January 29, 1936 James Lee Jamerson, bass player and member of Motown’s Funk Brothers, was born in Edisto Island, South Carolina. Jamerson and his mother moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1954. He learned to play the bass at Northwestern High School and soon began playing in blues and jazz clubs. In 1959, he joined Motown […]
Tag Archives | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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 […]
December 26th in African American History – Curtis Lee Mayfield
December 26, 1999 Curtis Lee Mayfield, singer, songwriter and record producer, died. Mayfield was born June 3, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1954, Mayfield dropped out of school and joined The Roosters who two years later became The Impressions. When Jerry Butler left the group, Mayfield became the lead singer. The Impressions were successful with […]
December 24th in African American History – Dave Bartholomew
December 24, 1920 Dave Bartholomew, musician, band leader, composer and arranger, was born in Edgard, Louisiana. Bartholomew has been active in many musical genres, but his partnership with Fats Domino produced some of his greatest successes. Together, they wrote and recorded more than 40 hit songs, including “Goin’ Home” (1952), “Ain’t That a Shame” (1855), […]
December 19th in African American History – Roebuck “Pops” Staples
December 19, 2000 Roebuck “Pops” Staples, gospel and R&B musician, died. Staples was born December 28, 1914 on a cotton plantation near Winona, Mississippi. He dropped out of school after the eighth grade. In 1935, he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he sang with the Trumpet Jubilees. In 1948, he formed The Staple Singers with […]