ON THIS DAY IN BLACK MUSIC HISTORY: OCTOBER 25

#1 R&B Song 1986:  “Shake You Down,” Gregory Abbott

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1969   Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Friendship Train” (#2 R&B, #17 pop) became their lucky thirteenth of sixty-six pop charters between 1961 and 1994.

1970   Ray Charles appeared at Hammersmith Odeon in London while on a British tour.

1972   Hank Ballard and his latest group, the Midnight Lighters, charted with “From the Love Side,” reaching #43 R&B. It would become the last of  Hank’s twenty-two R&B hits since  starting with the Royals in 1953. When the Midnighters split up in 1962, Hank went solo. He toured with James Brown before recording with the Dapps and, lastly, the Midnight Lighters.

1974   Soul singer Al Green was burned while taking a shower when his girlfriend threw a pan of hot grits oer him before shooting herself. Soon after, Al returned to gospel music, bought a church, and became its minister.

1980   Diana Ross had her twenty-sixth solo turn on the charts when “It’s My Turn” sashayed onto the Hot 100 (#9).

1997    Rick James, Zapp, the Gap Band, and Cameo, among others, performed at the Funk Fest at the Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheater in Dallas, TX. It was James’ comeback tour after spending two years in jail.