Died On This Date (May 30, 2010) Ali-Ollie Woodson / The Temptations

Ali-Ollie Woodson (Born Ollie Cregett)
October 12, 1951 – May 30, 2010

Ali-Ollie Woodson was an R&B singer who is best remembered as a two-time singer for the Temptations.  His terms with the group were 1984 to 1986, and then again from 1988 to 1996.  His biggest hit for the group was the 1984 #2 record, “Treat Her Like A Lady,” on which he sang lead, co-wrote, and co-produced.  During the early part of his career, Woodson was part of a Drifters revival act of the early ’70s.  Following his years with the Temptations, he formed his own touring soul review, performed in a latter-day Temptations Revue, and did some acting.  On May 30, 2010, Ali-Ollie Woodson died of leukemia.  He was 58.

Died On This Date (May 30, 2010) Anita Humes / The Essex

Anita Humes
October 10, 1940 –  May 30, 2010

Anita Humes was a founding vocalist for early R&B vocal group, the Essex.  Formed in 1962 while Humes and the other members were U.S. Marines stationed at Fort LeJeune, NC, the group soon caught the ear of Roulette Records who signed them to a deal.  The Essex went on to release several records with Humes on lead vocals.  Three of which, “Easier Said Than Done,” “Are You Going My Way,” and “Walking Miracle” quickly went gold.  Due to the group members’ ongoing military service, it became difficult for them to continue their music career, so Humes ultimately left and joined the Army.  She also launched a solo career.  Anita Humes was 69 when she passed away on May 30. 2010.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums

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Died On This Date (May 26, 1977) William Powell / The O’Jays

William Powell
January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977

William Powell at left

As one of the founding members of the O’Jays, William Powell helped create a sound that would entertain and inspire countless fans and ultimately land the group in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He left the group due to illness in 1975 and died of cancer on May 26, 1977, but not before helping make several hit records.


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Back Stabbers - The O'Jays

Died On This Date (May 26, 1968) Little Willie John / Early R&B Great

Little Willie John
November 15, 1937 – May 26, 1968

As one of R&B’s unsung heroes, Little Willie John sang with a robust voice and an emotional range that would be cited as an influence by no less than Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Al Green. Discovered at the age of 17 by music impresario Johnny Otis, John signed to King Records where he had a run of hits that included “All Around The World,” “I’m Shakin’,” “Sufferin’ With The Blues,” and “Fever,” which would later be huge hits for both Peggy Lee and Elvis Presley. His songs were also covered by the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, James Brown and the Blasters. His career came to a screeching halt in 1964 when he stabbed a man to death. His notorious bad temper and alcoholism likely played a role in the altercation. John was sent to Washington State Prison where he died of pneumonia in 1968.  Recognition for his contributions to popular music finally came three decades later, when John was elected to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

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Little Willie John: All 15 of His Chart Hits from 1953-1962 - Little Willie John

Died On This Date (May 25, 1981) Roy Brown / Early Blues Singer

Roy Brown
September 10, 1925 – May 25, 1981

Roy_BrownRoy Brown was an American blues singer who helped bridge the gap between the blues and rock ‘n roll.  After a brief stint as a professional boxer, Brown turned to music in the mid ’40s.  In 1947, he released “Good Rockin’ Tonight” which was covered by Elvis Presley during his Sun sessions on 1954.  Unfortunately, the ’50s weren’t kind to Brown.  Although he successfully sued King Records for past royalties in 1952, he had difficulty getting airplay and selling records.  Some have claimed that he was blacklisted because of the lawsuit.  By the ’60s, he was working as an encyclopedia salesman.  Brown was able to find a new audience in the ’70s thanks in part to reissues of his great early records.  He passed away of a heart attack at 55.

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