Rhythm and blues, also called rhythm & blues or R&B, is a type of music genre predominantly performed in the African communities during the 1940s. Rhythm and blues was also responsible for developing subsequent genres, notably rock and roll, doo-wop, disco, and hip hop or rap music, among many others. Where did … Read more
Ne-Yo, or Shaffer Chimere Smith, was born in Arkansasin Arkansas on October 18, 1979. Ne-Yo was one of the internationally acclaimed songwriters and singers that rose to fame in the 2000s. Since both his parents were musicians, music was always a major part of Ne-Yo’s life. Ne-Yo started to develop his songwriting skills … Read more
AliaumeDamalaBadara Akon Thiam, best known as Akon, was born on April 16, 1973. Akon was one of the most famous solo performers in the 2000s. He grew up in Senegal, but his family moved to New Jersey when he was seven years old. Akon attended college at Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, … Read more
Formed in 1977 in Los Angeles, California, Toto is a rock band that is currently composed of David Paich on keyboards and vocals, Steve Lukather on guitars and vocals, Joseph Williams on lead vocals, and Steve Porcaro on keyboards. Aside from being a rock band, Toto is also known for their different … Read more
Luther Vandross was a singer-songwriter and record producer. He started his career as an in-demand background vocalist for several well-known singers such as Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, David Bowie, Judy Collins, and Ben E. King. He later started his own career which proved to be a successful one because he … Read more
N.W.A or N Wit Attitudes was a hip-hop group that originated from Compton, California. They were one of the first and most significant and controversial artists of the gangsta rap genre. N.W.A was also considered as one of the most influential groups in the hip-hop industry. The group was hailed by the … Read more
Kenny Loggins is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who used to be a part of the duo Loggins and Messina. But as a solo artist, Kenny Loggins made several soundtrack successes such as an Academy Award nomination for “Footloose.” and from the ‘80s to the ‘90s, Kenny Loggins was dubbed as the Soundtrack … Read more
The Pointer Sisters are an American versatile pop and R&B singing group who came from Oakland, California. It was during the 1970’s and 1980’s when they achieved mainstream success. For more than four decades, their collection included different genres such as bebop, dance, disco, electronic, blues, country, rock, dance, jazz, funk, and … Read more
Introduction GQ was an American disco and R&B group who scored a handful of hits on the disco and R&B charts throughout the 70s music era, and they continued their hitmaking prowess in the 1980s. These hits include “I Do Love You,” “Disco Nights (Rock-Freak),” and “Sad Girl,” all disco and oldies … Read more
Introduction Con Funk Shun is a funk and R&B band formed during the late 1960s. From a backup band, Con Funk Shun eventually came out on their own with their string of R&B chart hits during the 70s music era. Among their biggest hits are “Ffun,” which is now an obscure oldies … Read more
Introduction One of the numerous “one hit wonder” groups, The Joe Jeffrey Group fleetingly surfaced in the 60s music scene. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, this pop/soul-oriented band, led by founder and singer Joe Stafford, had a hit with the catchy oldies music classic “My Pledge Of Love,” released under Wand Records. Subsequent … Read more
Introduction Joe Jones was an American R&B singer-songwriter, who was responsible with forming the all-girl group The Dixie Cups. His only major hit was “You Talk Too Much” during the 60s music era. He figured in some legal issues as well, concerning claims that he took the credit for the songs he … Read more
Introduction Jimmy Jones (1937-2012) was an American singer-songwriter whose distinct vocal quality has been described as an effortlessly soulful falsetto. The Alabama native started his career in show business as a tap dancer, then in 1954 became part of a doo-woop group named the Berliners (later Sparks Of Rhythm). Jones began his … Read more
Introduction Ray Charles was an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and pianist who became one of the pioneers and most important figures of soul during the 50s and 60s music era. He is called “The Genius” of soul music. He combined soul, R&B, gospel, pop and country to create enduring oldies classic … Read more
Introduction The late Otis Redding was one of the popular artists during the 60s music era. He is now one of oldies music’s legends, and his influence cannot be denied, even almost 50 years after his untimely death. He was a soul and R&B singer-songwriter who was known as “the voice of … Read more
