| Week | Billboard | Cash Box | Record World |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5 | One on One Bob James & Earl Klugh |
One on One Bob James & Earl Klugh |
One on One Bob James & Earl Klugh |
| Jan 12 | |||
| Jan 19 | |||
| Jan 26 | American Garage Pat Metheny Group |
||
| Feb 2 | One on One Bob James & Earl Klugh |
Angel of the Night Angela Bofill |
|
| Feb 9 | One on One Bob James & Earl Klugh |
||
| Feb 16 | |||
| Feb 23 | |||
| Mar 1 | Every Generation Ronnie Laws |
||
| Mar 8 | Every Generation Ronnie Laws |
Every Generation Ronnie Laws |
Fun & Games Chuck Mangione |
| Mar 15 | Fun & Games Chuck Mangione |
Fun & Games Chuck Mangione |
|
| Mar 22 | |||
| Mar 29 | Skylarkin’ Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| Apr 5 | |||
| Apr 12 | |||
| Apr 19 | Skylarkin’ Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| Apr 26 | Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
||
| May 3 | Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
|
| May 10 | Skylarkin’ Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| May 17 | Skylarkin’ Grover Washington, Jr. |
Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
|
| May 24 | Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
Skylarkin’ Grover Washington, Jr. |
|
| May 31 | |||
| June 7 | Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
||
| June 14 | |||
| June 21 | Skylarkin’ Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| June 28 | Wizard Island Jeff Lorber Fusion |
(chart unavailable) | |
| July 5 | Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
Catching the Sun Spyro Gyra |
|
| July 12 | This Time Al Jarreau |
This Time Al Jarreau |
|
| July 19 | This Time Al Jarreau |
||
| July 26 | |||
| Aug 2 | Rhapsody and Blues Crusaders |
Rhapsody and Blues Crusaders |
Rhapsody and Blues Crusaders |
| Aug 9 | Give Me the Night George Benson |
||
| Aug 16 | Give Me the Night George Benson |
Give Me the Night George Benson |
|
| Aug 23 | |||
| Aug 30 | |||
| Sept 6 | |||
| Sept 13 | |||
| Sept 20 | |||
| Sept 27 | |||
| Oct 4 | |||
| Oct 11 | |||
| Oct 18 | |||
| Oct 25 | |||
| Nov 1 | |||
| Nov 8 | Love Approach Tom Browne |
||
| Nov 15 | Give Me the Night George Benson |
||
| Nov 22 | |||
| Nov 29 | Winelight Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| Dec 6 | |||
| Dec 13 | |||
| Dec 20 | Winelight Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| Dec 27 | Winelight Grover Washington, Jr. |
||
| Week | Billboard | Cash Box | Record World |
1980
In the Pocket: 70s Jazz-Funk (2013)

TRACKS:
- “Just Around the Corner” by Herbie Hancock. Taken from the album Mr. Hands (1980, Columbia). Album peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “Coming To You Live” by Charles Earland. Taken from the album Coming To You Live (1980, Columbia). Album peaked at #33 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “Barbara Ann” by Webster Lewis. Taken from the album Touch My Love (1978, Epic).
- “Brazilica” by Ramsey Lewis. Taken from the album Salongo (1976, Columbia). Album peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “In the Park” by Lonnie Liston Smith. Taken from the album Love is the Answer (1980, Columbia). Album peaked at #16 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “Hop Scotch” by Harvey Mason. Taken from the album Marching in the Street (1975, Arista). Album peaked at #19 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “Zaius” by Eddie Russ. Taken from the album See the Light (1976, Monument).
- “Put It in the Pocket” by Freddie Hubbard. Taken the from the album Liquid Love (1975, Columbia). Album peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “Africano” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Taken from the album That’s the Way of the World (1975, Columbia).
- “Sinbad” by Weldon Irvine. Taken from the album Sinbad (1976, RCA Victor).
- “Palos” by Bobo. Taken from the album Bobo (1979, Columbia). Album peaked at #38 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
- “Chicago Theme (Love Loop)” by Hubert Laws. Taken from the album The Chicago Theme (1975, CTI). Album peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Jazz LPs charts.
Dr. Smooth’s Flashback #17: Billboard/Cash Box/Record World charts of June 21, 1980
Spend an hour remembering some of the most popular jazz of 1980 as listed on the Top 40 Jazz Albums charts in the June 21, 1980 issues of Billboard, Cash Box, and Record World magazines.
Playlist:

