” Waller, 1904; Ronald Isley (the Isley Brothers), 1941
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1955 Chess Records new artist Chuck Berry recorded his first single, “Ida Red.” During the session, producer Leonard Chess decided to rename it “Maybellene.” Chuck’s basic style of uptempo blues driven by a guitar rhythm with a country rockabilly influence would make Chuck a pioneer in rock ‘n’ roll and R&B.
1955 The Four Knights’ first Top 100 single, “If I May,” charted (#8 pop). One of the group’s four hits was “My Personal Possession” (#21 pop), with Nat King Cole singing lead.
1963 Stevie Wonder recorded what would become his first hit, “Fingertips, Pt. 2.” It was a live concert that was taped at Chicago’s Regal Theater for his 12 Year Old Genius album.
1981 A worldwide reggae legend, Bob Marley was especially revered in his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, where he was buried with full state honors. In his casket he had a guitar in ine hand and a bible in the other.
Bob Marley performing in concert in Zurich, Switzerland May 30, 1980.
1983 Anita Baker debuted on the R&B charts with “No More Tears,” which reached #49. She would go on to have twenty-one R&B chart singles through 1995. Meanwhile, Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” reached #6 pop and #15 R&B.
1996 Babyface was named Songwriter of the Year at BMI’s fourth annual pop awards ceremony in Los Angeles for the song “I’ll Make Love to You.” The tune was the most-performed work two years running, a first among songwriters.
Ann
