Roots Archives Forum

DARRELL BANKS:
A top rate soul singer, his haunting mid-tempo "Open The Door To Your Heart" (Revilot) was a national pop hit in 1966. Was staging a comeback on Cotillion when he was killed in a shooting incident.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - MARCH 1974: - PART ONE
Black Music March 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 4

peace

HOMER BANKS:
As a soul singer on Minit (mid `60s) Homer graduated to top songwriter (as part of the We Three team). Has written several million sellers for Stax artists.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - MARCH 1974: - PART ONE
Black Music March 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 4

peace

BARBECUE BOB:
A Mississippi Delta bluesman whose raw, slide guitar blues in the `20s and `30s have ensured a lasting place in blues history for Robert `Barbecue Bob` Hicks.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - MARCH 1974: - PART ONE
Black Music March 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 4

peace

GENE BARGE:
Shot to prominence as the wild saxman "Daddy G" on U.S. Bond`s records. Became staff producer/writer for Chess/Checker`s run at soul, blues and gospel hits in the `60s. Helped establish Chicago as a major soul centre.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - MARCH 1974: - PART ONE
Black Music March 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 4

peace

BAR-KAYS:
Taking over from the Mar-Keys as the Stax road band, this integrated instrumental funk team had a smash in `67 with "Soul Finger". After the tragic deaths of several Bar-Kays in the Otis Redding plane crash, a reformed group, now all black and aggressively so, gained popularity. Still with Volt Records, they now feature vocal, Sly influenced street funk.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - MARCH 1974: - PART ONE
Black Music March 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 4

peace

J. J. BARNES:
After two national pop hits "Real Humdinger", (Ric-Tic `66) and "Baby Please Come Back Home" (Groovesville `67) this Detroit souler with a Marvin Gaye style faded, though a revival of interest is currently taking place due to Britain`s "Northern disco scene".

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - APRIL 1974: - PART TWO
Black Music April 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 5

peace

H. B. BARNUM:
The Los Angeles based producer/songwriter/pianist began as a cabaret-type vocalist recording prolifically for RCA in the `50s. But it was his productions on his own small R&B labels and his later work, with Lou Rawls which made him a major soul name. Now often produces Motown`s top acts.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - APRIL 1974: - PART TWO
Black Music April 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 5

peace

RICHARD BARRETT:
New York`s king of the group sound, first as a singer (with the Valentines, who hit with "Lilly Maybelle") and then as a songwriter/producer for dozens of doo-wop groups as well as the Chantels and Frankie Lymon. Recorded as a solo ("Some Other Guy") but it was with the Three Degrees that Ritchie maintained his successful track record in the `60s and `70s. His composition "Maybe" is an acknowledged classic.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - APRIL 1974: - PART TWO
Black Music April 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 5

peace

DAVE BARTHOLOMEW:
New Orleans trumpeter and band leader. Produced and co-wrote 20 million selling singles for Fats Domino throughout the fifties.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - APRIL 1974: PART TWO
Black Music April 1974; - Vol. 1 / Issue 5

peace

CHRIS BARTLEY:
In 1967 Chris` young, Smokey-type voice made a Van McCoy ballad "The Sweetest Thing This Side Of Heaven" (Vando) into a major hit. Despite a series of similar records the momentum was not maintained.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - APRIL 1974: - PART TWO
Black Music April 1974; - Vol. 1 / Issue 5

peace