October 1, 2023 ~ Bandleader, drummer, composer Julian Bahula, full name Sebothane Julian Bahula, passed away ~ One of several South African expatriates fleeing the Apartheids regime, finding success in Europe in the 1970s. Best known for founding and leading Jabula, with whom he recorded five albums through the early-1980s. The group is also known for guesting on the Mike Oldfield-albums Ommadawn, Incantations and Amarok. In 2012 South African president Jacob Zuma presented Bahula with the Order of Ikhamanga for exceptional achievements in the field of music ~ Bahula was born in 1938
October 1, 2023 ~ Soprano singer Patricia Janecková, full name Patricia Burda Janecková, passed away ~ Rose to fame winning the Czech-Slovak talent show Talentmania in 2010, and subsequently released her eponymous Patricia Janecková debut album the following year at age 13. Known for her passionate and emotive performances, Janecková continued to perform in public while studying privately with soprano Eva Drizgova-Jirusova. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Janecková announced a career hiatus in 2022. Despite early signs of a successful treatment, she passed away the following year at age 25 ~ Janecková was born in 1998
October 1, 2023 ~ Pop rock, soft rock, country producer Ron Haffkine passed away in Mexico ~ Best known as manager and producer for Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, the band name shortened to Dr Hook in 1975, for whom he produced songs such as Sylvia's Mother, The Cover Of The Rolling Stone, Sharing The Night Together, When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman, and Sexy Eyes, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Haffkine was born in 1938
October 1, 2021 ~ Balladeer, troubadour, singer, guitarist, songwriter Ewert Ljusberg, full name Karl Ewert Alvar Ljusberg, passed away in Härjedalen, Sweden ~ Actively recording since the early-1970s. Appeared in a Swedish production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. As a recording artist has collaborated with artists such as Bengt Sandh, Bernt Johansson, São Tomé, his brother Arne Ljusberg, and others. Assigned president of the Republic Of Jamtland, a humorous, fictitious nation, in 1989 ~ Ljusberg was born in 1945
October 1, 2021 ~ Folk singer, bhodran player, guitarist, promoter, band manager, label founder, producer Robin Morton passed away ~ Iconic figure in folk and Celtic folk. Co-founded the Boys Of The Lough in 1967 with Tommy Gunn and Cathal McConnell, remaining with the band through 1979. Manager of the Battlefield Band from 1980 until his death four decades later. Founded Temple US Records as well as Kinmor Publishing ~ Morton was born in 1939
October 1, 2018 ~ Composer, conductor, flutist Caroline Charrière passed away ~ Founded all-female choir Choeur De Jade. Composed chamber music, choral music and orchestral pieces. Best known for the oratorio Le Livre De Job and Awakening, a composition for wind quintet ~ Charrière was born in 1960
October 1, 2018 ~ Chahnour Varenagh Aznavourian, commonly known as singer Charles Aznavour passed away in Mouries, France ~ One of France's most popular singers dubbed France's Frank Sinatra. Has collaborated with Edith Piaf, Fred Astaire, Andrea Bocelli, Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Dusty Springfield, Liza Minnelli, Mia Martini, Elton John, Dalida, Serge Gainsbourg, Josh Groban, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, José Carreras, Nana Mouskouri, Julio Iglesias, Mireille Mathieu, Luciano Pavarotti, Céline Dion, Sting, Laura Pausini, Paul Anka, Plácido Domingo, and Youssou n'Dour ~ Azanavourian was born in 1924
October 1, 2018 ~ Bandleader, trumpeter, percussionist Jerry González passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Played an important role in development of Latin jazz. Brother of bassist Andy González. Member of Conjuncto Libre. Co-directed the Fort Apache Band with his brother Andy. Formed the Spanish ensembles Pirated del Flamenco and Comando de la Clave. Has also worked with Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner, Jaco Pastorius, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Woody Shaw, Tony Williams, Larry Young, Freddie Hubbard, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Archie Shepp, Paco de Lucia, George Benson, Chico O'Farrill, the Beach Boys, Papo Vazquez, Ray Barretto, Bobby Paunetto, Chocolate Armenteros, Hilton Ruiz, Chico Freeman, Famoudou Don Moye, Jose Chombo Silva, Rashied Ali, Paquito d'Rivera, Kenny Vance, Diego el Cigala, Enrique Morente, Santi Debriano, Steve Turre, Clifford Thornton, Kip Hanrahan, Abbey Lincoln, Franco Ambrosetti, Dave Valentin, and others ~ González was born in 1949
