This week, the week of February 22-26, 2016, we will be looking at white artists you took black artist's songs as their own!

We call it:  "Black & White"

February 22, 2016

February is Black History Month.  A time to reflect on the contributions to society made by those of African Heritage.

In the field of music there are many people we could focus on but I thought I'd shine the light on a time when a black musician may have only heard their music played on the radio after it was covered (or stolen) by a white artist.

First up is an obvious choice.

Originally performed and released in 1952 the song spent seven weeks atop of the R&B charts and was the only hit for Willie Mae "Big Mamma" Thorton.

The song was then recorded by a up and comer from Tupelo who also had kind of a hit with it.

Obviously.

A number one hit for eleven weeks, Elvis Presley's version simultaneously held the top spot on the Country, R&B, and Pop charts in 1956.

~ Glenn