May 18, 1959 - Charlotte native Wilbert Harrison's recording of "Kansas City" becomes the number one hit on the pop charts.
The rock 'n roll classic "Kansas City" was written by famous songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and recorded by several different artists. However, Wilbert Harrison's version is the top pick and spends two weeks at the top of the charts. Harrison's song is also the first song to enter the charts at the low position of 100 and go all the way to number one. Part of a large family of Charlotte musicians, Harrison attended West Charlotte High School.
Photo of Wilbert Harrison