HANK BALLARD & THE MIDNITERS - R & B group from Detroit. Their first hit was in 1960, "Finger Poppin' Time". Wrote "The Twist" which was a 'B' side of his first song in 1959. Chubby Checker recorded it and made it an all-time classic. Other hits were "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go" and "The Hoochie Coochie Coo".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Finger Poppin' Time"
ARCHIE BELL & DRELLS - Group from Houston, Texas. Had their biggest hit in early 1968 with "Tighten Up". We had a orange canary 'Stanley' who would dance to this song when we played it. Follow up hit "I Can't Stop Dancing" was also in 1968. Other songs were "Do The Choo Choo" and "There's Gonna Be A Showdown".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Tighten Up"
BROOK BENTON - Singer/songwriter was from South Carolina. Had over 40 charted songs in the 60's. He had 2 top 10 hits with Dinah Washington, "Baby (You Got What It Takes)" and "A Rockin' Good Way". Other big hits were "Kiddio" "Think Twice" "Revenge" "Shadrack" "Lie To Me" "Hotel Happiness" and had one big hit in the 1970 "Rainy
Night In Georgia" He had a deep soulful voice.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Rainy Night In Georgia"
BOBBY BLAND - Maybe the biggest rhythm & blues singer I never heard a song from. He had over 30 charted songs in the 60's, his highest charted song was "Ain't Nothing You Can Do" in 1964. Born in Tennessee.
GARY U.S. BONDS - Rock & Roll singer from Florida. He had 5 huge hits in the early 60's. "New Orleans" "Quarter To Three" "School Is Out" "Dear Lady Twist" and "Twist, Twist Senora". Other songs you may remember "School Is In" and "Seven Day Weekend". Would make a comeback in the early 80's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Quarter To Three"
BOOKER T & MG'S - Outstanding inter-racial instrumental group led by Booker T. Jones, who was from Memphis.
Group members included guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn, who later joined the Blues Brothers with Dan Akroyd & John Belushi. Their biggest hit was in 1962 "Green Onions". Also hit with "Soul-Limbo" "Hang 'Em High" "Time Is Tight" and "Hip Hug-Her".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Time Is Tight"
JAMES BROWN - The 'Godfather Of Soul' was born in South Carolina, raised in Georgia. He had over 50 charted songs in the 60's. Was the #1 R&B artist of the 60's. His big hits were "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" "I Got You (I Feel Good)" "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" "Cold Sweat - Part 1" "I Got The Feelin'" "Licking Stick-Licking Stick" "Say It Loud-I'm Black And I'm Proud" "Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose" "The Popcorn" "Mother Popcorn" "Lowdown Popcorn" and "Ain't It Funky Now". Would continue on through the 70's with many more charted songs. His incredible stage act and dancing inspired Michael Jackson. Many more mid charted songs in the 60's too numerous to mention.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
JERRY BUTLER - The "Iceman" was born in Mississippi. He had over 20 charted songs in the 60's, most notably "He Will Break Your Heart" "Moon River" "Let It Be Me" (with Betty Everett) "Never Give You Up" "Hey, Western Union Man" "Only The Strong Survive" "Moody Woman" and "What's The Use Of Breaking Up".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Never Give You Up"
GENE CHANDLER - Singer from Chicago had one huge hit in 1962, "Duke Of Earl". Would have many more mid charted songs such as "Just Be True" and "Nothing Can Stop Me".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Duke Of Earl"
RAY CHARLES - Soul, Gospel, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country..He mixed in all these styles in his music. He was born in Georgia, lost his eyesight at age 7 due to glaucoma. His many hits starting in the late 50's with "Swanee River Rock" and "What I'd Say". Continued on in the 60's with "Georgia On My Mind" "One Mint Julep" "Hit The Road Jack" "Unchain My Heart" "I Can't Stop Loving You" ""You Don't Know Me" "You Are My Sunshine" "Take These Chains From My Heart" "Busted" and "Crying Time". He had over 50 charted songs in the 60's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Hit The Road Jack"
CHUBBY CHECKER - The man who gave us "The Twist" (It was a cover song originally done by Hank Ballard & Midniters) was born in South Carolina and raised in Philadelphia. His first charted song was "The Class" in which he imitated several big name singers of the era. "The Twist" was a huge hit in 1960 and was re-released in late 1961 and was even bigger. The song hit #1 on the national charts both times. But Chubby Checker had some other hits as well. "The Hucklebuck" "Pony Time" "Let's Twist Again" "The Fly" "Slow Twistin' " "Limbo Rock" "Birdland" "Loddy Lo" and "Hooka Tooka".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Twist"
CHIFFONS - Female R&B vocal group formed in the Bronx. They had 3 big hits in the 60's starting in 1963 with "He's So Fine" (Yes, the song that George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" supposedly plagiarized) "One Fine Day" and "Sweet Talkin' Guy". Other mid charted songs were "Nobody Knows What's Goin' On" "I Have A Boyfriend" and "A Love So Fine".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Sweet Talkin' Guy"
COASTERS - Group formed in L.A. in 1955. Had their biggest hits in the late 50's "Searchin' " "Young Blood" "Yakety Yak" "Charlie Brown" "Along Came Jones" and "Poison Ivy". Many mid charted songs included "Little Egypt" "Wait A Minute" "What About Us" and "I'm A Hog For You ".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Charlie Brown"
NAT KING COLE - Singer born in Alabama, raised in Chicago. Had many hits throughout the 50's. Had 2 big hits in the 60's "Ramblin' Rose" and "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer"
CONTOURS - R&B vocal group from Detroit. Their biggest hit was "Do You Love Me" in 1962. It would be re-released again in 1988 after the success of the movie "Dirty Dancing". Other songs they had were "First I Look At The Purse" "Can You Do It" "Can You Jerk Like Me" and "Shake Sherry".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "First I Look At The Purse"
SAM COOKE - Born in Mississippi, raised in Chicago. His hits started in the late 50's with his classic "You Send Me".
