January 28, 1985 “We Are the World” was recorded by USA for Africa. The idea for the creation of a song to benefit African famine relief came from Harry Belafonte and the song was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The song was co-produced by Quincy Jones and released on March 7, 1985.
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January 26th in African American History – Kenneth Spearman “Kenny” Clarke
January 26, 1985 Kenneth Spearman “Kenny” Clarke, jazz drummer, died. Clarke was born January 9, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While still in high school, he studied multiple instruments as well as music theory and composition. He also played in the bands of Leroy Bradley and Roy Eldridge.
January 25th in African American History – Alicia Augello Cook (Alicia Keys)
January 25, 1981 Alicia Augello Cook (Alicia Keys), recording artist, musician, and actress, was born in New York City. At the age of seven, Keys began to play classical music on the piano. She attended Columbia University before dropping out to pursue her music career.
January 23rd in African American History – Thomas Andrew Dorsey
January 23, 1993 Thomas Andrew Dorsey, the father of gospel music, died. Dorsey was born July 1, 1899 in Villa Rica, Georgia. He learned to play blues piano as a young man. In the 1920s, Dorsey was known for playing the blues and is credited with composing more than 400 blues and jazz songs, including […]
January 22nd in African American History – Samuel Cooke
January 22, 1931 Samuel Cooke, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Cooke began his career singing gospel. In 1950, he became the lead singer for The Soul Stirrers who recorded several hits, including “Peace in the Valley” (1951) and “One More River” (1955). In 1957, Cooke left The Soul Stirrers and recorded […]
January 19th in African American History – Wilson Pickett
January 19, 2006 Wilson Pickett, soul singer and songwriter, died. Pickett was born March 18, 1941 in Prattville, Alabama. He grew up singing in church choirs. In 1955, he moved to Detroit, Michigan where his forceful and passionate style of singing was developed. In 1959, he joined the Falcons and in 1962 they released “I […]
January 18th in African American History – Davis Eli “David” Ruffin
January 18, 1941 Davis Eli “David” Ruffin, former lead singer of The Temptations, was born in Whynot, Mississippi. Ruffin began singing as a young child in a family gospel group. In 1957, he moved to Detroit and recorded his first single, “You and I” (1958). Other early recordings include “I’m In Love” (1961), and “Knock […]