THE LEMONADE STAND WEEKLY DOSSIER
RECURRENT BANK & TOP NEWS · WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 3, 2026
This Week in R&B History: September 27 – October 3, 2026
"A golden week in soul history celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life, Donny Hathaway's timeless legacy, Freddie Jackson's 70th Birthday, India.Arie's soulful emergence, and 40 years of Chaka Khan's 'I Feel for You'."
LSMS Listener Hook: "What's something your wife or partner does that you appreciate but probably don't say thank you for enough?"
Martha & The Vandellas — "I'll Have to Let Him Go"
Released Sept 27, 1962. Martha Reeves was working as Mickey Stevenson's assistant when Mary Wells missed her session. Reeves recorded the demo, bringing in Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard, directly securing their Motown contract.
Kurtis Blow — "The Breaks" + George Benson Peak
Kurtis Blow made history as the first rapper on national TV on Soul Train, where Don Cornelius famously remarked hip-hop didn't make sense to "old guys like me." Also on this date in 1980, George Benson's "Give Me The Night" hit No. 4 Hot 100 on its way to No. 1 Soul Singles.
Mark Calderon (55, 1971) — Color Me Badd ("I Adore Mi Amor", "All 4 Love").
Lil Wayne (44, 1982) — 5x Grammy winner; in 2012 surpassed Elvis for most Hot 100 entries.
R&B No. 1s on this date: James Brown (1965), Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1968), Diana Ross (1970), Rick James "Cold Blooded" (1983), Oran "Juice" Jones (1986), Prince "Thieves in the Temple" (1990).
LSMS Listener Hook: "What's one thing your family or an elder on your block taught you that you didn't truly appreciate until you became an adult?"
Stevie Wonder — Songs in the Key of Life
Motown's double LP masterpiece debuted at No. 1 and remained for 14 weeks ("Sir Duke", "I Wish", "As", "Knocks Me Off My Feet"). To celebrate the 50th, Wonder released four unheard session tracks including "My Life Story of Love."
Gladys Knight's "Grapevine" & Temptations' "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
On Sept 28, 1967, Gladys Knight & the Pips released Norman Whitfield's uptempo gospel-soul version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (selling 2.5 million copies) after Berry Gordy held back Marvin Gaye's version. Five years later (1972), The Temptations released the psychedelic-soul epic "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (No. 1 Pop, 3 Grammys).
Ben E. King (1938) — The Drifters lead singer ("Save the Last Dance for Me") & solo star ("Stand by Me").
Koko Taylor (1928) — Queen of the Blues; Sean Levert (1968) of LeVert.
Young Jeezy (49, 1977) — Atlanta rap heavyweight.
1993 Hip-Hop Releases: Souls of Mischief 93 'til Infinity & KRS-One Return of the Boom Bap dropped on the same day!
LSMS Listener Hook: "What's your morning coffee or tea ritual — and which classic slow jam belongs playing in the background while you pour it?"
Stevie Wonder — Hotter Than July
Reached No. 1 R&B album chart. Spawned "Master Blaster (Jammin')", "All I Do", "Rocket Love", and "Happy Birthday"—the anthemic catalyst that anchored the national campaign to make MLK Day a federal holiday.
OutKast (Aquemini) & Jay-Z (Vol. 2) Dropped Same Day
On Sept 29, 1998, five monumental albums hit stores simultaneously: OutKast's Aquemini ("Rosa Parks", "SpottieOttieDopaliscious"), Jay-Z's Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, Mos Def & Talib Kweli's Black Star, A Tribe Called Quest's The Love Movement, and Brand Nubian's Foundation!
DeVante Swing (57, 1969) — Jodeci founder, producer, and quiet storm visionary.
No. 1 R&B on this date: James Brown "Say It Loud" (1968), Diana Ross & Lionel Richie "Endless Love" (1981), Maze ft. Frankie Beverly "Can't Get Over You" (1989), Deborah Cox "We Can't Be Friends" (1999), Jagged Edge "Where the Party At" (2001).
