Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a soul and funk band that was best known for their 1973 hit song “Express Yourself.” The group consists of members Charles Wright, Al McKay, Benorce Blackmon, Gabe Flemings, Melvin Dunlap, James Godson, Big John … Read MoreCharles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (1962- )
Xscape is a female R&B group from Atlanta, Georgia. The group includes Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, Kandi Burrus, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott. Xscape were established in 1992. The group originally included another member, Tamera Coggins-Wynn who left in 1993. Producer Jermaine Dupri Mauldin “discovered” the … Read MoreXscape (1992- )
Rhythm and Blues singer Tevin Jermod Campbell was born on November 12, 1976, in Waxahachie, Texas, to Rhonda Byrd, a former postal worker and later co-manager of the young artist’s career. He began singing gospel as a soloist and choir member at Jacob’s Chapel in … Read MoreTevin Campbell (1976- )
R&B/ funk singer Jean Caliste was born on January 26, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and adopted the professional name of “Jean Knight.” Her parents were Louis Joseph Caliste and Florence Edwards. She began singing as a teenager in her cousin’s Crescent City bar called … Read MoreJean Knight (1943- )
R&B singer Deon Jackson was born on January 26, 1946, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He played the Clarinet and performed in the band, with local vocal groups, and as a soloist, while attending Ann Arbor High School. As a young composer, Jackson was signed by … Read MoreDeon Jackson (1946-2014)
New Jack-Swing R&B singer Montell Du’Sean Barnett Jordan was born on December 3, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, and reared in the South Central section of the city. His parents were Elijah Jordan and Deloris Jordan. Montell had two sisters, Jennifer Jordan and Tracy Singley. … Read MoreMontell Jordan (1968- )
Pianist/ R&B singer Betty Everett was born on November 23, 1939, in Greenwood, Mississippi. Her early education began in 1945 at the Rosenwald Day School in Leflore County, Mississippi. At the age of 9, Everett was already playing the piano and singing gospel music in … Read MoreBetty Everett (1939-2001)
Billy Paul, a major artist of the Philadelphia Soul Sound, was born Paul Williams in North Philadelphia on December 1, 1934. In 1945, the 11-year-old Paul made his first radio broadcast appearance, and by 16, he had appeared at Club Harlem in Philadelphia on the … Read MoreBilly Paul (1934-2016)
The Andantes were a female group used primarily for background vocals for the Motown record label. The group’s founding began with friends Jackie Hicks (first alto), Marlene Barrow (second alto), and Vicki Wright (soprano). All three women sang in their home churches and were already … Read MoreThe Andantes (1958-1992)
Rockwell, who goes by the selected stage name to avoid charges of nepotism, was born Kennedy William Gordy on March 15, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, to Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, and Margaret Norton. He has seven siblings, Berry IV, Hazel, Kendal, … Read MoreRockwell (1964- )