The 60's brought us "Chain Gang" "Cupid" "Twistin' The Night Away" "Bring It On Home To Me" "Having A Party" "Nothing Can Change This Love" "Send Me Some Lovin' " "Another Saturday Night" "Frankie And Johnny" "Little Red Rooster" "Good News" "Good Times" and "Shake". He had many more mid charted songs too numerous to mention.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Chain Gang"
COOKIES - Female R&B vocal group from New York City. They had 2 big hits in the 60's "Chains" and "Don't Say Nothin' Bad (About My Baby)". Their other song was "Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys".
BILL COSBY - Popular comedian from Philadelphia had a couple of novelty songs in the 60's. His biggest was "Little Ole' Man" in 1967. Most memorable from him, however were his many comedy albums he released through the decade. His albums were "Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow, Right!" "I Started Out As A Child" "Why Is There Air?" "Wonderfulness" "Revenge" "To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With" "200 M.P.H." "It's True, It's True" and "8:15 12:15" Had many famous tracks including "Noah" "Fat Albert" "Weird Old Harold" and "To Russell, My Brother.."
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Little Ole Man"
CRYSTALS - Female pop/R&B vocal group from Brooklyn. They had 6 big hits in the early 60's. They were, in order, "There's No Other Like My Baby" "Uptown" "He's A Rebel" "He's Sure The Boy I Love" "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me". Group was discovered by legendary producer Phil Spector.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Uptown"
SAMMY DAVIS JR. - Popular singer/dancer/actor was born in New York City. Had a few hits in the 50's. His notable 60's songs were "What Kind Of Fool Am I" "The Shelter Of Your Arms" and "I've Gotta Be Me".
DELFONICS - Group from Philadelphia had one big hit in the 60's "La-La Means I Love You" and many mid charted songs. They had one more big hit in early 1970 with "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "La-La Means I Love You"
DELLS - R&B vocal group from Illinois. They had 12 mid charted songs in the late 60's, most notable were "There Is" "Stay In My Corner" "Always Together" "Does Anybody Know I'm Here" "I Can Sing A Rainbow/Love Is Blue" and their biggest hit "Oh, What A Night".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Oh, What A Night"
DIXIE CUPS - Female R&B group from New Orleans. They had 5 charted songs in the 60's. Their biggest was "Chapel Of Love" in 1964. Other hits were "People Say" "You Should Have Seen The Way He Looked At Me" "Little Bell" and the catchy "Iko Iko".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Chapel Of Love"
FATS DOMINO - Classic piano player from New Orleans. Had over 60 charted songs from the mid 50's through the late 60's. His biggest 50's hits were "Ain't That A Shame" "I'm In Love Again" "My Blue Heaven" "Blueberry Hill" "Blue Monday" "I'm Walkin' " "It's You I Love" "Valley Of Tears" "Whole Lotta Loving" "I'm Ready" "I Want To Walk You Home" and "Be My Guest". His bigger 60's hits were "Walking To New Orleans" "Three Nights A Week" "My Girl Josephine" "What A Price" "It Keeps Rainin' " Let The Four Winds Blow" "What A Party" and "You Win Again".
