James Joseph Brown is the originator of funk music and is a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance. Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina on May 3, 1933. In 1955, Brown and Bobby Byrd‘s sister Sarah performed in a group called “The Gospel Starlighters”. Eventually, Brown joined Bobby Byrd’s vocal group, […]
Ella Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the “First Lady of Song” “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella,” was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves, she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a “horn-like” improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. […]
Cathy Hughes, born Catherine Elizabeth Woods in Omaha, Nebraska on April 22, 1947, is an African-American entrepreneur, radio and television personality and business executive. Hughes founded the media company Radio One and later expanded into TV One, the company went public in 1998, making Hughes the first and only African-American female to head a publicly […]
William December “Billy Dee” Williams, Jr., born April 6, 1937, is a actor, artist, singer, and writer. Williams was born in New York City, New York, the son of Loretta Anne, a West Indian-born elevator operator from Montserrat, and William December Williams, Sr., an African-American caretaker from Texas. He has a twin sister, Loretta, and grew up in Harlem, where […]
Born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. and later adding an ‘e’ to his last name as a young man, Marvin Gaye was known as a talented singer-songwriter and musician with a three vocal octave range. He began his career as a member of the doo-wop group The Moonglows in the late 1950s. He then ventured into a solo […]
The talented and platinum selling singer/songwriter Deborah Cox is celebrating her 37th birthday today. She has bought us a number of hits since the mid 90’s and continues to do so. Her first self entitled album “Deborah Cox” earned her the #1 spot on the US Heat Chart and the Juno Award for Best R&B/Soul […]
Gerald Levert was best known for his powerful and commanding voice, but he was also known as one of the best singer/songwriter of his time and making his debut with the hit group “Levert” in the 80’s, Gerald ended up as a popular solo artist releasing a number of hit singles and albums. He released […]
Photo courtesy of Getty Images Curtis Mayfield was an soul, funk, and R&B singer songwriter and producer. With hits like “It’s all Right” and “Superfly” Mayfield was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has influenced a number of artist from hip hop to pop, and is credited to have defined the 1960’s […]
Elev8 would like to send a special birthday shout out to the legendary Stevie Wonder. The talented music man celebrates his 61st born day. His accomplishments are inspiring and elev8 millions of people all over the world. He’s created an abundance of music that people of all ages can embrace everyday. What’s your favorite Stevie […]
Image courtesy of Joerg Koch/Getty Images The Legendary James Brown, better known as the Godfather Of Soul, is celebrating a birthday today. The prolofic singer, songwriter, dancer and bandleader is the most sampled artist in history. He was recognized for numerous titles including Soul Brother Number One, Sex Machine, Mr. Dynamite, The Hardest Working Man […]
