On January 11, two major music icons were born: Big Bank Hank and Mary J. Blige. Big Bank Hank, whose real name was Henry Lee Jackson, was part of The Sugarhill Gang. Their hit song “Rapper’s Delight” was the first rap track to break into the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, paving the way for many hip-hop artists. Mary J. Blige earned the title “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” with a string of hits, including Top Five singles like “Real Love” and “Not Gon’ Cry.”
This date has also seen some memorable Top 40 moments. In 1965, The Beach Boys recorded “Help Me, Rhonda,” which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their version brought a fresh energy and harmony that set it apart from Bobby Freeman’s original. In 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded “Purple Haze,” inspired by a New York encounter. Although it didn’t hit the Top 40 in the U.S., it peaked at No. 3 in the U.K.
On January 11, 1985, Queen performed at the first Rock in Rio festival in Brazil, sharing the stage with acts like Whitesnake.
Sadly, the music world faced some losses on this day. In 2000, Whitney Houston was stopped by security at Kona International Airport for allegedly having marijuana. In 2005, Spencer Dryden of Jefferson Airplane passed away from colon cancer. He was known for hits like “Somebody to Love.” In 2017, Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters sued Universal Music Group over unpaid digital royalties.
January 11 is definitely a significant day in music history! Check back tomorrow for more Top 40 updates.
