Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong were busy and successful music pros who wrote a lot of memorable songs for the Temptations. But one that they avoided for a couple of years would end up as a #1 hit for the group and become a signature song. Written in 1969, "just My Imagination" was a ballad, … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – A Surprising Super Hit
In some ways, the girl group known as the Bobbettes was a typical one-hit wonder. (Although you might remember that I argued a while back that the term shouldn't be used so negatively.) The Bobbettes did qualify for the sobriquet, with 1957's "Mr. Lee" hitting #1 on R&B charts and even climbing into the Top … Continue reading The Bobbettes And Mr. Lee Redux
We haven't featured a crooner for a while, and today the spotlight falls on a guy whose smooth, glorious baritone and mellow singing style certainly made him one of the best. In a career that spanned more than forty years, Arthur Prysock demonstrated a high comfort level with just about every type of music, including … Continue reading Arthur Prysock – A Crooner With Style
She was proficient on countless instruments but usually played the trumpet, and with such skill that Louis Armstrong declared her second only to himself (which led to her being called 'Little Louis'). She was also a talented dancer and a marvelous singer, with perfect pitch and the ability to handle everything from jazz to soulful … Continue reading The Amazing Valaida Snow
There's not much information around about how bandleader 'Lucky' Millinder got his nickname. It's possible that it was just a natural progression from his given name of Lucius, but you could make a case that there might be another reason. Even though he sang a little, Lucky Millinder did not play an instrument and couldn't … Continue reading The Good Fortune Of Lucky Millinder
In October of 1942, Billboard magazine -- which had been tracking best-selling records since 1936 -- added a new chart to its listings, one that it called the Harlem Hit Parade. (It would eventually be renamed the R&B chart.) The very first #1 record on the newly-created chart was "Take It and Git" by Andy … Continue reading Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy
I've always felt a little sorry for performers who get labeled as a 'one-hit wonder', but the story of Barbara George is especially poignant. When her 1961 record of "I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)" became a giant hit on both R&B and pop charts, she seemed to have an unlimited future. But … Continue reading Barbara George Was A Shooting Star
Although she was never a huge star, Gloria Lynne was a very respected singer with a long -- and sometimes rocky -- career, and her recent passing at age 83 was a sad moment for her fans. Probably best remembered for helping make "I Wish You Love" a standard, she sang in a style that … Continue reading Gloria Lynne Was A Fan Favorite
Billy Ford was in his thirties and already a veteran of the music business as a trumpeter and singer when he teamed up with teenager Lillie Bryant in the late 1950s. He'd had a couple of underwhelming records of his own, but when he latched onto young Lillie it turned out to be a good … Continue reading Billy & Lillie Rocked Dick Clark
It's been a while since our last Fantastic Foursome, so I'll remind everybody how it works. I pick a classic song and tell you a little about it, and I usually include the definitive version of the song. Then I present four alternative performances and give you the opportunity to vote for your favorite. Today's … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Tenderness Came Late To Otis
Geezer Music Club 