Everyone agrees on one thing: Ahmet Ertegun was far and away the most important behind-the-scenes figure in Rhythm ‘n’ Blues and Soul history. A visionary and true pioneer, his enthusiasm for Jazz and R&B was boundless, and his contributions to this art form throughout the last half of the 20th century are unprecedented. Soul, Rhythm ‘n’ Blues, Jazz, and even Rock ‘n’ Roll prospered under the auspices of his singular ability to spot, nurture, and produce talen …

Pookie Hudson, lead vocalist of the Spaniels, passed away recently at age 72 after battling lung cancer for a couple years. Until the very end, he was totally engaged in his life’s calling, still performing and recording throughout 2006, and thrilling fans who have been delighting to his artistry for over a half century. The Spaniels signature tune was "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight". An R&B smash in 1954, the McGuire Sisters bland rush copy stormed …

Napoleon "Chico" Chism, one of the most well traveled and busiest blues drummers of the 20th century, passed away Jan 28, 2007 at age 79. His health had been in decline since he suffered a stroke in 2002 in his adopted state of Arizona where he had resided in Phoenix since 1986. Chism is probably best known as Howlin’ Wolf’s last drummer, but he managed to play, tour, and record with practically every major blues artist as well. &nb …

One of the most important 1950’s independent label owners passed away March 20. Hyman "Hy" Weiss started the Harlem-based Old Town label in 1953, and over the next two decades introduced a steady stream of artists that set the pace for a radical shift in public tastes. Jazz, Country, Pop, and Latin had been coming together around that time, but visionaries like Weiss added deep injections of Blues & R&B to the mix. Old Town Records was there from the start, and deserves credit …

Zola Taylor of the famous 50’s R&B group the Platters died on April 30th at age 69. She was the first female to become part of a male R&B male group, helping break down a lot of gender barriers. Afterwards, lots of other R&B groups started adding a female voice. Thirty years after her 50’s heyday, she was at the center of a controversy that would provide grist for a popular Hollywood movie based on Frankie Lymon's numerous liasons. Back in 1954, unhappy with the …