PAT'S FAVORITE 50'S SONG - "I'm Walkin' "
PAT'S FAVORITE 60'S SONG - "My Girl Josephine"
LEE DORSEY - Singer from New Orleans had 2 big hits "Ya Ya" and "Workin' In The Coal Mine". His other hits were "Ride Your Pony" "Do-Re-Mi" and "Holy Cow"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Workin' In The Coal Mine"
DRIFTERS - This R&B vocal group went through numerous personnel changes throughout their career. "There Goes My Baby" and "Dance With Me" were big hits in 1959 and continued their success through the early 60's with "This Magic Moment" "Save The Last Dance For Me" "I Count The Tears" "Please Stay" "Sweets For My Sweet" "When My Little Girl Is Smiling" "Up On The Roof" "On Broadway" "I'll Take You Home" "Under The Boardwalk" "I've got Sand In My Shoes" and "Saturday Night At The Movies".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "On Broadway"
BETTY EVERETT - R&B singer from Mississippi had a few hits in the 60's. Her first was "You're No Good" (Linda Ronstadt's version was a huge hit in 1975) "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" "Let It Be Me" (duet with Jerry Butler) and "There'll Come A Time".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) "
5TH DIMENSION- R&B/Pop vocal group from L.A. Their 60's hits were "Go Where You Wanna Go" "Up-Up And Away" "Stoned Soul Picnic" "Sweet Blindness" "California Soul" "Aquarius/Let The Sunhine In" "Workin' On A Groovy Thing" and "Wedding Bell Blues". Mid charted songs include "Another Day, Another Heartache " "Paper Cup" "Carpet Man" .Would have several more hits in the early 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Workin' On A Groovy Thing"
FOUR TOPS - Classic R&B vocal group from Detroit featuring the great lead vocals of Levi Stubbs. Huge part of the 'Motown Sound' explosion. Their many hits include "Baby I Need Your Loving" "Ask The Lonely" "I Can't Help Myself" "It's The Same Old Song" "Reach Out I'll Be There" "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" "Bernadette" and "7 Rooms Of Gloom". Mid charted songs you may remember were "Without The One You Love" "Something About You" "Shake Me, Wake Me" "You Keep Runnig Away" "Walk Away Renee" and "Yesterday's Dreams".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Bernadette"
ARETHA FRANKLIN - R&B singer was born in Memphis and raised in Buffalo, then Detroit. Her career spans from early 60's into the late 90's. 1967 was her breakout year with "I Never Loved A Man" "Respect" "Baby I Love You" "A Natural Woman" "Chain Of Fools" "Since You've Been Gone" "Think" "The House That Jack Built" "I Say A Little Prayer" "See Saw" "The Weight" "Share Your Love With Me" and "Eleanor Rigby". #1 R&B female singer of all-time.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Think"
MARVIN GAYE - Born in Washington, D.C. and moved to Detroit to join Motown in 1960. Had over 30 charted songs in the 60's. His biggest were "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow" "Hitch Hike" "Pride And Joy" "Can I Get A Witness" "You're A Wonderul One" "What's The Matter With You Baby" "Once Upon A Time" "Try It Baby" "Baby Don't You Do It" "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" "I'll Be Doggone" "Pretty Little Baby" "Ain't That Peculiar" "One More Heartache" "Little Darling, I Need You" "It Takes Two" "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" "Your Unchanging Love" "Your Precious Love" "If I Could Build My Whole World Aroud You" "You" "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing" "You're All I Need To Get By" "Chained" "Keep On Loving Me Honey" "I Haerd It Through The Grapevine" "Good Lovin' Ain't Easy To Come By" "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" and "That's The Way Love Is". His popularity would soar to new heights in the 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
IMPRESSIONS - R&B group from Chicago featured Curtis Mayfield. They had over 30 charted songs in the 60's. The biggest hits were "Gypsy Woman" "It's All Right" "Talking About My Baby" "I'm So Proud" "Keep On Pushing" "You Must Believe Me" "Amen" "People Get Ready" "Woman's Got Soul" "We're A Winner" "Fool For You" "This Is My Country" and "Choice Of Colors". Mayfield would have a few hits in the early 70's as a solo artist.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "People Get Ready"
INTRUDERS - R&B vocal group from Philadelphia was one of my favorites. They had 2 big hits "Cowboys To Girls" and "(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game". Other songs you may remember were "Sad Girl" "When We Get Married" and "Slow Drag"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Cowboys To Girls"
ISLEY BROTHERS - R&B trio of brothers from Cincinnati. In the late 60's they added 2 younger brothers to the mix. Their big 60's hits were "Twist And Shout" "This Old Heart Of Mine" "It's Your Thing" and "I Turned You On". They would have many more hits in the 70's
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "It's Your Thing"
CHUCK JACKSON - R&B singer from Philadelphia had over 20 charted songs in the 60's with no big hits. I don't remember hearing any song by him. His biggest hit was "Any Day Now" in 1962
ETTA JAMES - R&B singer from L.A. had over 20 charted songs in the 60's. "At Last" was a minor hit in 1961, but it has become a classic due to the song being in many movie soundtracks. Other songs by her were "Tell Mama" "All I Could Do Was Cry" "My Dearest Darling" "Trust In Me" "Something's Got A Hold On Me" "Pushover" and "Security"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "At Last"
JAY & TECHNIQUES - Inter-racial R&B group from Pennsylvania.They had 4 pretty good songs in the 60's "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" "Keep The Ball Rollin' " "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Baby Make Your Own Sweet Music".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie"
B.B. KING - The most famous blues singer/guitarist was born in Mississippi. Had many charted songs in the 60's, and his biggest hit came in early 1970 with "The Thrill Is Gone". "Paying The Cost To Be The Boss" "Don't Answer The Door" and "Rock Me Baby" were some of the songs.