October 1, 2014 ~ Lynsey Monckton Rubin, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lynsey de Paul, passed away in London, UK ~ Songwriter, wrote or co-wrote songs for Jack Wild (Taking It Easy, Bring Yourself Back To Me), Del Davis (Sugarloaf Hill), and the Fortunes (Storm In A Teacup). As a solo artist best known for a string of 1970s hits including Sugar Me, Getting A Drag and Won't Somebody Dance With Me. Represented UK in the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Rock Bottom, co-written with Michael Moran. The song would reach 2nd place, losing out to France's Marie Myriam's L'Oiseau Et L'Enfant ~ Rubin was born in 1948
October 1, 2011 ~ George Edward Ballard, commonly known as jazz drummer Butch Ballard, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Pearl Bailey, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Arnett Cobb, Clark Terry, Shadow Wilson, Woody Herman, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Billy Strayhorn, Kay Davis, Chubby Kemp, Wendell Marshall, John Coltrane, Freddie Green, Harry Sweets Edison, Clark Terry, Emmett Berry, Bardu Ali, Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Arnett Cobb, Lucky Millinder, Bootsie Barnes, Bob Dorsey, Eddy Vincent, Mercer Ellington, and the Philadelphia Legends Of Jazz Orchestra ~ Ballard was born in 1918
October 1, 2003 ~ Greig Stewart Jackson, commonly known as bassist Chubby Jackson, passed away in Rancho Bernardo, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for his work with Woody Herman, driving Herman's rhythm section. As a leader acclaimed for his 1957 I'm Entitled To You album. Has also worked with Charlie Ventura, Dinah Washington, Charlie Barnet (Cherokee), Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, Lionel Hampton, and others ~ Jackson was born in 1918
October 1, 1992 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Harry Ray passed away in Bound Brook, New Jersey, USA ~ Joined the Moments in 1970, with whom he scored the Billboard R&B top 10 hits If I Didn't Care and All I Have the same year. Subsequent singles would include My Thing, Sexy Mama, Dolly My Love. A move to a new label barred the band from using the name and the trio renamed themselves Ray Goodman & Brown in 1978. The first single under their new moniker, Special Lady, would become one of their biggest hits and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and No.1 Billboard R&B ~ Ray was born in 1946
October 1, 1991 ~ Jazz trumpeter, trombonist Stu Williamson passed away ~ Younger brother of pianist Claude Williamson. Leader and sideman. Worked with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Billy May, Charlie Barnet, Shelly Manne, Pepper Adams, Terry Gibbs, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Elmo Hope, Jack Montrose, Zoot Sims, Lennie Niehaus, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Howard Rumsey, Duane Tatro, Bud Shank, and others ~ Williamson was born in 1933
October 1, 1990 ~ Filipino Napoli, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Phil Napoleon, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ First performed on-stage at age 5. Co-founded the Original Memphis Five with pianist Frank Signorelli, known for their 1927 hit Clarinet Marmelade. Has also worked with the Cotton Pickers, the Charleston Chasers, Leona Williams, Alberta Hunter, and with Jimmy Dorsey ~ Napoli was born in 1901
October 1, 1988 ~ Synth-pop, new wave singer Trevor Herion, full name John Trevor Herion, passed away ~ Member of a number of short-lived new wave, synth-pop bands yet never became a household name. Started in a local pub band originally called the B52's, renamed to the Puritans after discovering the American band the B52's were named the same. Present on the Made For Television (See My Friends), the first of only two singles by the band. Subsequently fronted Fallout Club, noted for also including Thomas Dolby, and known locally for the singles Falling Years, Dream Soldiers and Wonderlust all released in 1981. Following the band's disbandement Herion debuted as a solo artist with the album Beauty Life, which spawned a number of singles, all to little succes. Suffering from depression Herion committed suicide at age 28 ~ Herion was born ca.1959
October 1, 1984 ~ British pop group Wham release Freedom, lifted off their Make It Big sophomore album ~ Following Wake Me Up Before You Go Go and Careless Whisper, it became the third consecutive UK No.1 hit off the duo's sophomore album. Decades later, singer George Michael would convey: “When I was 19, I wrote Freedom, the original version, and I thought ‘I can't believe I've just done that’. I was absolutely thrilled. Because until then I had no real understanding of my abilities, but with Freedom, I started to take myself seriously as a writer.”