Track 1: “Never Givin’ Up” by Al Jarreau, from the album This Time. Written by Al Jarreau and Ron Canning, produced by Jay Graydon.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | – |
| Cash Box | 20 |
| Record World | 10 |

Track 2: “Every Generation” by Ronnie Laws, from the album Every Generation. Written and produced by Ronnie Laws.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 17 |
| Cash Box | 10 |
| Record World | 14 |

Track 3: “Back Together Again” by Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway from the album Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway. Written by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, produced by Roberta Flack and Eric Mercury.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 10 |
| Cash Box | – |
| Record World | – |

Track 4: “All Hell Broke Loose” by Stanley Clarke, from the album Rocks, Pebbles and Sand. Written and produced by Stanley Clarke.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 16 |
| Cash Box | 15 |
| Record World | 6 |

Track 5: “Spellbound” by Earl Klugh, from the album Dream Come True. Written and produced by Earl Klugh.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 8 |
| Cash Box | 5 |
| Record World | 12 |

Track 6: “Baseball” by Michael Franks from the album One Bad Habit. Written by Michael Franks, produced by Tommy LiPuma and Andre Fischer.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 7 |
| Cash Box | 4 |
| Record World | 8 |

Track 7: “Brazilian Sugar” by George Duke, from the album A Brazilian Love Affair. Written and produced by George Duke.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 6 |
| Cash Box | 9 |
| Record World | 4 |

Track 8: “Carly’s Song” by David Sanborn, from the album Hideaway. Written by David Sanborn, produced by Michael Colina.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 4 |
| Cash Box | 7 |
| Record World | 3 |

Track 9: “Stars in Your Eyes” by Herbie Hancock, from the album Monster. Written by Gavin Christopher, Herbie Hancock, Lisa Capuano and Ray Parker, Jr., produced by David Rubinson & Friends.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 3 |
| Cash Box | 6 |
| Record World | 5 |

Track 10: “Snake Eyes” by Grover Washington, Jr., from the album Skylarkin’. Written and produced by Grover Washington, Jr.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 5 |
| Cash Box | 2 |
| Record World | 1 |

Track 11: “Catching the Sun” by Spyro Gyra from the album Catching the Sun. Written by Jay Beckenstein, produced by Jay Beckenstein and Richard Calandra.
| Jazz Album Charts: | June 21, 1980 |
| Billboard | 1 |
| Cash Box | 1 |
| Record World | 2 |
Jazz Short Takes, August 1980
Cash Box #1 Jazz Albums of 1980
In 1980, Cash Box magazine published a Jazz Album list weekly. Forty albums were ranked in each chart. Here’s a chart of the #1 jazz albums for 1980:
| Week Ending | Album | Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January 5 | One on One | Bob James & Earl Klugh |
| January 12 | ||
| January 19 | ||
| January 26 | ||
| February 2 | ||
| February 9 | ||
| February 16 | ||
| February 23 | ||
| March 1 | ||
| March 8 | Every Generation | Ronnie Laws |
| March 15 | Fun and Games | Chuck Mangione |
| March 22 | ||
| March 29 | ||
| April 5 | ||
| April 12 | ||
| April 19 | ||
| April 26 | ||
| May 3 | Catching the Sun | Spyro Gyra |
| May 10 | ||
| May 17 | ||
| May 24 | ||
| May 31 | ||
| June 7 | ||
| June 14 | ||
| June 21 | ||
| June 28 | ||
| July 5 | ||
| July 12 | ||
| July 19 | This Time | Al Jarreau |
| July 26 | ||
| August 2 | Rhapsody and Blues | The Crusaders |
| August 9 | ||
| August 16 | Give Me the Night | George Benson |
| August 23 | ||
| August 30 | ||
| September 6 | ||
| September 13 | ||
| September 20 | ||
| September 27 | ||
| October 4 | ||
| October 11 | ||
| October 18 | ||
| October 25 | ||
| November 1 | ||
| November 8 | ||
| November 15 | ||
| November 22 | ||
| November 29 | ||
| December 6 | ||
| December 13 | ||
| December 20 | ||
| December 27 | Winelight | Grover Washington, Jr. |
Dr. Smooth’s Flashback #8: Columbia albums 1980
The inspiration for this Flashback is the inner sleeve Columbia Records used for their vinyl jazz/R&B releases in 1980.