BEN E. KING - R&B singer from North Carolina was an original member of the Drifters, left to go solo in 1960. His biggest hit was in 1961, the classic "Stand By Me". "Spanish Harlem" was also a big hit for him. Some of his mid charted songs were "Amor" "Don't Play That Song" and "I (Who Have Nothing)"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Stand By Me"
GLADYS KNIGHT & PIPS - R&B family group from Atlanta.They had many hits in the 60's and would explode in the 70's with many big hits. The 60's hits were "Everybody Needs Love" "Every Beat Of My Heart" "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" "The End Of Our Road" "It Should Have Been Me" "I Wish It Would Rain" "The Nitty Gritty" and "Friendship Train". Marvin Gaye's version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" was a mega hit for him in 1968 at a slower tempo while Gladys Knight & Pips version was a faster version. Both versions were great.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
MAJOR LANCE - R&B singer from Chicago had a few songs of note to mention. They were "The Monkey Time" "Hey Little Girl" "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" "The Matador" and "Rhythm"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um"
BARBARA LEWIS - R&B singer from Michigan had 6 charted songs of note. They were "Hello Stranger" "Baby, I'm Yours" "Make Me Your Baby" "Straighten Up Your Heart" "Puppy Love" and "Make Me Belong To You"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Hello Stranger"
RAMSEY LEWIS - From Chicago, he formed a jazz-oriented group. Did instrumental covers of many big hits "The 'In' Crowd" "Hang On Sloopy" "A Hard Day's Night" etc. Had one big original hit "Wade In The Water" in 1966.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Wade In The Water"
LITTLE ANTHONY & IMPERIALS - R&B group from Brooklyn had several classic hits. Their first hit was in 1958 "Tears On My Pillow". The 60's brought us "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko Bop" "I'm On The Outside (Looking In)" "Goin' Out Of My Head" "Hurt So Bad" and "Take Me Back".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Goin' Out Of My Head"
LITTLE EVA - Singer from North Carolina was discovered by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Had 4 songs of note, the biggest being "The Loco-Motion" in 1962. Other songs were "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" "Let's Turkey Trot" and "Swinging On A Star"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Loco-Motion"
LITTLE RICHARD - Singer/pianist from Georgia had all his big hits in the late 50's but was a huge influence on many artists. His hits "Tutti-Frutti" "Long Tall Sally" "Slippin' And Slidin' " "Rip It Up" "Lucille" "Jenny, Jenny" "Keep A Knockin' " and "Good Golly Miss Molly" are all rock and roll classics.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Good Golly Miss Molly"
MARTHA & VANDELLAS - R&B group from Detroit part of the 'Motown Sound'. Popular girl trio had many hits in the 60's "Come And Get These Memories" "Heat Wave" "Quicksand" "Dancing In The Street" "Nowhere To Run" "I'm Ready For Love" "Jimmy Mack" and "Honey Chile". Many mid charted songs include "Live Wire" "In My Lonely Room" "Wild One" "You've Been In Love Too Long" "My Baby Loves Me" "Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone" and "I Promise To Wait My Love"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Tough to pick but..."Jimmy Mack"
MARVELETTES - Another great R&B group from Detroit had many hits in the 60's. They were "Please Mr. Postman" "Playboy" "Beechwood 4-5789" "You're My Remedy" "Too Many Fish In The Sea" "Don't Mess With Bill" "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" "When You're Young And In Love" and "My Baby Must Be A Magician" They had over a dozen other mid charted songs.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Don't Mess With Bill"
GENE McDANIELS - Singer from Kansas City had one huge hit in 1961 "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay". Other songs you may remember "Tower Of Strength" "Chip Chip" "Point Of No Return" "A Tear" and "Spanish Lace"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay"
CLYDE McPHATTER - Singer born in North Carolina was an original member of the Drifters. Had his solo hits in the late 50's and early 60's. His 50's hits were "Treasure Of Love" "Without Love (There Is Nothing)" "Just To Hold My Hand" "A Lover's Question" and "Since You've Been Gone". In the 60's he had 3 hits, "Lover Please" "Ta Ta" and "Little Bitty Pretty One"
MIRACLES - Outstanding R&B vocal group from Detroit featuring the smooth vocals of Smokey Robinson, who also wrote many of the groups hits as well for other artists (one example "My Guy" by Mary Wells). Their many hits were "Shop Around" "You Really Got A Hold On Me" "Mickey's Monkey" "I Like It Like That" "Ooo Baby Baby" "The Tracks Of My Tears" " My Girl Has Gone" "Going To A Go-Go" "I'm The One You Need" "The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage" "More Love" "I Second That Emotion" "If You Can Want" "Special Occasion" "Baby, Baby Don't Cry". Their many mid charted songs include "Ain't It Baby" "Mighty Good Lovin" "What's So Good About Goodbye" "I'll Try Something New" "A Love She Can Count On" "I Gotta Dance To Keep from Crying" "That's What Love Is Made Of" "Come On Do The Jerk" "Whole Lotta Shakin' In My Heart" "Yester Love" and "Doggone Right". Had one more big hit with Smokey in "Tears Of A Clown" in 1970 before he went solo in 1972.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "More Love"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Finger Poppin' Time"
ARCHIE BELL & DRELLS - Group from Houston, Texas. Had their biggest hit in early 1968 with "Tighten Up". We had a orange canary 'Stanley' who would dance to this song when we played it. Follow up hit "I Can't Stop Dancing" was also in 1968. Other songs were "Do The Choo Choo" and "There's Gonna Be A Showdown".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Tighten Up"
BROOK BENTON - Singer/songwriter was from South Carolina. Had over 40 charted songs in the 60's. He had 2 top 10 hits with Dinah Washington, "Baby (You Got What It Takes)" and "A Rockin' Good Way". Other big hits were "Kiddio" "Think Twice" "Revenge" "Shadrack" "Lie To Me" "Hotel Happiness" and had one big hit in the 1970 "Rainy
Night In Georgia" He had a deep soulful voice.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Rainy Night In Georgia"
BOBBY BLAND - Maybe the biggest rhythm & blues singer I never heard a song from. He had over 30 charted songs in the 60's, his highest charted song was "Ain't Nothing You Can Do" in 1964. Born in Tennessee.
