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
Nelly Byl was a Belgian songwriter who throughout her career, penned over 2000 songs. Her most famous were “Raak me niet aan” in 1963, and “Que Sera Mi Vida” in 1980. The definitive version of the former is by Conny Vandenbos, while the latter is by the Gibson Brothers. Nelly Byl was 92 when she passed away on November 30, 2011.