Born Benjamin Earl Nelson on September 28, 1938 in Henderson, North Carolina, he and his family moved to Harlem, New York when he was nine years old. There he worked in his father’s luncheonette, sang in church and formed a doo-wop group called “The Four B’s.” The band consisted of two … Read MoreBen E. King (1938-2015)
Boyz II Men is one of the most successful R&B male groups of all time. Originally called Unique Attraction, the group was formed in 1988 by Nathan Morris and Mare Nelson at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Morris and Nelson met with Wanya Morris, … Read MoreBoyz II Men (1988- )
Al Green, born on April 13, 1948 in Forrest City, Arkansas, is known as one of the great rhythm and blues singers of the 1970s. He was born Albert Greene to Cora and Robert Greene who were sharecroppers and parents of ten other children. Greene and some of his … Read MoreAl Green (1948- )
Alicia Keys is a rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, and pianist known for her unique blend of classical, R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop. She writes and produces her own music. Her stage name, “Keys,” alludes to her being a pianist. Keys was born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, … Read MoreAlicia Keys/Alicia Augello Cook (1981- )
The Chi-Lites is an R&B and Soul vocal group from Chicago, Illinois who rose up to fame in the early 1970s. The group was formed at Hyde Park High School in Chicago in 1959 by its original members, Eugene Record, Robert Lester, and Clarence Johnson. The group originally went … Read MoreThe Chi-Lites (1959- )
Through the 1970s, the O’Jays were considered one of the most successful and familiar R&B groups. Hits like “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” and “Back Stabbers” became the anthems of an era. With the help of producer duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, … Read MoreThe O’Jays (ca. 1960- )
Earl Grant was a popular American musician during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He is best known for his instrumental version of the song “Ebb Tide.” Grant was born in Idabel, Oklahoma on January 20, 1931. While there is not much known about his childhood, we do know … Read MoreEarl Grant (1931-1970)
Della Reese, born Delloresse Patricia Early on July 6, 1931 in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, is best known for her work as a blues and gospel singer, minister, and later as an actress. Reese was born to Richard Thaddeus Early, an African American steelworker, and Nellie Mitchelle Early, a Cherokee cook. … Read MoreDella Reese (1931-2017)
Barry Eugene Carter, commonly known as Barry White, was a three-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger. His music focused primarily on funk, rhythm and blues, soul, and disco. Throughout his career, he generated 106 gold and 41 platinum albums, 20 gold and ten platinum records, and … Read MoreBarry White/Barry Eugene Carter (1944-2003)
Margaret Tynes is an African American opera, concert, and oratorio soprano and singing actress. Tynes was born on September 11, 1919 to parents Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Tynes, in Saluda, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1939. While there she … Read MoreMargaret Tynes (1919-?)