GARY U.S. BONDS - Rock & Roll singer from Florida. He had 5 huge hits in the early 60's. "New Orleans" "Quarter To Three" "School Is Out" "Dear Lady Twist" and "Twist, Twist Senora". Other songs you may remember "School Is In" and "Seven Day Weekend". Would make a comeback in the early 80's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Quarter To Three"
BOOKER T & MG'S - Outstanding inter-racial instrumental group led by Booker T. Jones, who was from Memphis.
Group members included guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn, who later joined the Blues Brothers with Dan Akroyd & John Belushi. Their biggest hit was in 1962 "Green Onions". Also hit with "Soul-Limbo" "Hang 'Em High" "Time Is Tight" and "Hip Hug-Her".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Time Is Tight"
JAMES BROWN - The 'Godfather Of Soul' was born in South Carolina, raised in Georgia. He had over 50 charted songs in the 60's. Was the #1 R&B artist of the 60's. His big hits were "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" "I Got You (I Feel Good)" "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" "Cold Sweat - Part 1" "I Got The Feelin'" "Licking Stick-Licking Stick" "Say It Loud-I'm Black And I'm Proud" "Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose" "The Popcorn" "Mother Popcorn" "Lowdown Popcorn" and "Ain't It Funky Now". Would continue on through the 70's with many more charted songs. His incredible stage act and dancing inspired Michael Jackson. Many more mid charted songs in the 60's too numerous to mention.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
JERRY BUTLER - The "Iceman" was born in Mississippi. He had over 20 charted songs in the 60's, most notably "He Will Break Your Heart" "Moon River" "Let It Be Me" (with Betty Everett) "Never Give You Up" "Hey, Western Union Man" "Only The Strong Survive" "Moody Woman" and "What's The Use Of Breaking Up".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Never Give You Up"
GENE CHANDLER - Singer from Chicago had one huge hit in 1962, "Duke Of Earl". Would have many more mid charted songs such as "Just Be True" and "Nothing Can Stop Me".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Duke Of Earl"
RAY CHARLES - Soul, Gospel, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country..He mixed in all these styles in his music. He was born in Georgia, lost his eyesight at age 7 due to glaucoma. His many hits starting in the late 50's with "Swanee River Rock" and "What I'd Say". Continued on in the 60's with "Georgia On My Mind" "One Mint Julep" "Hit The Road Jack" "Unchain My Heart" "I Can't Stop Loving You" ""You Don't Know Me" "You Are My Sunshine" "Take These Chains From My Heart" "Busted" and "Crying Time". He had over 50 charted songs in the 60's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Hit The Road Jack"
CHUBBY CHECKER - The man who gave us "The Twist" (It was a cover song originally done by Hank Ballard & Midniters) was born in South Carolina and raised in Philadelphia. His first charted song was "The Class" in which he imitated several big name singers of the era. "The Twist" was a huge hit in 1960 and was re-released in late 1961 and was even bigger. The song hit #1 on the national charts both times. But Chubby Checker had some other hits as well. "The Hucklebuck" "Pony Time" "Let's Twist Again" "The Fly" "Slow Twistin' " "Limbo Rock" "Birdland" "Loddy Lo" and "Hooka Tooka".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Twist"
CHIFFONS - Female R&B vocal group formed in the Bronx. They had 3 big hits in the 60's starting in 1963 with "He's So Fine" (Yes, the song that George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" supposedly plagiarized) "One Fine Day" and "Sweet Talkin' Guy". Other mid charted songs were "Nobody Knows What's Goin' On" "I Have A Boyfriend" and "A Love So Fine".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Sweet Talkin' Guy"
COASTERS - Group formed in L.A. in 1955. Had their biggest hits in the late 50's "Searchin' " "Young Blood" "Yakety Yak" "Charlie Brown" "Along Came Jones" and "Poison Ivy". Many mid charted songs included "Little Egypt" "Wait A Minute" "What About Us" and "I'm A Hog For You ".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Charlie Brown"
NAT KING COLE - Singer born in Alabama, raised in Chicago. Had many hits throughout the 50's. Had 2 big hits in the 60's "Ramblin' Rose" and "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer"
CONTOURS - R&B vocal group from Detroit. Their biggest hit was "Do You Love Me" in 1962. It would be re-released again in 1988 after the success of the movie "Dirty Dancing". Other songs they had were "First I Look At The Purse" "Can You Do It" "Can You Jerk Like Me" and "Shake Sherry".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "First I Look At The Purse"
SAM COOKE - Born in Mississippi, raised in Chicago. His hits started in the late 50's with his classic "You Send Me".
