On August 26th, in 1948, songwriter, singer and actress Valerie Simpson was born in the Bronx, New York City, New York. She married her infamous music writing partner Nickolas Ashford and went to Motown and wrote several songs for Berry Gordy’s imprints that were hits like: Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You're All I Need To Get By, & Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing.
On the same day in 1978, the songwriting duo had a hit of their own called It Seems To Hang On, which reached number 2 on the US R&B chart. They also had their own hit in 1985 with Solid. Valerie put out two solo LPs in the 70s. The songs on them like Benjie & Silly, Wasn’t I have been sampled by many. The latter being used by Murs & 9th Wonder. Valerie is 72 today!
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On August 26th, in 1967, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi-the creator of Transcendental Meditation & the Beatles held a press conference in Bangor, North Wales at the University College. The Beatles told reporters that they were disciples of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi renounced drug use as well. All four band members were active participants in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s program called Spiritual Regeneration Movement. It required members to donate a week’s earnings each month. Ain’t nothing free, not even spirituality…
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...Jimi hendrix Special Edition...
Jimi Through the Decades: On August 26th, in 1967 Jimi Hendrix and his band-The Jimi Hendrix Experience made the US pop chart number 5 slot with their debut LP Are You Experienced. Jimi died in 1970. However, from 1967 to 1995, he had 28 songs/LPs reach the US & UK charts, making his posthumous discography just as successful as his living works if not better.
On August 26th, in 1970, Jimi Hendrix made his last UK appearance alongside several high caliber performers at the Isle of Wright Music Festival. Some of the performers at the show included: Sly & The Family Stone, The Doors, Miles Davis, The Who, Chicago, Joan Baez, Taste, Spirit, Arrival, Procol Harum, Mungo Jerry, Joni Mitchell, Donovan, Arrival, Jethro Tull, Family, The Moody Blues, & Free. The tickets were about 3 pounds for the weekend ($5).
On August 26th, in 2003, Jimi Hendrix was named as the greatest guitarist in Rock History by Rolling Stones Magazine. Kieth Richards, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Ry Cooder, Stevie Ray Vaughn & Chuck Berry were all in the top 10. Jimi Hendrix had more success after his death than her did when he was alive.
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On August 26th, in 2005, the POTUS George Bush renamed a USPS after Ray Charles. The Post Office was in Los Angeles, California, it was near the studio that Ray used to record a lot of his works. Ray Charles was one of the innovators of the Soul sound of music that was coming off the Atlantic imprint in the late 50s and early 60s.
He transformed the sound of music by merging the spirit of Gospel with the Blues & Jazz of the secular world. It was a match made in heaven. Anything Ray Charles sings on, you know it’s him. His voice is recognizable over a lot of male vocalists then and now. He died in 2004 from liver disease, he was 74.
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On August 26th, in 1900 Harlem Renaissance artist, painter, printmaker and draftsman Hale Woodruff was born. He influenced the writings and music of the time. Although he's one of the lesser known figures of the era, he was very instrumental in adding a social and political view to his art. He also was the man responsible for the graphic designing for the Harlem Renaissance movement. He died at 80 in 1980.
On August 26th, in 1947: the Brooklyn Dodgers signed the first Black pitcher in the Major Leagues-Dan Bankhead. He played alongside Jackie Robinson. The Dodgers owner saw the benefit in the wins column with drafting players of color. Both men helped keep the Dodgers a winning team during their time on the team.
On August 26th, in 1960 one half of the Marsalis Brothers were born-Bradford. The composer, performer, producer, bandleader and saxophonist turns 58 today! He worked with Hip Hop producers like Premiere & Hi-Tek. He also did some of his own Hip Hop based Jazz under the moniker Buckshot Lefonque (lay-Funk).
On August 26th, in 1967 soul singer Jackie Wilson hit the R&B charts number 1 slot with his song Higher & Higher. It was also in the top 10 on the US Pop Chart (6th). Jackie is one of the stage performers that Michael Jackson based a lot of his moves and mannerism off of him.
On August 26th, in 1995, the man that saved Def Jam under Lyor (Liar) Cohen-Redman (Reggie Noble) had a R&B charting single with How High. Funk Doctor Spock AKA Superman Lover AKA Muddy Waters etc. was introduced into the game via EPMD. He’s mad lyrical and original…that’s Hip Hop.
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