Posted inSoul Music

Billy Paul: The Devil and Mrs. Jones

Billy Paul
Billy Paul

Today (December 16, 1972) R&B singer Billy Paul’s seminal hit record “Me and Mrs. Jones” was the #1 record in the country.

Billy Paul originally recorded for the Neptune record label which was owned by Gamble & Huff, prior to the launch of their Philadelphia International imprint.

Paul’s first album for Philadelphia International was titled Going East, but the album flopped.

A year later, he released his break out sophomore album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul, which contained Me and Mrs. Jones.

Posted inRhythm&Blues

Otis Blackwell To Be Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Otis Blackwell
Otis Blackwell

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced it’s 2010 inductees yesterday (December 15, 2009) and among the artists going over this year is songwriter extraordinaire, Otis Blackwell.

Blackwell started off as an R&B singing artist, but he found his most success through song writing.

Blackwell has penned some of the nation’s most well known songs for artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley.

Posted inSoul Music

Aretha Franklin Tapped For 41st Annual Jazz Fest

Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin

By Gentle Jones

The New Orleans Jazz Fest has announced the 2010 line up today (December 15, 2009), and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin will be headlining the event.

Aretha Franklin will share the stage with hundreds of acts over the course of two weekends, April 23rd through May 2nd, including the Neville Brothers, Anita Baker, rapper Juvenile, and actor Steve Martin, who plays banjo with his bluegrass outfit the Steep Canyon Riders.

Posted inSoul Music Wax Facts

Motown Locks Up Top 3 Positions On Pop Chart

Motown became the first label in history to lock down the #1, #2 and #3 positions on the Billboard charts today (December 14, 1968.)

Motown Advertisement, 1969

The three tracks were Marvin Gaye’s rendition of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” #1, Diana Ross & The Supremes “Love Child,” #2 and Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life,” #3.

Marvin’s version of the Motown favorite landed at #34 when the track entered the charts and seven weeks later, it was sitting at #1 in the nation.

This was Marvin’s 18th chart single as of 1968.