The 60's brought us "Chain Gang" "Cupid" "Twistin' The Night Away" "Bring It On Home To Me" "Having A Party" "Nothing Can Change This Love" "Send Me Some Lovin' " "Another Saturday Night" "Frankie And Johnny" "Little Red Rooster" "Good News" "Good Times" and "Shake". He had many more mid charted songs too numerous to mention.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Chain Gang"
COOKIES - Female R&B vocal group from New York City. They had 2 big hits in the 60's "Chains" and "Don't Say Nothin' Bad (About My Baby)". Their other song was "Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys".
BILL COSBY - Popular comedian from Philadelphia had a couple of novelty songs in the 60's. His biggest was "Little Ole' Man" in 1967. Most memorable from him, however were his many comedy albums he released through the decade. His albums were "Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow, Right!" "I Started Out As A Child" "Why Is There Air?" "Wonderfulness" "Revenge" "To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With" "200 M.P.H." "It's True, It's True" and "8:15 12:15" Had many famous tracks including "Noah" "Fat Albert" "Weird Old Harold" and "To Russell, My Brother.."
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Little Ole Man"
CRYSTALS - Female pop/R&B vocal group from Brooklyn. They had 6 big hits in the early 60's. They were, in order, "There's No Other Like My Baby" "Uptown" "He's A Rebel" "He's Sure The Boy I Love" "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me". Group was discovered by legendary producer Phil Spector.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Uptown"
SAMMY DAVIS JR. - Popular singer/dancer/actor was born in New York City. Had a few hits in the 50's. His notable 60's songs were "What Kind Of Fool Am I" "The Shelter Of Your Arms" and "I've Gotta Be Me".
DELFONICS - Group from Philadelphia had one big hit in the 60's "La-La Means I Love You" and many mid charted songs. They had one more big hit in early 1970 with "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "La-La Means I Love You"
DELLS - R&B vocal group from Illinois. They had 12 mid charted songs in the late 60's, most notable were "There Is" "Stay In My Corner" "Always Together" "Does Anybody Know I'm Here" "I Can Sing A Rainbow/Love Is Blue" and their biggest hit "Oh, What A Night".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Oh, What A Night"
DIXIE CUPS - Female R&B group from New Orleans. They had 5 charted songs in the 60's. Their biggest was "Chapel Of Love" in 1964. Other hits were "People Say" "You Should Have Seen The Way He Looked At Me" "Little Bell" and the catchy "Iko Iko".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Chapel Of Love"
FATS DOMINO - Classic piano player from New Orleans. Had over 60 charted songs from the mid 50's through the late 60's. His biggest 50's hits were "Ain't That A Shame" "I'm In Love Again" "My Blue Heaven" "Blueberry Hill" "Blue Monday" "I'm Walkin' " "It's You I Love" "Valley Of Tears" "Whole Lotta Loving" "I'm Ready" "I Want To Walk You Home" and "Be My Guest". His bigger 60's hits were "Walking To New Orleans" "Three Nights A Week" "My Girl Josephine" "What A Price" "It Keeps Rainin' " Let The Four Winds Blow" "What A Party" and "You Win Again".
