“Nightshift” was Commodores’ biggest hit following the departure of usual lead singer Lionel Richie. The group’s Walter Orange, a co-writer of the song, sings lead on verse one. Orange also sang lead on Commodores’ hits “Brick House” and “Too Hot Ta Trot.” So there.
Commodores’ Walter Orange was born on this date (or maybe yesterday’s date) in 1946. Two of the group’s songs on which he sang lead are included on today’s playlist.
Back in 2016, when Donald Trump was a candidate for president of the United States of America without impeachments and indictments on his resume, the classic song “Love Train” was played at the Republican National Convention. The O’Jays were not supportive of this use of their hit. Group member Walter Williams said “Our music, and most especially ‘Love Train,’ is about bringing people together, not building walls. I don’t appreciate being associated with Mr. Trump and his usage of our music without permission.” Added group member Eddie Levert, “I don’t agree, whatsoever, with Trump’s politics to the point where I think he just may be the anti-Christ.”
The O’Jays’ Eddie Levert turns 81 today. A few of his group’s hits are included on today’s playlist.
Learning that Jeff Beck was a fan of his, Stevie Wonder invited the guitarist to the studio to jam with him. Beck played on Stevie’s composition “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love,” recorded for what was to be Wonder’s next album, Talking Book. As a thank you, Wonder wrote a song for Beck to record: “Superstition.” Wonder told Beck he can release his version prior to Wonder’s version, which would appear on Talking Book.
Motown heard Stevie’s recording and knew it would be a hit single. Stevie wanted his song “Big Brother” to be the album’s first single, but he hadn’t finished recording it by the time Motown needed a 45 to release in advance of the full-length record. Stevie begged Motown to not put out a “Superstition” single, as he promised it to Beck, whose album release was delayed. Motown ignored their superstar’s pleas. The label released the single, and scored Stevie a number one single on the US pop and r&b charts.
Beck wasn’t too happy about that turn of events, though the two men eventually sorted things out, playing the song together at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th-anniversary ceremony.
Stevie Wonder turns 73 today. He is well-represented on today’s playlist.
Two Temptations songs that feature lead vocals from the late Dennis Edwards (February 3, 1943 – February 1, 2018) on today’s playlist, alongside other great r&b sides.
Today’s playlist celebrates the August 24 birthdays of The Shamen’s Colin Angus, King Krule, Jackie Brenston, Wynonie Harris, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, Mason Williams, and Jimmy Soul; and the August 25 birthdays of Elvis Costello, Public Enemy’s Terminator X, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Kiss’s Gene Simmons, The O’Jays’ Walter Williams, Weather Report’s Wayne Shorter, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Digital Underground’s Shock G, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Korgis’ James Warren, Felix da Housecat, Jan Delay, Willy DeVille, composer Leonard Bernstein, K7, and John Savage.