Playlist:

Track 1: “Razor” by The David Chesky Band, from the album Rush Hour.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 48 | 4 |

Keyboards – David Chesky
Bass – James (Fish) Benjamin
Congas, Percussion – Steve Kroon
Drums – Brian Brake
Guitar – Bill Washer, Joe Beck
Piano – Bob James
Violin, Lyricon – Michał Urbaniak
Flute – Mauricio Smith
Soprano Saxophone – Arnie Lawrence
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo, Soprano Saxophone – Lou Marini
Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Soprano Saxophone – Roger Rosenberg
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Sal Nistico
Trombone – Clint Sharman, Keith O’QuinnBass
Trombone – Dave Taylor
Trumpet – Danny Cahn, John Eckert, John Gatchell, Randy Brecker, Bob Millikan
Vocals – Jon Lind, Maurice White
| Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide: | not listed |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | not lsited |

Track 2: “Whisper Zone” by Ramsey Lewis, from the album Routes.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 7 | 36 |
| Billboard 200 | 173 | 8 |
| R&B | 51 | 7 |

Produced by Larry Dunn
Piano – Ramsey Lewis
Bass – Byron Miller
Drums – Ndugu Chancler
Electric Piano – Larry Dunn, Ramsey Lewis
Flugelhorn – Rahm Lee
Guitar – Al McKay
Percussion – Fred White, Paulinho Da Costa, Phillip Bailey
Saxophone – Donald Myrick
Trombone – Louis Satterfield
Trumpet – Michael Davis
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |

Track 3: “Family” by Hubert Laws, from the album Family.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 5 | 37 |
| Billboard 200 | 133 | 13 |

Produced by Hubert Laws
Flute, Piccolo, Backing Vocals – Hubert Laws
Vocals – Debra Laws
Backing Vocals – Angel Rogers
Bass – Nathan East
Drums – Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
Guitar – David T. Walker, Ron Muldrow
Piano – Bobby Lyle
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | not listed |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | not listed |

Track 4: “I Need You Now” by George Duke, from the album A Brazilian Love Affair.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 4 | 25 |
| Billboard 200 | 119 | 9 |
| R&B | 40 | 13 |

Produced by George Duke
Electric Piano, Second Lead Vocals, Synthesizer, Vibes – George Duke
First Lead Vocals – Simone
Bass – Byron Miller
Percussion – Sheila Escovedo
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Electric Guitar – Roland Bautista
Flugelhorn Solo – Jerry Hey
Vocals – Josie James, Lynn Davis
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |

Track 5: “A Dance for Your Thoughts” by David Liebman, from the album What It Is.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Did not chart |

Produced by Mike Mainieri
Saxophone – David Liebman
Bass – Marcus Miller
Congas – Don Alias
Drums – Steve Gadd
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Guitar – John Scofield
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | not listed |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | not listed |

Track 6: “Just Around the Corner” by Herbie Hancock, from the album, Mr. Hands.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 4 | 31 |
| Billboard 200 | 117 | 6 |
| R&B | 46 | 11 |

Produced by David Rubinson & Friends, Inc. and Herbie Hancock
Keyboards – Herbie Hancock
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Alphonse Mouzon
Guitar – Wah Wah Watson
Percussion – Sheila Escovedo
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |

Track 7: “Spanish Eyes” by Al Di Meola, from the album Splendido Hotel.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 8 | 27 |
| Billboard 200 | 119 | 14 |

Produced by Al Di Meola
Guitar – Al Di Meola
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Les Paul
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★★ |

Track 8: “You/Me Together” by Stanley Clarke, from the album Rocks, Pebbles and Sand.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 5 | 23 |
| Billboard 200 | 95 | 11 |
| R&B | 40 | 15 |

Produced by Stanley Clarke
Vocals, Bass – Stanley Clarke
Vocals – Marcy Levy
Drums, Percussion – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Charles Johnson
Keyboards – Steve Bach
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★ |

Track 9: “Star” by Maynard Ferguson, from the album It’s My Time.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 23 | 10 |
| Billboard 200 | 188 | 2 |

Produced by Bert De Coteaux
Trumpet – Maynard Ferguson
Guitar – Tom Rizzo
Bass – Lou Carfa
Drums – Roberto Petaccia
Keyboards – David Ramsay
Percussion – Jimmy Maelen
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Mike Migliore
Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute – Ed Maina
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Eric Traub
Trombone– Nick Lane, Ken Crane
Trumpet – Alan Wise, Mike Horbal, Rusty Barker, Stan Mark
Vocals – Deborah McDuffie, Krystal Davis, Yvonne Lewis
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | not listed |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★ |