PAT'S FAVORITE 50'S SONG - "I'm Walkin' "
PAT'S FAVORITE 60'S SONG - "My Girl Josephine"
LEE DORSEY - Singer from New Orleans had 2 big hits "Ya Ya" and "Workin' In The Coal Mine". His other hits were "Ride Your Pony" "Do-Re-Mi" and "Holy Cow"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Workin' In The Coal Mine"
DRIFTERS - This R&B vocal group went through numerous personnel changes throughout their career. "There Goes My Baby" and "Dance With Me" were big hits in 1959 and continued their success through the early 60's with "This Magic Moment" "Save The Last Dance For Me" "I Count The Tears" "Please Stay" "Sweets For My Sweet" "When My Little Girl Is Smiling" "Up On The Roof" "On Broadway" "I'll Take You Home" "Under The Boardwalk" "I've got Sand In My Shoes" and "Saturday Night At The Movies".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "On Broadway"
BETTY EVERETT - R&B singer from Mississippi had a few hits in the 60's. Her first was "You're No Good" (Linda Ronstadt's version was a huge hit in 1975) "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" "Let It Be Me" (duet with Jerry Butler) and "There'll Come A Time".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) "
5TH DIMENSION- R&B/Pop vocal group from L.A. Their 60's hits were "Go Where You Wanna Go" "Up-Up And Away" "Stoned Soul Picnic" "Sweet Blindness" "California Soul" "Aquarius/Let The Sunhine In" "Workin' On A Groovy Thing" and "Wedding Bell Blues". Mid charted songs include "Another Day, Another Heartache " "Paper Cup" "Carpet Man" .Would have several more hits in the early 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Workin' On A Groovy Thing"
FOUR TOPS - Classic R&B vocal group from Detroit featuring the great lead vocals of Levi Stubbs. Huge part of the 'Motown Sound' explosion. Their many hits include "Baby I Need Your Loving" "Ask The Lonely" "I Can't Help Myself" "It's The Same Old Song" "Reach Out I'll Be There" "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" "Bernadette" and "7 Rooms Of Gloom". Mid charted songs you may remember were "Without The One You Love" "Something About You" "Shake Me, Wake Me" "You Keep Runnig Away" "Walk Away Renee" and "Yesterday's Dreams".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Bernadette"
ARETHA FRANKLIN - R&B singer was born in Memphis and raised in Buffalo, then Detroit. Her career spans from early 60's into the late 90's. 1967 was her breakout year with "I Never Loved A Man" "Respect" "Baby I Love You" "A Natural Woman" "Chain Of Fools" "Since You've Been Gone" "Think" "The House That Jack Built" "I Say A Little Prayer" "See Saw" "The Weight" "Share Your Love With Me" and "Eleanor Rigby". #1 R&B female singer of all-time.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Think"
MARVIN GAYE - Born in Washington, D.C. and moved to Detroit to join Motown in 1960. Had over 30 charted songs in the 60's. His biggest were "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow" "Hitch Hike" "Pride And Joy" "Can I Get A Witness" "You're A Wonderul One" "What's The Matter With You Baby" "Once Upon A Time" "Try It Baby" "Baby Don't You Do It" "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" "I'll Be Doggone" "Pretty Little Baby" "Ain't That Peculiar" "One More Heartache" "Little Darling, I Need You" "It Takes Two" "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" "Your Unchanging Love" "Your Precious Love" "If I Could Build My Whole World Aroud You" "You" "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing" "You're All I Need To Get By" "Chained" "Keep On Loving Me Honey" "I Haerd It Through The Grapevine" "Good Lovin' Ain't Easy To Come By" "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" and "That's The Way Love Is". His popularity would soar to new heights in the 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
IMPRESSIONS - R&B group from Chicago featured Curtis Mayfield. They had over 30 charted songs in the 60's. The biggest hits were "Gypsy Woman" "It's All Right" "Talking About My Baby" "I'm So Proud" "Keep On Pushing" "You Must Believe Me" "Amen" "People Get Ready" "Woman's Got Soul" "We're A Winner" "Fool For You" "This Is My Country" and "Choice Of Colors". Mayfield would have a few hits in the early 70's as a solo artist.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "People Get Ready"
INTRUDERS - R&B vocal group from Philadelphia was one of my favorites. They had 2 big hits "Cowboys To Girls" and "(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game". Other songs you may remember were "Sad Girl" "When We Get Married" and "Slow Drag"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Cowboys To Girls"
ISLEY BROTHERS - R&B trio of brothers from Cincinnati. In the late 60's they added 2 younger brothers to the mix. Their big 60's hits were "Twist And Shout" "This Old Heart Of Mine" "It's Your Thing" and "I Turned You On". They would have many more hits in the 70's
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "It's Your Thing"
CHUCK JACKSON - R&B singer from Philadelphia had over 20 charted songs in the 60's with no big hits. I don't remember hearing any song by him. His biggest hit was "Any Day Now" in 1962
ETTA JAMES - R&B singer from L.A. had over 20 charted songs in the 60's. "At Last" was a minor hit in 1961, but it has become a classic due to the song being in many movie soundtracks. Other songs by her were "Tell Mama" "All I Could Do Was Cry" "My Dearest Darling" "Trust In Me" "Something's Got A Hold On Me" "Pushover" and "Security"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "At Last"
JAY & TECHNIQUES - Inter-racial R&B group from Pennsylvania.They had 4 pretty good songs in the 60's "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" "Keep The Ball Rollin' " "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Baby Make Your Own Sweet Music".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie"
B.B. KING - The most famous blues singer/guitarist was born in Mississippi. Had many charted songs in the 60's, and his biggest hit came in early 1970 with "The Thrill Is Gone". "Paying The Cost To Be The Boss" "Don't Answer The Door" and "Rock Me Baby" were some of the songs.
