THE LEMONADE STAND WEEKLY DOSSIER
RECURRENT BANK & TOP NEWS · WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20–26, 2026
This Week in R&B History: September 20–26, 2026
"An extraordinary week for Motown soul, 90s Urban AC benchmarks, neo-soul breakthroughs, and iconic Black vocal groups—connecting The Temptations, En Vogue, Boyz II Men, and Mint Condition to current airplay."
Host Hook: "What's one thing your wife or partner does that you don't say thank you for enough?"
Marvin Gaye — "Can I Get a Witness" (1963)
Released Sept 20, 1963, written by Holland–Dozier–Holland and recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit. Anchors early Motown call-and-response brilliance.
Janet Jackson — 20 Y.O. (2006)
Her 9th studio album debuted Sept 20, 2006, celebrating two decades since her groundbreaking Control LP. Featuring Jermaine Dupri and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
The-Dream (49) — Major songwriter/producer behind Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" & Rihanna's "Umbrella".
Yung Joc (46) — Atlanta hip-hop anthem "It's Goin' Down".
Host Hook: "Who deserves a little more appreciation from you today? Call in and give them their flowers."
Earth, Wind & Fire — "September" (1978)
"Do you remember the 21st night of September?" Maurice White and Al McKay gave this date eternal life in Black music history. Hit No. 1 on the U.S. R&B chart.
Sarah Dash (LaBelle) / B Angie B Birthday
Sarah Dash of LaBelle passed away Sept 21, 2021. Meanwhile, early 90s urban vocalist B Angie B was born on this date in 1968.
Wale (42) — D.C. hip-hop lyricist with heavy Urban AC crossover love ("Lotus Flower Bomb", "Matrimony").
Host Hook: "What's the ultimate slow jam or comfort track when you're kicking back at home with no drama?"
Patti LaBelle — Live! One Night Only (1998)
Released Sept 22, 1998, capturing Miss Patti's incendiary live power at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. Features guest appearances from Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey.
Ray Charles — "I Got a Woman"
Honoring the foundational genius of Brother Ray, bridging gospel chord progressions into secular R&B charts.
Mystikal (56) — Unmistakable New Orleans voice ("Danger", "Shake Ya Ass").
Big Rube (55) — Spoken-word icon of the Dungeon Family / Organized Noize & Society of Soul.
Host Hook: "What's the first R&B song that puts you in a warm, cozy fall mood?"
Boyz II Men — Evolution (1997)
Released Sept 23, 1997. Spawned the colossal Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis ballad "4 Seasons of Loneliness," which rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Brian McKnight — Anytime (1997)
Dropped the exact same day as Evolution. Became McKnight's first album to top Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, featuring "Anytime" and "The Only One for Me."
Jermaine Dupri (54) — So So Def titan; architect of massive hits for Usher, Mariah Carey, Xscape & Jagged Edge.
Host Hook: "Heritage Day: Celebrating the generational Black musical traditions, family recipes, and songs passed down in your house."
Mint Condition — Definition of a Band (1996)
Released Sept 24, 1996 on Perspective Records. Solidified Stokley Williams and the Minneapolis crew as the preeminent self-contained live R&B band with "What Kind of Man Would I Be."
Alina Baraz (Born Sept 24, 1993)
Cleveland-born songstress celebrated for lush, downtempo atmospheric R&B, connecting modern streaming R&B with mature adult contemporary sensibilities.
Cedric Dent (64) — Longtime baritone vocalist of 10-time Grammy-winning vocal group Take 6.
Host Hook: "What's the one R&B or Hip-Hop song you wish that artist had followed up with another monster hit?"
The Temptations — "My Girl" (Track Recorded 1964)
The iconic instrumental track was recorded at Hitsville on Sept 25, 1964. Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, it launched David Ruffin's lead vocals to No. 1.
T.I. (Clifford Harris) — Born Sept 25, 1980
The King of the South turns 46. Anchored monumental R&B crossovers including Justin Timberlake's "My Love" and Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines."
Host Hook: "Singles Day & Love Note Day: When was the last time you handwrote a note to someone special, or celebrated your own solo peace?"
Shawn Stockman (1972) & Cindy Herron (1965)
Celebrating Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and Cindy Herron of En Vogue—two titans whose four-part harmonies defined the golden decade of Adult Contemporary R&B.
Bell Biv DeVoe — Greatest Hits (2000)
Released Sept 26, 2000, compiling their unstoppable run from "Poison" to "When Will I See You Smile Again?", proving the enduring power of New Jack Swing.
Father MC (60) — New Jack Swing pioneer behind "Treat Them Like They Want to Be Treated" & "I'll Do 4 U".
Christina Milian (45) — R&B/pop vocalist ("Dip It Low", "AM to PM").