“Papa could swear, I declare” was a great soul lyric from the 70s, reminding us that soul and R&B was a fantastic music genre. What were the top R&B tunes in 1968?
1. “SAY IT LOUD–I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD” James Brown
2. “SLIP AWAY” Clarence Carter
3. “(SITTIN’ ON THE) DOCK OF THE BAY” Otis Redding
4. “GRAZING IN THE GRASS” Hugh Masekela
5. “YOU’RE ALL I NEED TO GET BY” Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
6. “STAY IN MY CORNER” Dells
7. “WE’RE A WINNER” Impressions
8. “I WISH IT WOULD RAIN” Temptations
9. “TIGHTEN UP” Archie Bell & the Drells (Atlantic)
Prologue: There is sadness around us as we see that Marvin (44), Tammi (24) and Otis (26) would all die well before their time. Marvin, James and the Temptations are all in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while Hugh, the Dells, and Archie enjoyed very little success after 1968.
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