R&B

Died On This Date (March 21, 2004) Johnny Bristol / Prolific Motown Songwriter

Johnny Bristol
February 3rd, 1939 – March 21, 2004

Part of the Motown hit making machine from 1961 to 1973, Johnny Bristol could take partial credit for countless massive hits as a writer and/or producer. Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Michael Jackson, Edwin Starr and Stevie Wonder are just a handful of who he has helped make superstars out of. Bristol also released a half-dozen of his own albums throughout the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s. He passed away at the age of 65, reportedly from natural causes.

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Johnny Bristol

Died On This Date (March 21, 2009) Ted Jarrett / Music Industry Veteran

Ted Jarrett
DOB Unknown – March 21, 2009

Ted Jarrett was an early R&B producer and songwriter who played a key role in the development of the Nashville rhythm and blues sound.  He was one of just a handful of songwriters who penned #1 hits on both the R&B and country charts.  His most famous songs were “Love Love Love” and “You Can Make it if You Try,” which was recorded by the Rolling Stones for their debut album.   His songs were also recorded by the likes of Earl Gaines, Ruth Brown, and Hank Ballard.  Over a career that spanned 50 years, Jarrett also worked in radio and ran his own label.  He was 83 when he passed away on March 21, 2009.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (March 19, 2007) Luther Ingram / R&B Singer

Luther Ingram
November 30, 1937 – March 19, 2007

Perhaps best known for his hit performance of “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right,” Luther Ingram was also an accomplished songwriter. He co-wrote the Staple Singers’ hit “Respect Yourself.” Ingram spent most of his young life in Illinois where he began writing songs and took a stab as a performer. He later moved to New York City where he reportedly roomed for a brief time with another struggling unknown by the name of Jimi Hendrix. Luther spent the rest of is career writing numerous chart topping hits for the likes of Barbara Mandrell, Joe Cocker and yes, Bruce Willis. In his final years, Ingram suffered from kidney disease, partial blindness and diabetes, finally succumbing to heart failure on March 19, 2007 at the age of 69.

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Luther Ingram

Died On This Date (March 18, 2009) Eddie Bo / New Orleans Musician

Eddie Bo (Born Edwin Bocage)
September 20, 1930 – March 18, 2009

eddie-boEddie Bo was born in New Orleans and raised in the 9th Ward He was one of the last New Orleans junker-style pianists. Schooled in jazz, he is known for his blues, soul and funk recordings, compositions, productions and arrangements. He debuted from Ace Records in 1955 and since then he has released more single records than anyone else in New Orleans other than Fats Domino.  Bo died suddenly of a massive heart attack on March 18, 2009.  He was 79.

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Check Mr. Popeye - Eddie Bo

Died On This Date (March 17, 1982) Samuel George / The Capitols

Samuel George
DOB Unknown – March 17, 1982

the-capitolsSamuel George was the lead singer and drummer for early ’60s soul vocal trio, the Capitols.  They were initially signed to Detroit’s Karen Records, and in 1963, they released their first single, “Dog and Cat.”  After the record failed to catch on, the group split up.  But in 1966, the group re-formed to record a song called “Cool Jerk” which was written to capitalize on a current Detroit dance craze.  Backed by Motown’s legendary house band, the Funk Brothers, the Capitols delivered a single that shot to #7 on the pop charts and #2 on the R&B charts.  The song remains a staple at oldies radio and has been covered by the likes of the Go-Go’s, Todd Rundgren and the Creation.  On March 17, 1982, Samuel George died of stab wounds suffered during a domestic dispute.

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The Capitols