ON THIS DAY IN BLACK MUSIC HISTORY: JULY 30

#1 R&B Song 1983:  “She Works Hard For the Money,” Donna Summer

Born:  George “Buddy” Guy, 1936

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1936   One of the best blues guitarists of the ’50s, Buddy Guy, was born today. He was so infatuated with the guitar that at age thirteen he made his own and taught himself to play. Moving to Chicago in 1957, he beat out Otis Rush, Magic Sam, and Junior Wells at a battle of the blues at the Blue Flame Club. Influenced by Lightin’ Slim, Lightin’ Hopkins, and T-Bone Walker, he was known more for performing than recording, and had his only R&B hit in 1962 with “Stone Crazy” (#12).

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1949   Lucky Millender & His Orchestra charted with “Little Girl, Don’t Cry,” peaking at #15 R&B. Big John Greer did the vocals on what is now a $50 collectible.

1955   Chuck Berry’s classic first single “Maybellene” was released.

1955   Muddy Waters charted with “Mannish Boy,” reaching #5 R&B. The tune was actually the same as Bo Diddley’s “I’m A Man.”

1989   John Lee Hooker performed at the Newport Folk Festival’s Thirtieth Anniversary Show with Leon Redbone, Pete Seeger, and Theodore Bikel, among others.

1991   Arsenio Hall’s entire TV program was devoted to Patti LaBelle.