The Gap Band was an R&B and Funk band founded in 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and comprised the multi-instrumentalists Wilson brothers Charlie: Lead vocals, piano, synthesizer, organ, drums; Ronnie: vocal, trumpet, piano, percussion, songwriter; and Robert (1956-2010): vocal, bass, guitar, and percussion. They emerged as … Read MoreThe Gap Band (1974-2010)
Rapper, DJ, singer, songwriter, and record producer known professionally as Warren G was born Warren Griffin III on November 10, 1970, in Long Beach, California. His mother, Ola, was a dietician, and his father Warren Griffin Jr was an airplane mechanic and former US Navy … Read MoreWarren G/Warren Griffin III (1970- )
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)
Rapper and songwriter Cardi B was born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, New York, on October 11, 1992. Her mother, Carla, is from Trinidad, and worked as a cashier, and her father Carlos, is from the Dominican Republic and worked … Read MoreBelcalis Marlenis “Cardi B” Almanzar (1992- )
Megan Jovon Ruth Pete is a female rap artist, singer and songwriter best known by her stage name “Megan Thee Stallion.” Pete was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 15, 1995, to her mother, Holly Aleece Thomas, a rapper who went by the name … Read MoreMegan “Thee Stallion” Jovon Ruth Pete (1995- )
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)
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)
