Died On This Date (November 30, 2011) J. Blackfoot / The Soul Children; Had R&B Hit With “Taxi”
themusicsover J. Blackfoot (Born John Colbert)
November 20, 1946 – November 30, 2011
J. Blackfoot was an American R&B singer who first found some success as lead singer of the Soul Children and later had a solo hit with “Taxi.” Born in Mississippi but raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Blackfoot caught the ear of Stax Records’ David Porter who invited him to be lead singer of the Bar-Kays after several group members were killed in the plane crash that took Otis Redding’s life. He performed but never recorded with the group. In 1968, Porter invited Blackfoot to sing in the Soul Children, a new co-ed R&B vocal group. Over the next decade, the group released seven albums that included 15 R&B hits. After the group split up in 1978, Blackfoot launched his solo career which included the 1983 soul hit, “Taxi.” He continued to release albums as score moderate R&B hits well into the 200s. On November 30, 2011, J. Blackfoot died of cancer. He was 65.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.
What You Should Own
Isaac Hayes was a Tennessee-born musician, singer, songwriter and producer who had a hand in some of the greatest soul songs ever produced. Hayes began his music career as a session musician for Stax Records in Memphis where he began writing songs for the label’s roster of artists. With songwriting partner, David Porter, Hayes co-wrote such R&B staples as “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” and “Soul Man,” which has been called one of the most influential songs of the 20th century. By the late ’60s, Hayes started making his own albums, which included the monumental, Hot Buttered Soul, Black Moses, and most famously, the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film, Shaft!. Then title song would become one of the most beloved songs of the era. In later years, Hayes found a new audience as the voice of Chef in the popular animated series, South Park. In 1998, “Chocolate Salty Balls” as performed on the show by Chef became a #1 hit in the UK. And in 2002, Hayes was elected into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Isaac Hayes died of an apparent stroke after being found by his wife lifeless on the floor next to his treadmill which was still running. He was 65 years old.