LSMS Listener Hook: "International Podcast Day: What show or voice is keeping your mind sharp in the car right now? How has digital tech changed the way we hear soul?"
Patrice Rushen — "Remind Me" & "Forget Me Nots"
Celebrating master composer, pianist, and arranger Patrice Rushen. Her sophisticated chords underpinned dozens of classic hip-hop and R&B samples (Will Smith's "Men in Black", Faith Evans' "Love Like This").
Cissy Houston (1933) & T-Pain (42, 1984)
Emily "Cissy" Houston's Sweet Inspirations provided the vocal backbone for Aretha and Elvis. Meanwhile, T-Pain turns 42, bridging Auto-Tune technological revolution with pure acoustic R&B singing chops.
Marley Marl (64, 1962) — Juice Crew pioneer behind modern hip-hop sampling and remix culture.
LSMS Listener Hook: "International Music Day + CD Player Day: What R&B record takes you straight back to popping in your very first CD?"
Donny Hathaway — "A Song for You" & Flack Duets
Born in Chicago 81 years ago. Donny's lush arrangements, Rhodes chords, and iconic Roberta Flack duets ("The Closer I Get to You", "Where Is the Love") set the standard for male R&B phrasing and neo-soul.
Remembering Intro's Kenny Greene (1969–2001)
Passed away 25 years ago today at age 32. Beyond leading 90s trio Intro ("Come Inside"), Greene was a master songwriter who penned Mary J. Blige's foundational breakthroughs "Reminisce" and "Love No Limit."
Howard Hewett (71, 1955) — Shalamar lead voice ("A Night to Remember") & solo balladeer.
Herb Fame (84, 1942) — Peaches & Herb ("Reunited", "Shake Your Groove Thing").
In Memoriam: Al Jackson Jr. — Legendary Stax drummer for Booker T. & the M.G.'s, killed Oct 1, 1975.
35-Year Milestone: Public Enemy's Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black & Marley Marl's In Control Vol. II dropped Oct 1, 1991.
LSMS Listener Hook: "World Smile Day: What classic slow jam can instantly turn a bad week around in the first ten seconds?"
Freddie Jackson Turns 70 Years Old!
Born in Harlem, Jackson dominated 1980s quiet storm radio with 10 No. 1 R&B singles ("Rock Me Tonight", "You Are My Lady", "Jam Tonight", "Have You Ever Loved Somebody").
Brittany Howard Birthday & 1965 Gatorade Debut
5x Grammy winner Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) turns 38. In sports history, on Oct 2, 1965, University of Florida researchers first tested Gatorade during their game against LSU.
Full day tribute to Freddie Jackson's 10 No. 1 records across all Bliss FM dayparts.
LSMS Listener Hook: "National Boyfriend Day & Self-Love: What's the best love song someone ever dedicated to you — or what song taught you to love yourself first?"
India.Arie Turns 51 — "Video" & "Brown Skin"
4 Grammys, over 10 million albums sold. Her acoustic guitar soul redefined modern Black beauty, spiritual autonomy, and emotional health.
Talib Kweli (51), A$AP Rocky (37) & Ronnie Laws (76)
Brooklyn conscious lyricist Talib Kweli (Black Star) turns 51 alongside A$AP Rocky turning 37 and iconic jazz-funk saxophonist Ronnie Laws turning 76.
Pathway from India.Arie's acoustic healing straight into Saturday night's House of Love.
Host Hook: "National Good Neighbor Day: Who is the neighbor on your block who watches your house, shares garden greens, or brings you peace?"
Stevie Wonder — Songs in the Key of Life
Released Sept 28, 1976. Entered Billboard 200 at No. 1 and yielded "Sir Duke", "I Wish", "As", and "Love's in Need of Love Today"—the undisputed summit of modern soul.
Ben E. King Birthday (1938) & Miles Tribute
Celebrating Ben E. King ("Stand by Me", The Drifters) born on this day in 1938, while honoring jazz titan Miles Davis, who transitioned on Sept 28, 1991.
Merald "Bubba" Knight (84) — Unofficial leader and backbone of Gladys Knight & The Pips.
