Legendary composer, lyricist, guitarist Roebuck (Pop) Staples, born on December 28, 1914, in Winona, Mississippi, and his wife, Oceola Staple, a pianist from Louisville, Mississippi, was born on September 10, 1917, The couple met as children at the Rosenwald’s Little Red Schoolhouse in Drew, Mississippi … Read MoreThe Staple Singers (1954-2018)
Classic Funk/ R&B band the Brothers Johnson comprised two biological brothers and bandmates, composer/ guitarist/ vocalist George “Lightnin’ Licks” Johnson, born on May 17, 1953, and composer/ bassist/ vocalist Louis E. “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson who was on April 13, 1955. They were both born in … Read MoreBrothers Johnson (1973- )
The 20th-century evolution of Jr. Walker & The All-Stars began with “The Rhythm Rockers,” which became “The All-Stars” in 1961. In 1964, Walker & The All-Stars signed with Motown Records. The ensemble’s legendary composer and leader was Autry “Jr. Walker” DeWalt Mixon II, was born … Read MoreJr. Walker & The All-Stars (1964-1979)
Composer, arranger, pianist, lyricist J.J. Jackson was born Jerome Louis Jackson on November 8, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. However, most of his life was spent living in the Bronx. While there is little information on his formative years, he was an ingenious celebrated belter … Read MoreJ.J. Jackson (1942- )
Rhythm and blues vocal ensemble Archie Bell & the Drells was established in 1968 by lyricist Archie Bell. He was born in Henderson, Texas, on September 1, 1944, and reared in Houston. At the age of 10, he started singing in local clubs. When Bell … Read MoreArchie Bell & The Drells (1968 – 1980)
Established in 1966 as the Friends of Distinction, this California pop/soul sound R&B vocal quartet added a new dimension to the sound of African American contemporary music. They first thought to name the group, Distinctive Friends, but one of the members reversed the words. The … Read MoreFriends of Distinction (1966-1996)
The Pointers Sisters are an R&B group consisting of four sisters; Ruth (1946), Anita (1949), Bonnie (1950), and June (1953). The sisters, the daughters of Reverend Sarah and Reverend Elton Pointer, were all born in Oakland, California, and graduated from Oakland Technical High School. In … Read MoreThe Pointer Sisters (1971- )
Pop singer, disco lyricist Carlton George “Carl,” Douglas was born on October 10, 1942, in Kingston, Jamaica. After the death of his grandmother, his family migrated to Tottenham in North London, England, when he was seven. There his youth was filled with playing soccer and … Read MoreCarl Douglas (1942 – )
The legendary vocalist, lyricist Denise LaSalle was born Ora Denise Allen on July 16, 1934, on a plantation in Sidon, Leflore County, Mississippi. Her parents were Nathaniel A. Allen Sr. and Nancy Cooper. In 1947, when LaSalle was seven and the youngest of eight children, … Read MoreDenise LaSalle (1934-2018)
The Ohio Players who first called themselves the Ohio Untouchables, was a pioneering vocal and instrumental funk ensemble out of Dayton, Ohio. Established in 1959, the group comprised its organizer, pianist/principal vocalist Walter Morrison, trumpeters Bruce Napier and Marvin Pierce, vocalist/bass player Marshall Jones, saxophonist/guitarist … Read MoreThe Ohio Players (1959-1980)