Track 10: “Beagle’s Boogie” by Joanne Brackeen, from the album Ancient Dynasty.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 35 | 4 |

Produced by Bob James & Joe Jorgensen
Piano – JoAnne Brackeen
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Saxophone – Joe Henderson
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |

Track 11: “Windy City” by Rodney Franklin from his self-titled album.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 12 | 30 |
| Billboard 200 | 207 | 1 |
| R&B | 62 | 3 |

Produced by Thomas C. Washington
Piano – Rodney Franklin
Bass – Nathan East
Drums – Tony St. James
Guitar – Phil Upchurch
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Vocals – Audrey Franklin, Carmen Twillie, Marti McCall, Phyllis St. James
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |

Track 12: “I Can’t Stop” by Patti Austin, from the album Body Language.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 28 | 9 |
| Billboard 200 | 208 | 2 |
| R&B | 62 | 4 |

Produced by Creed Taylor
Vocals – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Ava Aldridge, Cindy Richardson, Marie Tomlinson Clark
Bass – David Hood
Drums – Roger Hawkins
Engineer – Steve Melton
Guitar – Duncan Cameron, Jimmy Johnson
Keyboards – Jeremy Wall, Randy McCormick
Percussion – Mickey Buckins
Alto Saxophone – Jerry Dodgion
Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Jim Pugh
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | not listed |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |

Track 13: “Touch of Silk” by Eric Gale from the album Touch of Silk.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 12 | 31 |
| Billboard 200 | 201 | 5 |

Produced by Allen R. Toussaint
Guitar – Eric Gale
Bass – David Barard
Drums – James Black
Keyboards – Allen R. Toussaint
Percussion – Kenneth Williams
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | not listed |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★ |

Track 14: “Carespin’ with Mamie” by Arthur Blythe, from the album Illusions.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 32 | 8 |

Produced by Arthur Blythe and Jim Fishel
Alto Saxophone – Arthur Blythe
Cello – Abdul Wadud
Drums – Bobby Battle
Electric Guitar – James Blood Ulmer
Tuba – Bob Stewart
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★★★★★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★★ |

Track 15: “Making Love” by Herbie Hancock, from the album Monster.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 3 | 29 |
| Billboard 200 | 94 | 18 |
| R&B | 19 | 24 |

Produced by David Rubinson & Friends, Inc. and Herbie Hancock
Keyboards – Herbie Hancock
Vocals – Greg Walker
Backing Vocals – The Waters (Julia, Luther, Maxine, Oren)
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Alphonse Mouzon
Guitar – Wah Wah Watson
Percussion – Sheila Escovedo
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★ |

Track 16: “Brighton by the Sea” by Bob James, from the album H.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 3 | 44 |
| Billboard 200 | 47 | 18 |

