Mar 28th, 2005 · Rebirth of the Boogaloo March 28, 2005 · Music critic Oliver Wang reviews a new CD reissue of The Rough Guide to Boogaloo. The Boogaloo dance craze began in New York City in the mid-1960s. Its fusion of Latin rhythms and R&B gained fans from North to South America, but it burned out in a few years. Now, it's experiencing a resurgence.
Mar 24th, 2005 · S. Renee Diggs, the former lead singer of the R&B group Starpoint, has died at the age of 50 of reported complications of multiple scelorsis. Known for musical hits such as "Object Of My Desire" and "All Night Long," Diggs' band recorded 10 albums during the 1980s.
Mar 2nd, 2005 · Edward Patten, a member of Gladys Knight's Pips vocal backup, died last week of complications from a stroke. He was 65. NPR's Christopher Johnson spoke with Edward Patten's friend and fellow Pip Bubba Knight.
Feb 14th, 2005 · At the 47th annual Grammy Awards, Ray Charles' final album, Genius Loves Company, earns eight Grammys, including album of the year and record of the year, for his duet with Norah Jones. Singer Alicia Keys came away with four Grammys and R&B artist Usher won three.
Feb 3rd, 2005 · NPR's Ed Gordon talks with Vanessa Williams -- the talented woman of stage, screen, and records -- about her new CD, dedicated to some of the best R&B of the 1970s.
Jan 27th, 2005 · Get Lifted is the first solo album by R&B singer and piano player John Legend, who made his name playing with star producer Kanye West. Rock critic Ken Tucker has a review.
Aug 16th, 2004 · After a four-year hiatus, R&B maven Patti LaBelle has released her latest album, Timeless Journey. LaBelle helped revolutionize the genre and continues to command respect and evince staying power.
Aug 6th, 2004 · R&B and funk pioneer Rick James, best known for his dance hit "Super Freak," is reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home. According to news reports, James, born in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1948, died of natural causes. James served time in prison for assault, battled a crack cocaine addiction for many years and recently suffered a stroke while on tour. A movie based on his memoirs was planned.