Introduction Lipps Inc. is a short-lived R&B and disco group who scored a hit single and now-oldies music classic tune “Funkytown” during the disco’s waning years in the 80s music era. Although the Minnesota-based band is labeled as a one-hit wonder, they also went on to score more hits mostly on … Read more
Introduction Carl Douglas is an R&B and pop singer-songwriter, recording artist and “one hit wonder” from Jamaica known for his novelty hit “Kung Fu Fighting.” It became a big transatlantic hit during disco’s peak in the 70s music era. We explore a little bit more on Carl Douglas here in this article! … Read more
Introduction Minnie Riperton is most known for her 70s music era-hit “Lovin’ You” which features her very’ high “whistle register” vocals. Not only has it become an oldies music favorite, it is also a classic ballad for lovers of all ages. The singer with the unique multi-octave range reached the peak of … Read more
The Weather Girls The Weather Girls are a female R&B and dance music duo originally consisting of Izora Armstead and Martha Wash. Initially known as Two Tons o’Fun, the Weather Girls scored a big hit and now- camp oldies classic hit (as well as party anthem and “gay anthem”) “It’s Raining Men” … Read more
Introduction Prince (born Prince Rodgers Nelson) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his groundbreaking, eclectic style and flamboyant stage presence. He is multi-talented artist who plays a variety of instruments and is known for his genre-bending songs with predominantly sensual lyrics. Most of his popular songs are his hits during … Read more
Introduction Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, film and record producer. She first rose to fame during the 80s music era and her fame was extended well into the 1990s. Houston is known for her megahits: “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” … Read more
Introduction Lionel Richie is one of the most successful artists from the 80s music era, only to be eclipsed by Michael Jackson and Prince. Richie first gained recognition as one of the members of the R&B/soul group the Commodores. After he left the group during the early 80s he embarked on a … Read more
Introduction Daryl Hall & John Oates aka Hall and Oates were one of the most popular acts during the late 70s to mid 80s music. Their music consists of classic rock and roll, new wave and blue-eyed soul, sometimes they themselves referred to their style as “rock soul. The duo tasted their … Read more
Introduction Chairmen of the Board was an American soul group mostly active during the 70s music era. Their famous hits include “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” “Pay to the Piper,” “(You’ve Me) Dangling on the String,” and “Everything’s Tuesday.” They are considered one of the most popular and smoothest soul … Read more
Introduction American disco group C.J. and Company achieved recognition for their disco hit “Devil’s Gun” which peaked at #36 on the pop chart in during the 70s music era. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1977, the act was produced by the “funk brothers” Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore. After gaining a brief … Read more
Introduction Brenda and the Tabulations were an American R&B act formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1966. The original formation consisted of Brenda Payton, Eddie Jackson, Jerry Jones and Maurice Coates. They amassed several hits from the mid-60s music to early 70s music era. In 1971, the three male members left the group … Read more
Introduction Brook Benton (1931-1988) was a prolific and successful R&B/pop/soul/rock and roll singer-songwriter who amassed several R&B as well as pop chart hits particularly from the late 50s to early 60s music era, although he also scored sizable hits up to the 1970s. He wrote or co-wrote many of his big hits … Read more
Introduction Bull and the Matadors are a defunct American funk band from Illinois, known for their 60s music era-hit single “The Funky Judge,” a Top 40 pop hit and a Top 10 R&B hit. Since this was their only charting single, the Bull and the Matadors are considered as one-hit wonders. Bull … Read more
Introduction Consisting of Jimmy Brown, Regi Hargis Hickman, Ray Ransom and Eddie Irons, Brick is an American funk/R&B, disco group known for their hit “Dazz” during the mid-70s music era. Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972, the group created the term “dazz” for the members were came from two different bands with … Read more
Introduction American rock n roll and R&B singer/songwriter Bobby Day was a former member of the L.A.-based Hollywood Flames (who was known for their hit single “Buzz, Buzz, Buzz” in 1957) and the Satellites, entering the 60s music era. The songs he wrote, such as “Over and Over” and “Little Bitty Pretty … Read more