October 1, 1974 ~ Singer Keith Duffy, full name Keith Peter Thomas Francis Julian John Duffy, born in Donaghmede, Ireland ~ Original member of 1990s boy band Boyzone, known for hits such as Love Me For A Reason, Key To My Life, Father And Son, Words, Isn't It A Wonder, Baby Can I Hold You, All That I Need, I Love The Way You Love Me, You Needed Me and Every Day I Love You, all of which reached top 10 in both England and the band's native Ireland
October 1, 1971 ~ Pop, rock drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, mandolinist, singer Nigel Powell born in Bromley, UK ~ While in school a member of Illiterate Hands, which included future Radiohead-guitarist Jonny Greenwood as well as Thom Yorke's brother Andy Yorke. Powell would go on to play with the Sleeping Souls, Frank Turner's backing band. Has also worked with Dive Dive, the Unbelievable Truth, and produced a number of Belgian singer Milow's early singles
October 1, 1969 ~ Jazz bassist, keyboardist Joseph Patrick Moore born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader and sideman. As a bassist influenced by Paul Chambers, Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown and Ron Carter. Released his Never Never Land debut album in 1997. Two albums later he would co-found Blue Canoe Records, the internet's first all digital independent jazz label. Over the years Moore has collaborated with Earl Klugh, Bob James, Chris Duarte, Jimmy Herring, Jeff Sipe, Andrew Carlton, and others
October 1, 1968 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record I Can Hear Music, originally recorded by the Ronettes in 1966 ~ Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector. Previously recorded by girl group the Ronettes two years prior, barely making an impression on the charts. The Carl Wilson-produced cover would be included on the band's 1969 20/20 album. Released as a single, b/w All I Want To Do, it fared well better than the original, reaching top 30 Billboard Hot 100, and became a signature song for the band
October 1, 1961 ~ Stefano Rota, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, songwriter Michael Righeira, born in Turin, Italy ~ Formed the duo Righeira with Johnson Righeira, known best for Vamos A La Playa of their 1983 eponymous Righeira debut album. The single would reach top 10 across Europe and to this day is still regarded as one of the classic Italo disco recordings. Both the 1985 non-album single L'Estate Sta Finendo and Innamoratissimo of their 1986 Bambini Forever would also reach top 10 in their native Italy
October 1, 1960 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Sad Mood at RCA Studios, New York, New York ~ Recorded twice, the second and final cut with strings, yet Cooke still felt displeased with the song. It was good enough though for producers Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. The single released the following November, featuring Love Me on the flip side, would reach top 30 of both Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts
October 1, 1958 ~ Hector Pedro Juan Bosio, commonly known as alternative rock, new wave, pop-rock, post-punk, electronic bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, DJ, singer Zeta Bosio, born in San Fernando, Argentina ~ Formed pioneering Latin rock band Soda Stereo with Gustavo Cerati and Charly Alberti. Influenced by the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, Television, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Pink Floyd and Queen, the band would become the best-selling rock band in Argentina with some 25 million records sold. Well known songs include Zoom, Cuando Pase El Temblor, En La Ciudad De La Furia, Persiana America and De Musica Ligera
October 1, 1957 ~ Singer Nappy Brown records Right Time in New York, New York ~ Also known under the title Night Time Is The Right Time. Previously recorded by Big Bill Broonzy in 1938 and by Roosevelt Sykes the year before that, with slightly different lyrics for each version. Nappy recorded the song as Right Time and eventhough it did not chart nationally it would inspire numerous later versions, notably Ray Charles in 1958, and mark a highlight of Brown's early career. Musicians appearring on Nappy's version included Buster Cooper on trombone, Hilton Jefferson and Budd Johnson on saxophones, Kelly Owens on piano, Skeeter Best on guitar, Leonard Gaskin on bass and Bobby Donaldson on drums
October 1, 1956 ~ Albert Gumm, commonly known as songwriter Albert von Tilzer, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of songwriter Harry von Tilzer. Wrote or co-wrote numerous hit songs including Alcoholic Blues, Honey Boy, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, and perhaps most notably Take Me Out To The Ball Game ~ Von Tilzer was born in 1878
October 1, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Michael Saxell born in Ystad, Sweden ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a singer, songwriter, starting in the early-1980s. In-demand songwriter, wrote or co-wrote songs such as Repo Man (Bachman & Turner), Back Of A Map Of The Moon (Terry Jacks), Johnny G (The Guidetti Song) (Badpojken), and If I Were Sorry (Frans Jeppsson Wall)
October 1, 1955 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Howard Hewett born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of Shalamar from 1979 through 1985, present on songs such as The Second Time Around, Right In The Socket, Full Of Fire, Make That Move, This Is For The Lover In You, A Night To Remember, Dead Giveaway and Dancing In The Sheets. Following his departure from the group Hewett has recorded as a solo artist, notably I'm For Real, Stay and Strange Relationship, all of which reached Billboard R&B top 10
October 1, 1953 ~ Lawrence Horton, commonly known as R&B, jazz, funk, rock drummer Yogi Horton, born ~ In-demand touring and session musician. First appeared on Dave Baby Cortez' 1972 Soul Vibration album. Has also worked with Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, John Lennon, Ashford & Simpson, David Byrne, Debbie Harry, Hall & Oates, Diana Ross, