On May 16th, 1966, singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, choreographer, former child star, pop culture icon, social activist, and world renown performer-Janet (Damita Jo) Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. TOV dares to say that Janet is either equally as popular, or the second most popular member of The Jackson Family (number one being Michael of course). In some circles Janet may be more popular than her older brother, who tended to shy away from public appearances and cameras. Although Janet is categorized under the ‘R&B’ moniker, she transcends any one genre of music. Janet has sung futuristic and funky ballads like Funny How Time Flies (which is more of an electronic than acoustic track), hip hop based cuts like Got ‘Til It’s Gone (Featuring Q-Tip), dance music with her brother (Scream), and socially conscious/women's empowerment theme songs like Let’s Wait Awhile & and What Have You Done For Me Lately.
And that’s just from three of the LPs in her lengthy discography, that started in 1982 with her self-titled A&M Records debut. The album was produced by Angela Winbush and Rene Moore, of the duo Rene & Angela. From the mid 1980's, into the 1990's, she worked with Flyte Tyme Productions (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis). These albums contain her best work to date, and brought her to superstardom. Originally a TV personality and actress, Janet has been in the game for half a century. We will always remember her as Penny Gordon Woods on Good Times, Charlene Duprey on Different Strokes, and Justice in Poetic Justice. Janet Jackson is 53 today.
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On May 16th, 1968, seminal 80's/90's R&B superstar, songwriter, producer, DJ, actor, and lead singer of New Edition-Ralph Tresvant (Ralph Edward Tresvant Sr.-l) was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Ralph was depicted as the kung fu-crazed kid of the group, in the biopic BET miniseries The New Edition Story. A common trend exists in the film, that was pretty much pioneered by post-industrial record companies, and perfected by Berry Gordy: the exploitation of creative & talented urban youth. It was common practice for record companies to frequent the ghettos and impoverished rural areas in search of talent. They’d record them, give them cash (or other goods) on the spot, copyright their music for themselves-and rake in millions off their works, while the artist(s) receive almost nothing in return.
In this case, the late 70's/early 80's R&B singer-turned producer-Maurice Starr pretty much took more than 80% of New Edition's earnings. He wanted Ralph to go solo, but he refused. Berry Gordy had previously laid the blueprint for this with Little Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5 (via Diana Ross). Starr gave New Edition gifts, not so much cash. After leaving Starr, they signed to MCA, and released the majority of their best work. Starr still continued to get a percentage of their royalties though. Ralph appeared in a few films-most notably Krush Groove (1985), Knight Rider (1985), and House Party 2 (1991)-and went solo, with his self titled debut album in 1990. In 1994 he released his second solo LP It’s Going Down, but the novelty of New Edition had worn off. He started taking acting seriously in the early 2000's, and appeared in three additional films between 2004 and 2008. New Edition has continued to re-unite & break up, and have released multiple albums since their heyday. Ralph T is 51 today.
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On May 16th, 1932, jazz musician, instrumental soul pioneer, break beat innovator, bandleader, sideman, former member of The Ramsey Lewis Trio (with Eldee Young) & Young Holt Unlimited, and the founder of Redd Holt Unlimited-Isaac Redd Holt (above-r) was born in Rosedale, Mississippi. Many people have heard Holt’s work as a drummer, but may not have known who who it was. His drum breaks have been sampled by thousands of well known producers, and millions more bedroom producers. Songs like I Shot The Sheriff, and Flo, are a just a couple examples of how funky he plays. His style is richly syncopated, like a funk drummer-while his snare hits are more accentuated than his bass kicks-which showcases the way he merged a soul/funk style with a jazz drummer foundation.
