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1938
Lawrence Payton, tenor vocalist of The Four Tops, was born in Detroit. The Four Tops helped define the Motown sound in the 1960s with classics like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Payton was instrumental in arranging the group’s smooth harmonies.
1942
Jazz guitarist Charlie Christian passed away at just 25 years old. A pioneer of the electric guitar, Christian played a major role in the evolution of jazz, influencing later R&B and soul artists.
1955
Bo Diddley recorded his self-titled debut track “Bo Diddley” at Chess Records in Chicago. The song introduced his signature Bo Diddley beat, an African-inspired rhythm that shaped R&B, soul, and rock & roll. His influence can be heard in later artists from James Brown to Prince.
1959
Sam Cooke recorded “Wonderful World” in Los Angeles. Originally written by Herb Alpert and Lou Adler, Cooke rewrote the lyrics, turning it into a soulful reflection on young love and school life. The song became one of his signature hits.
1959- Miles Davis started recording his groundbreaking album Kind of Blue in New York. The project, featuring John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans, became the best-selling jazz album of all time. Its use of modal jazz influenced many soul and R&B musicians.
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1971 – Clifford Smith, better known as Method Man, was born in Long Island, New York. As a member of Wu-Tang Clan, he helped shape hip-hop’s crossover appeal with a deep connection to soul and R&B influences.
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1974 – Stevie Wonder won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Innervisions. His song “Superstition” won Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance, while “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” earned Best Pop Vocal Performance. His success helped solidify soul music’s mainstream dominance in the 1970s.
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2003 – R&B singer and songwriter Hank Ballard, known for writing “The Twist,” passed away from throat cancer at age 75. Though his version was released as a B-side in 1959, Chubby Checker’s cover turned it into a nationwide dance craze. Ballard’s contributions to R&B influenced many future artists.
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2014 – Arby’s bought the Vivienne Westwood hat that Pharrell Williams wore to the Grammys for $44,100 on eBay. The fast-food chain donated it to the Newseum in Washington, D.C., while proceeds went to Pharrell’s “From One Hand to Another” charity supporting underserved youth.
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2023 – Wayne Shorter, one of the greatest jazz saxophonists and composers, passed away at age 89 in Los Angeles. A key member of Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet and co-founder of Weather Report, Shorter’s music blended jazz, funk, and soul. His influence extended into R&B and hip-hop, earning him 11 Grammy Awards during his lifetime.
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