February 12, 1935 – Gene McDaniels Born on this day in 1935, Gene McDaniels was one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from the early 1960s pop and R&B scene. He first found major success with the hit “A Hundred Pounds of Clay,” followed by the powerful ballad “Tower of Strength,” both of which showcased his smooth vocals and emotional delivery. But Gene McDaniels was more than just a chart singer — he was also a respected songwriter whose work would influence artists across multiple genre