This is what makes him stand out as a ‘universal’ drummer of funk-due the fact he uses multiple styles to convey a solid sound that’s unique and recognizable. He started playing drums as a teen in Chicago, IL. He was drafted into the US Army in 1955, and played with the military band. After returning to the states he linked up with double bassist Eldee Young, and pianist Ramsey Lewis, to form The Ramsey Lewis Trio (1956-1966). In 1966 Holt (above-3rd l) left Lewis, and he and Young formed Young Holt Unlimited. They released several instrumental soul jazz LPs between 1966 and 1974. If you see any of their albums in the store, buy them! In 1974 he went solo, and became the bandleader of Redd Holt Unlimited. His solo LPs were very melodic, and full of drum breaks. Buy these too! He’s 87 today.
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HONORABLE MENTION: On May 16th, 1929, jazz vocalist, songwriter, multi-label recording artist, and major influence on Carmen McRae-Betty Carter (Lillie Mae Jones) was born in Flint, MI. McRae refers to her as the only true jazz singer. She’s recorded for Verve, ABC, Roulette, Columbia, Atco, Peacock, and United Artists Records. Betty also had her own imprint, Bet Car Records, which was unheard of for a female musician at that time. There wasn’t much that Carter didn’t do on stage, or behind the scenes. She was a pioneer for all genders, and ethnicities of artists that may have been reluctant to handle their own business needs. Betty Carter was 69 when she passed.
On May 16th, 1944, one of the funkiest jazz drummers of the 1970's fusion jazz era, ‘sample thick break beat maker’, session musician, bandleader, percussionist, educator, songwriter, multi-label recording artist, and electronic drums pioneer-Billy Cobham (Willia Emanuel Cobham Jr.) was born in Colon, Panama. Cobham's song Red Baron is probably the most sampled cut in his discography. He and George Duke did a lot of work together in the late 70's and early 80's. He got his start with Horace Silver, and has since been sampled by many. He has also worked with Miles Davis, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, and John McLaughlin. Billy Cobham is 75 today.
…"shaboing, boing, boing!"…
On May 16th, 1990, we lost one of the greatest entertainers of the modern world-singer, tap dancer, choreographer, actor, comedian, social activist, and member of The Rat Pack-Sammy Davis Jr. (Samuel George Davis Jr.). The Harlem native was raised in a showbiz family. His mother was a tap dancer-and his father was a singer, dancer & actor. As a result, young was already onstage performing by the age of three. Sammy went on to appear frequently onstage, in movies, TV shows, and release a number of LPs over a career that spanned 60 years. During his days with The Rat Pack, he was one of the most popular performers in Las Vegas, and around the world, and was considered by many to be "greatest living entertainer in the world." Sammy Davis Jr. was 64 at the time of his death.
On May 16th, 1990, we lost one of the greatest entertainers of the modern world-singer, tap dancer, choreographer, actor, comedian, social activist, and member of The Rat Pack-Sammy Davis Jr. (Samuel George Davis Jr.). The Harlem native was raised in a showbiz family. His mother was a tap dancer-and his father was a singer, dancer & actor. As a result, young was already onstage performing by the age of three. Sammy went on to appear frequently onstage, in movies, TV shows, and release a number of LPs over a career that spanned 60 years. During his days with The Rat Pack, he was one of the most popular performers in Las Vegas, and around the world, and was considered by many to be "greatest living entertainer in the world." Sammy Davis Jr. was 64 at the time of his death.
On May 16th, 2010, we lost pianist, composer, sideman, arranger, bandleader, brother of Thad Jones & Elvin Jones, and one of the few jazz musicians that lived to see the transformation of the genre from Dixieland to Smooth Jazz (from the 1910's to the 2000's)-Hank Jones (Henry Jones). Hank is most known for his recordings as a sideman with Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and Charlie Haden. He also released solo LPs, on multiple imprints, dating back to 1947's Urbanity on Chef Records. He’s worked with Donald Byrd, Paul Chambers, Kenny Clarke, Elvin Jones, Grady Tate, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Abbey Lincoln, and Art Tatum. Hank Jones was 91 when he passed away.
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