Produced by Bob James
Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer – Bob James
Soprano Saxophone – Grover Washington, Jr.
Bass – Gary King
Drums – Buddy Williams
Electric Guitar – Hiram Bullock
| Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide: | ★ |
| Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz: | ★★★ |
As always, thanks to Herc of Herc’s Hideaway for research assistance and support.
Dr. Smooth’s Flashback #4: Billboard chart of December 6, 1980
Spend an hour remembering some of the most popular jazz of late Autumn 1980 as listed on the Jazz LPs chart in the December 6, 1980 issue of Billboard magazine.
Playlist:
#47: “Inflation” by Stanley Turrentine, from the #47 album of the week, Inflation. This album, on the Elektra label was in the latter third of its chart run on this date. However, his newer release on the Fantasy label, Use the Stairs, was at #33 in the first weeks of its chart run.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 17 | 38 |
| Billboard 200 | 209 | 1 |
| R&B | 65 | 3 |
#44: “Bud Powell” by Chick Corea and Gary Burton from the #44 album, In Concert, Zürich, October 28, 1979. This ECM album was premiering on the Jazz Charts this week and would go on to win the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 23 | 19 |
#38: “Midnight Parade” by Larry Carlton from the #38 album, Strikes Twice. This track is the third track on the album, which was Carlton’s fifth solo release. This week, the album was headed down the charts, having peaked back on the October 4 chart.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 8 | 22 |
| Billboard 200 | 138 | 8 |
#29: “Hideaway” by David Sanborn from the #29 album, Hideaway. The lead and title track from his breakthrough album. Sanborn would remain a staple on the jazz charts throughout his career. By this point, the album was almost halfway from its 86 week chart run. It was in its 41st week on the chart, having premiered at #18 on March 1.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 2 | 86 |
| Billboard 200 | 63 | 19 |
| R&B | 33 | 14 |
#28: “Who’ll Be The Fool Tonight” by the Larsen-Feiten Band from the #28 album, Larsen-Feiten Band. This single by a group of well-known session musicians (led by keyboardist Neil Larsen and guitarist Buzz Feiten) hit #29 in the Billboard Top 40 in October 1980.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 16 | 12 |
| Billboard 200 | 142 | 10 |
#20: “East Side Strut” by Deodato from the #20 album, Night Cruiser. The second track on the album, this funk song features bass playing by Gary Grainger. The album debuted at #40 on the chart in late August before peaking at #7 in mid-October.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 7 | 33 |
| Billboard 200 | 186 | 3 |
| R&B | 53 | 8 |
#15: “The Two of Us” by Seawind from the #15 album, Seawind. Seawind was a fusion group from Hawaii; this, their most popular album, was their only release on the A&M label and was produced by George Duke. This west coast/AOR song features vocals by Pauline Wilson and Carl Carlwell on vocals as well as the signature horn licks of Jerry Hey. The album first appeared on the chart on October 11, had peaked in November, and was just starting its move down the charts on this date.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 13 | 30 |
| Billboard 200 | 83 | 11 |
| R&B | 20 | 21 |
#11: “Your Sweet Love” by Al Jarreau from the #11 album, This Time. The album, produced by Jay Graydon, moved away from jazz towards a more adult R&B sound. The move was rewarded with chart success. This song again treats us to more Jerry Hey horns along with lots of electric piano from Tom Canning. This album held the #1 spot on the Jazz charts from for 3 weeks in July before being knocked off by The Crusaders’ Rhapsody and Blues.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 1 | 82 |
| Billboard 200 | 27 | 35 |
| R&B | 6 | 39 |
#10: “Funkin’ for Jamaica” by Tom Browne from the #10 album, Love Approach. This funk song hit #1 on the R&B charts and #9 on the Disco charts yet didn’t crack the Hot 100. Vocals provided by Toni Smith. This album held down the #1 spot on the Jazz album chart for just one week, November 8.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 1 | 45 |
| Billboard 200 | 18 | 26 |
| R&B | 1 | 32 |
#6: “Let it Flow (For Dr. J)” by Grover Washington, Jr. from the #6 album, Winelight. This album would go on to spend 31 weeks at #1 on the jazz charts and yield the #2 pop single “Just the Two of Us,” featuring vocals by Bill Withers. Washington was from the Philadelphia area and was a huge fan of the 76ers basketball team and often performed the national anthem before games. This love of the game led him to write this piece for Hall of Famer Julius Irving, star of the 76ers at the time. Grover’s previous album, Baddest, a double LP “best of” compilation on the Motown label, was also on this week’s chart, placing at #21.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 1 | 183 |
| Billboard 200 | 5 | 52 |
| R&B | 2 | 49 |
#2: “Bittersweet” by Spyro Gyra from the #2 album, Carnaval. This was this particular album’s 5th week on the chart; it spent a total of five weeks at #2 behind George Benson’s Give Me the Night. The group had two albums on the chart this week, their previous album, Catching the Sun, was at #31 in it’s 37th week on the chart.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 2 | 34 |
| Billboard 200 | 49 | 30 |
| R&B | 24 | 23 |
#1: “Dinorah, Dinorah” by George Benson from the #1 album, Give Me the Night.
A huge crossover hit on both the pop and R&B charts, this album spent 17 non-consecutive weeks in the #1 spot. Produced by Quincy Jones, this Brazilian composition by Ivan Lins and Vitor Martins features some familiar names including Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Greg Phillinganes, and Jerry Hey (yet again). The album debuted on the Jazz chart on August 9, was at #1 the following week, and stayed on the chart until August of the following year. It also topped the R&B album chart for 4 weeks.
| Billboard Album Charts: | Peak | Weeks |
| Jazz | 1 | 53 |
| Billboard 200 | 3 | 38 |
| R&B | 1 | 37 |
As always, thanks to Herc of Herc’s Hideaway for research assistance and support.


















