“Sing“ is a 1971 song written by Joe Raposo for the children’s television show Sesame Street….as its signature song…..which gained popularity in 1973 when performed by the Carpenters….who made it a # 3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Raposo was one of the staff songwriters on Sesame Street….as the song became one of the most popular on the program….which was sung…
“Hit the Road Jack“ is a song written by the rhythm and blues artist Percy Mayfield….which was first recorded in 1960 as an a cappella demo sent to Art Rupe…..but it became famous after it was recorded by the singer-songwriter-pianist Ray Charles with The Raelettes vocalist Margie Hendrix….and eventually became one of Charles’ signature songs. Charles’s recording hit # 1 for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100….as “Hit the…
The words say it all……ENJOY! Caught a ride into South Dakota With two girls in a light blue Desoto One’s name was Jane, the other was plain But they both had racing motors Next I caught a ride with a gamblers wife She had a brand new lay down Rambler She parked inside of town,…
McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 – April 30, 1983), known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician…..who is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues“….as he was an important figure on the post-war blues scene….whereby his style of playing has been described as “raining down Delta beatitude”. Muddy Waters grew up on Stovall Plantation near Clarksdale, Mississippi….who by age 17 was playing…
The Jackson 5 were an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family….as the group was founded in 1965 in Gary, Indiana by brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine….with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after. They were among the first black American performers to attain a crossover following….while being preceded by Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations. The Jackson 5 performed in talent shows…
Stevie Wonder is an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer….who is a prominent figure in popular music….as he is one of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the history of music. Through his heavy use of electronic instruments and innovative sounds, Wonder became a pioneer and influence to musicians of various genres including pop, rhythm and blues, soul, funk and rock. His song “My Cherie Amour“….which…
Billy Preston (September 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was an American musician whose work encompassed R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel…..as Preston was a top session keyboardist in the 1960’s….during which time he backed artists such as Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Rev. James Cleveland and The Beatles. He went on to achieve fame as a solo artist….with hit singles such as “That’s the Way God…
“Duke of Earl“ is a 1962 US # 1 song….which was originally sung by Gene Chandler…..as it is the best known of Chandler’s songs…..after which he subsequently dubbed himself “The Duke of Earl”. The song was penned by Chandler, Bernice Williams, and Earl Edwards….and was a 2002 inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It has also been selected by The Rock and Roll…
The Temptations are an American vocal group who released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960’s and 1970’s…..as the group’s work with producer Norman Whitfield, began with the Top 10 hit single “Cloud Nine” in October 1968….while pioneering psychedelic soul….and was significant in the evolution of R&B and soul music…..as the band members are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies…