Today’s Soul Birthdays – December 17

Eddie Kendricks – American singer and songwriter. Noted for his distinctive falsetto singing style, Kendricks co-founded the Motown singing group the Temptations, and was one of their lead singers from 1960 until 1971.

Sheila and Wanda Hutchinson – Lead singers of American R&B groups The Emotions. The group started out in gospel music but transitioned into R&B and disco music. The Emotions were named by VH1 as one of the 18 most influential girl groups of all time.

Art Neville – American singer, songwriter and keyboardist from New Orleans. Neville was a staple of the New Orleans music scene for over five decades.

James Booker – American rhythm and blues keyboardist born in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Booker’s unique style combined rhythm and blues with jazz standards. Musician Dr. John described Booker as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.”