On August 16th, in 1986, Dee Jay Run, Daryl Mac, & Jam Master Jay-Run-D.M.C. had their Raising Hell album see the number 1 slot on the US R&B chart. It was the first Hip Hop album to ever reach that status. Raising Hell was Run D.M.C.’s third album. They debuted with their self-titled LP in 1984, and then came back in 1985 with King of Rock.
Raising Hell also came out after they’d completed two movies: Krush Groove in 1985, and a featured cameo/interview in the 1986 film called Big Fun in the Big Town. There were 4 singles released off the LP: My Adidas, Walk This Way, You Be Illin’ & It’s Tricky. I believe this album solidified their path to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It definitely brought them international fame... & made Adidas a lot of money too! R.I.P. JMJ.
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On August 16th, in 1986, Chapter 8’s sultry vocalist that went solo-Anita Baker added her name to the US Pop chart bestseller’s list for the first time. It was for her song: Sweet Love that was on the Rapture LP (released spring 1986). Four months in, and she already had a hit that appealed to the masses (‘crossover’ audience & ‘urban’ audience). Anita put in a lot of work with Chapter 8 during the mid and late 70s. A chance opportunity led to her recording as a solo artist.
Rapture was her second LP after a 3 year hiatus from her debut solo release: The Songstress (1983). Anita’s voice and Jazz background was a stark contrast to her contemporaries like Whitney Houston. She was more soulful than most of the R&B female vocalists during that era, showcasing her jazz vocal abilities. Baker's voice is as good if not better than her contemporaries like: Angel Winbush, Regina Belle, Cherelle & Mikki Howard.
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On August 16th, in 1997, Chaka Khan, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Seal & numerous others had a live performance at London’s Wembley Stadium for the Carlsberg Concert show. Chaka Khan is the one highlighted here. She's worked with everyone from Quincy Jones to De La Soul, Prince, Gangstarr, and spanned a career that makes her a living legend. Nobody hits them screams like Chaka. She's most known for her work during the 70s with the Rufus. However, her 80s hits were also popular with many listeners. S.O. to her for giving us a dope discography.
Rufus produced a groundbreaking sound, which was an extension of the multi-ethnic psychedelic funk bands from the 60’s like Sly & the Family Stone, Rotary Connection & Sweetwater. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan put out 8 studio LPs and 1 Live album over a 12 year span. Timelessly good music!
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On August 16th, in 2007, infamous Jazz Drummer & Composer Max Roach (Maxwell Lemuel Roach) passed away in New York City, New York. He was born in Pasquotank County, North Carolina, and he went on to have a music career that was longer than half a century (1944-2002). He was a pioneer for BeBop, a Civil Rights Activist, he recorded for Impulse! & Capitol. He also educated musicians and worked as a bandleader. Some of his most notable collaborations occurred with:
Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk. He released numerous solo projects and collaborated with Jazz vocalist Abbey Lincoln often. Max also was one of the central figures of the Civil Rights struggle in the jazz scene-similar to Nina Simone. He was 83 years old when he passed. R.I.P. Max Roach.
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For more information on any musician or event reviewed in posts, or for additional information on The Wandering Eyes Blog overall, use the search bar and search the artist or event using keywords. It’s like a Google search for the site. A wide variety of information, covering several topics exists on this site going back to 2013 when it was created. PEACE
Honorable Mentions: On August 16th, in 1967, one half of the UK Female Emcee collective called Cookie Crew-M.C. Remedee (Debbie Pryce) was born in the UK. Her group had a 10 year career in Hip Hop (1983-1992 Pre-Flavor Unit/Native Tongue Monie Love). She’s 51.
On August 16th, in 1949, the Drummer for Iggy Pop & the Stooges-Scott Asheton, was born in Washington, D.C. He played on the 1973 Raw Power LP. He died in 2014 (age 64). Asheton was known for his uptempo hard beats. Don't sleep, he's got breaks.
On August 16th, in 1915, Baritone Jazz vocalist Al Hibbler (Duke Ellington’s singer) was born in Tyro, Mississippi. He sang with Ellington’s band for most of his career, and is featured on several of Ellington's recordings. He died at age 85 in Chicago, Illinois (2001).