#1 R&B Song 1977: “Best of My Love,” the Emotions
Born: Joe Liggins, 1916; Don McPherson (the Main Ingredient), 1941; Gwen Guthrie, 1950
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1955 The Harptones’ brilliant “Life Is But A Dream” was released. Though they were never a major chart success, the group’s incredible R&B/jazz harmonies influenced dozens of groups, including the Crests, the Marcels, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
1966 The Intruders debuted with “United” (#14 R&B). They went on to have twenty-four hits through 1975, including the #1 “Cowboys To Girls” in 1968.
Here’s my favourite Intruders’ song: “Cowboys and Girls”—–the day when a young man realizes that girls are to be loved and appreciated.
1983 Jerry Butler, who had a succession of hit duets with females (Brenda Lee Eager, Betty Everett, and Thelma Houston), hit the R&B charts with Patti Austin on “In My Life” (#92). Dubbed the “Iceman” by WDAS Philadelphia disc jockey, Georgie Woods, while performing in a Philadelphia theater, “Life” was the last of Jerry’s fifty-nine charters.