#14 Little Richard

Little Richard is a key figure in the transition from R&B to Rock n Roll. Like Jerry Lee Lewis, he combined R&B with Boogey Woogey for a distinctive sound. His over-the-top delivery and inflections foreshadowed 1970s funk. It could be argued that Richard was the first funk artist. In 1955, he hit the big time. In 1957, he became born again and went into the clergy. Eventually, he returned to rock and opened for the Beatles in 1962. Little Richard would not be able to reconcile religion and rock until the 1980s. The conflict cut deep and led to substance abuse. It probably hampered Richard’s career. Despite the conflict, Richard managed to score some hits into the 1970s. He still occasionally records and makes appearances.

Rock n Roll Moment: Richard quit Rock n Roll to become a preacher. He tossed all his gold into the river. What river? Only Richard knows.

Essential Little Richard:

Here’s Little Richard (1957)

Little Richard’s Top 10:
Tutti Frutti
Lucille
Long Tall Sally
Rip It Up
Slippin’ and Slidin’
Ready Teddy
The Girl Can’t Help It
Good Golly Miss Molly
Jenny Jenny
Keep A-Knockin’

#16 James Brown

James Brown is known as “The Godfather of Soul”, “Soul Brother #1”, and was “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” Brown was a musical force as a song writer, singer, dancer, and band leader. His work provided the basis for go-go music and hip hop. Brown began in the mid-50s and evolved into his persona. By the late 60s, the transformation was complete. His most notable work came in the early 70s as music began branching out and Brown’s style became more acceptable. Throughout his career, Brown was socially active. After the King Assassination, Brown kept Boston from rioting. He supported the Civil Rights Movement and later Black Power movement and Jesse Jackson’s PUSH. Brown died in 2006.


Rock n Roll Moment: In 1988, James Brown led police on a wild two state chase before being arrested and charged with gun and drug possession and numerous driving infractions.

Essential James Brown:

Live at the Apollo (1963)
Get on the Good Foot (1972)
The Payback (1974)
Hell (1974)
In the Jungle Groove (1986)
Star Time (1991)

James Brown’s Top 10:

Papa’s Got a New Bag
I Got You (I Feel Good)
It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World
Please, Please, Please
Say it Loud--I’m Black and I’m Proud
Sex Machine
Living in America
Licking Stick
Super Bad
Hot Pants

#18 Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder was a star at 13. He billed himself as “Little Stevie Wonder” and was a novelty at first. However, he soon proved a gifted songwriter and is considered the greatest artist of the seventies. Between 1972 and 1976, Wonder released classic after classic. On top of this, he performed the majority of the instruments on his albums. One exception to this was when guitar god Jeff Beck was in town. Despite the fact his best work was in the early to mid-1970s, the late 70s to mid 1980s saw his greatest success. Ironically, his most successful single was also one of his weakest. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” went #1 in the U.S. and U.K. in 1984. The following year he performed on “We Are the World” with USA for Africa. Stevie continued to record into the new millennium. During the mid-90s hustle craze, Wonder’s “My Eyes Don’t Cry” supplanted the original 1970s Hustle by Van McCoy. Nowadays, he seems to pop out during presidential campaigns supporting Democratic candidates.

Rock n Roll Moment: During his most creative period, Wonder often played all the songs on his album except when Jeff Beck was available.

Essential Stevie Wonder:
Talking Book (1972)
Innervisions (1973)
Fullfillingness’ First Finale (1974)
Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

Stevie Wonder’s Top 10:
Higher Ground
You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Superstition
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered I’m Yours
Fingertips (Part 2)
Uptight
You Haven’t Done Nothin’ (w/The Jackson 5)
Master Blaster (Jammin’)
Sir Duke
I Wish

60. Prince

Prince was a pop music curiosity until 1984. At that point, he became a superstar with the release of “Purple Rain.” He continued to produce hits throughout the 80s and into the 90s. His style combines rock, funk, R&B, pop, and whatever is going through the Purple One’s mind. Prince is a member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and is probably the most talented artist to arrive on the scene since Jimy Hendrix.

Rock n Roll Moment: In 1993, Prince changed his name to a symbol to protest his record company. He also wrote the word “slave” onto his cheek to protest their attempts to control his music.

Essential Prince:
Dirty Mind (1980)
1999 (1982)
Purple Rain (1984)
Sign o The Times (1987)
Diamonds and Pearls (1991)

Prince’s Top 10:
Controversy
1999
Little Red Corvette
Purple Rain
Let’s Go Crazy
When Doves Cry
Kiss
Seven
Cream
Gett Off

#65 Sly and the Family Stone

Sly and the Family Stone were a funk/soul band out of San Francisco. They emerged in the mid-1960s, peaked in the early 70s, and sputtered out in the early 80s. They have greatly influenced pop, rock, soul, funk, R&B, and hip hop. One rock historian summed up Sly’s influence by breaking up African-American music into two periods: Before and After Sly and the Family Stone.

Rock n Roll Moment: Sly got married on stage and then divorced shortly thereafter when his wife refused to participate in an orgy.

Essential Sly:
Stand! (1969)
There’s A Riot Going on (1971)
Fresh (1973)
Small Talk (1974)

Sly’s Top 10:
Dance To The Music
Everyday People
I Want To Take You Higher
Stand!
Family Affair
Que Sera Sera
I Get High On You
Hot Fun In The Summertime
If You Want Me To Stay
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)