Jeezy (49) — Atlanta rap heavyweight known for soulful, horn-heavy trap anthems.
Host Hook: "National Coffee Day: What's the morning routine or vintage soul track that wakes up your spirit better than a double espresso?"
The Miracles — "Bad Girl" (Sept 29, 1959)
Berry Gordy’s fledgling Motown imprint earned its very first national Billboard Pop chart entry on Sept 29, 1959 with Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' "Bad Girl."
Remembering Otis Rush & Joe Hughes
Honoring Chicago West Side blues master Otis Rush ("I Can't Quit You Baby") and Houston blues legend Joe "Guitar" Hughes, born Sept 29, 1937.
Joe "Guitar" Hughes (1937) — Texas electric blues virtuoso who shaped R&B guitar phrasing.
Julien Baker (31) — Contemporary singer-songwriter celebrated for vulnerable soul-tinged lyricism.
Host Hook: "Who is the singer whose voice is so pure they don't even need background music to make your hair stand up?"
Cissy Houston & The Sweet Inspirations
Born Sept 30, 1933, Emily "Cissy" Houston provided the vocal foundation for Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and her daughter Whitney Houston, winning two Grammys for traditional soul gospel.
Patrice Rushen (Born Sept 30, 1954)
Celebrating pianist, singer, and master composer Patrice Rushen ("Forget Me Nots", "Remind Me"), whose timeless grooves underpin dozens of iconic hip-hop and R&B samples.
Marley Marl (64) — Legendary hip-hop producer behind the Cold Chillin' era and bridge to '90s R&B remix culture.
T-Pain (41) — Tallahassee hitmaker whose acoustic vocal mastery proved his sheer R&B power.
Host Hook: "October 1 marks the International Day of Older Persons: What is the wisest piece of advice an elder gave you that saved your life?"
Donny Hathaway — "Someday We'll All Be Free"
Born Oct 1, 1945 in Chicago. Donny's lush arrangements, gospel-infused Rhodes piano, and historic duets with Roberta Flack defined the benchmark of conscious Black soul.
Chaka Khan — I Feel for You
Released Oct 1, 1984. Written by Prince, featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel’s iconic rap intro and Stevie Wonder’s chromatic harmonica solo, uniting funk, hip-hop, and pop.
Howard Hewett (71) — Shalamar lead vocalist and solo Urban AC icon ("I Commit to Love").
Jerry Martini (84) — Founding saxophonist of Sly & the Family Stone ("Stand!", "Everyday People").
Host Hook: "World Smile Day: What's the one classic slow jam that makes you stop whatever you're doing, close your eyes, and smile?"
Freddie Jackson — "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)"
Born Oct 2, 1956 in Harlem, Freddie Jackson dominated 1980s Urban AC with 10 No. 1 R&B singles, including "Rock Me Tonight", "You Are My Lady", and "Jam Tonight."
Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) Birthday
Born Oct 2, 1988, 5-time Grammy winner Brittany Howard redefined modern Southern soul-rock with powerhouse vocals and daring, expressive chord progressions.
Freddie Jackson (70) — The undisputed quiet storm balladeer of the mid-to-late '80s.
Brittany Howard (38) — Soul singer and guitarist carrying the flame of Alabama rhythm.
Host Hook: "India.Arie taught us that our worth isn't measured by external validation: How are you taking care of your mental peace this weekend?"
India.Arie — "Video" & "Brown Skin"
Born Oct 3, 1975, India.Arie turns 51. With 4 Grammys and over 10 million albums sold, her acoustic soul and anthems of Black beauty transformed 2000s R&B.
Aretha Franklin (1980) & Black Thought (1973)
Aretha's 26th album Aretha dropped Oct 3, 1980 (featuring "United Together"), while The Roots' legendary lyricist Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter was born on this day in 1973.
Ronnie Laws (76) — Renowned saxophonist with Earth, Wind & Fire and solo jazz-soul hitmaker.
Black Thought (53) — The Roots' unmatched frontman, bridging live instruments and conscious soul.