BEN E. KING - R&B singer from North Carolina was an original member of the Drifters, left to go solo in 1960. His biggest hit was in 1961, the classic "Stand By Me". "Spanish Harlem" was also a big hit for him. Some of his mid charted songs were "Amor" "Don't Play That Song" and "I (Who Have Nothing)"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Stand By Me"
GLADYS KNIGHT & PIPS - R&B family group from Atlanta.They had many hits in the 60's and would explode in the 70's with many big hits. The 60's hits were "Everybody Needs Love" "Every Beat Of My Heart" "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" "The End Of Our Road" "It Should Have Been Me" "I Wish It Would Rain" "The Nitty Gritty" and "Friendship Train". Marvin Gaye's version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" was a mega hit for him in 1968 at a slower tempo while Gladys Knight & Pips version was a faster version. Both versions were great.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
MAJOR LANCE - R&B singer from Chicago had a few songs of note to mention. They were "The Monkey Time" "Hey Little Girl" "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" "The Matador" and "Rhythm"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um"
BARBARA LEWIS - R&B singer from Michigan had 6 charted songs of note. They were "Hello Stranger" "Baby, I'm Yours" "Make Me Your Baby" "Straighten Up Your Heart" "Puppy Love" and "Make Me Belong To You"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Hello Stranger"
RAMSEY LEWIS - From Chicago, he formed a jazz-oriented group. Did instrumental covers of many big hits "The 'In' Crowd" "Hang On Sloopy" "A Hard Day's Night" etc. Had one big original hit "Wade In The Water" in 1966.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Wade In The Water"
LITTLE ANTHONY & IMPERIALS - R&B group from Brooklyn had several classic hits. Their first hit was in 1958 "Tears On My Pillow". The 60's brought us "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko Bop" "I'm On The Outside (Looking In)" "Goin' Out Of My Head" "Hurt So Bad" and "Take Me Back".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Goin' Out Of My Head"
LITTLE EVA - Singer from North Carolina was discovered by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Had 4 songs of note, the biggest being "The Loco-Motion" in 1962. Other songs were "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" "Let's Turkey Trot" and "Swinging On A Star"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Loco-Motion"
LITTLE RICHARD - Singer/pianist from Georgia had all his big hits in the late 50's but was a huge influence on many artists. His hits "Tutti-Frutti" "Long Tall Sally" "Slippin' And Slidin' " "Rip It Up" "Lucille" "Jenny, Jenny" "Keep A Knockin' " and "Good Golly Miss Molly" are all rock and roll classics.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Good Golly Miss Molly"
MARTHA & VANDELLAS - R&B group from Detroit part of the 'Motown Sound'. Popular girl trio had many hits in the 60's "Come And Get These Memories" "Heat Wave" "Quicksand" "Dancing In The Street" "Nowhere To Run" "I'm Ready For Love" "Jimmy Mack" and "Honey Chile". Many mid charted songs include "Live Wire" "In My Lonely Room" "Wild One" "You've Been In Love Too Long" "My Baby Loves Me" "Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone" and "I Promise To Wait My Love"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Tough to pick but..."Jimmy Mack"
MARVELETTES - Another great R&B group from Detroit had many hits in the 60's. They were "Please Mr. Postman" "Playboy" "Beechwood 4-5789" "You're My Remedy" "Too Many Fish In The Sea" "Don't Mess With Bill" "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" "When You're Young And In Love" and "My Baby Must Be A Magician" They had over a dozen other mid charted songs.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Don't Mess With Bill"
GENE McDANIELS - Singer from Kansas City had one huge hit in 1961 "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay". Other songs you may remember "Tower Of Strength" "Chip Chip" "Point Of No Return" "A Tear" and "Spanish Lace"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay"
CLYDE McPHATTER - Singer born in North Carolina was an original member of the Drifters. Had his solo hits in the late 50's and early 60's. His 50's hits were "Treasure Of Love" "Without Love (There Is Nothing)" "Just To Hold My Hand" "A Lover's Question" and "Since You've Been Gone". In the 60's he had 3 hits, "Lover Please" "Ta Ta" and "Little Bitty Pretty One"
MIRACLES - Outstanding R&B vocal group from Detroit featuring the smooth vocals of Smokey Robinson, who also wrote many of the groups hits as well for other artists (one example "My Guy" by Mary Wells). Their many hits were "Shop Around" "You Really Got A Hold On Me" "Mickey's Monkey" "I Like It Like That" "Ooo Baby Baby" "The Tracks Of My Tears" " My Girl Has Gone" "Going To A Go-Go" "I'm The One You Need" "The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage" "More Love" "I Second That Emotion" "If You Can Want" "Special Occasion" "Baby, Baby Don't Cry". Their many mid charted songs include "Ain't It Baby" "Mighty Good Lovin" "What's So Good About Goodbye" "I'll Try Something New" "A Love She Can Count On" "I Gotta Dance To Keep from Crying" "That's What Love Is Made Of" "Come On Do The Jerk" "Whole Lotta Shakin' In My Heart" "Yester Love" and "Doggone Right". Had one more big hit with Smokey in "Tears Of A Clown" in 1970 before he went solo in 1972.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "More Love"