Stevie Wonder – As
As sits on the second disc of Songs in the Key of Life, Tamla's double album of 28 September 1976, after the singles I Wish and Sir Duke had already done the chart work. Wonder produced it and sang it. He did not play it
Joe Cocker – Sheffield gravel that shook Woodstock
Sheffield's Joe Cocker sang other people's songs with his whole body: "With a Little Help from My Friends" at Woodstock, Mad Dogs & Englishmen on the road, and a rasp that made the covers sound first-hand.
Stevie Wonder – You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
In summer 1972 at Electric Lady in New York, Jim Gilstrap sang the opening of You Are the Sunshine of My Life before Stevie Wonder took the lead.
Lionel Richie – Soft Motown that filled the arenas
Lionel Richie left the Commodores with Motown soft songs that still filled arenas and radio.
The Weeknd – After-dark R&B that filled arenas
Abel Tesfaye posted anonymous mixtapes from Toronto in 2011 as The Weeknd and later took that R&B sound to pop radio and stadiums.
The Weeknd – Heartless
On 27 November 2019, The Weeknd released "Heartless" on XO and Republic, and two weeks later it was No. 1 in the United States.
Shola Ama – You Might Need Somebody
In April 1997 London singer Shola Ama released You Might Need Somebody, a D’Influence-produced cover of the Tom Snow / Nan O’Byrne song best known via Randy Crawford, as a single from her debut album Much Love; it peaked at UK No. 4.
Soul II Soul – Keep On Movin’
In March 1989 Soul II Soul released Keep On Movin’ featuring Caron Wheeler: written by Jazzie B, produced with Nellee Hooper at Britannia Row, a UK No. 5 from Club Classics Vol. One that topped three US Billboard charts.
What if Aretha Franklin had never signed to Atlantic?
In 1966, Aretha Franklin remains at Columbia and rebuilds her career there instead of making her Atlantic breakthrough.
Timmy Thomas – Why Can’t We Live Together
In 1972 Miami, Timmy Thomas recorded Why Can't We Live Together largely alone on Lowrey organ, rhythm presets, and vocal for Glades / TK, and it reached US No. 3.