PATTI AND PRINCE: This week, two veteran R&B stars return to Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart after long absences. Patti LaBelle and Prince both have their first chart entries of the 21st century, as LaBelle's "New Day" (Def Soul Classics) and Prince's "Musicology" (NPG/Columbia) enter the list at No. 77 and No. 62, respectively.

Philadelphia-born LaBelle first appeared on Billboard's R&B singles chart the week of Aug. 31, 1963, with "Down the Aisle (Wedding Song)." The arrival of "New Day" gives her a chart span of 40 years, seven months and two weeks. "New Day" is Labelle's first R&B chart entry since "When You Talk About Love" peaked at No. 12 in August 1997.

"Musicology" launches Prince's second quarter-century on the R&B chart. He made his first appearance the week of July 29, 1978, with "Soft and Wet." That gives him a chart span of 25 years, eight months and two weeks. Prince was last on the chart with "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold," which peaked at No. 23 in November 1999.

So far so good.

Thanks for sharing the info. It's funny how just a couple of years ago, some were commenting how Prince will never sell out large venues again or will never make the charts or influence younger fans. Now he's selling out shows faster than I can cash a paycheck and put out an album that overall, most people on the org are excited about. A very good time to come out of the closet as a Prince fan. lol