Here are more soul birthdays for the month of February:
This jazz singer was so popular that she had several entries in the Top 40 charts. Her first hit was “Guess Who I Saw Today.” Nancy Wilson was born February 20, 1937. Her singing career spanned five decades. She even had a TV show which only lasted one season, but won her an Emmy. The Nancy Wilson Show aired on NBC between 1967 and 1968.
Nina Simone was born February 21, 1933 in North Carolina. She was a classically trained pianist who had a paying gig in a bar in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The owner insisted she sing. It launched a career that spanned decades and dozens of albums. Even decades after her passing, Nina Simone is one of the most beloved singers of her time.
Other February birthdays:
Foster Sylvers was born February 25, 1962. He was a member of a family group called the Sylvers, which modeled themselves after the Jackson 5. Foster Sylvers had a solo hit in 1973 called “Misdemeanor.” He was just 11 years old.
Singer and pianist Antoine Domino was born February 26th, 1928 in New Orleans. As Fats Domino, his first R&B hits charted as early as 1950. When the rock and roll era hit in the mid-1950s, he crossed over and had his first Top Ten pop hit in 1955 with “Ain't That a Shame.” Fats was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Singer and songwriter Barbara Acklin was born on February 28, 1943 in California, and she was raised in Chicago, where she met Eugene Record of the Chi-lites. The two were married and became a songwriting team. In 1968, Barbara Acklin had her biggest hit as a singer, “Love Makes a Woman.” Her husband's group, the Chi-lites, provided backup vocals.
Listen above.
Recommended Tracks
“How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson
“My Baby Just Cares for Me” by Nina Simone
“Misdemeanor” by Foster Sylvers
“Please Don't Leave Me” by Fats Domino (pre-rock era)
“Just Ain't No Love” by Barbara Acklin & Chi-lites
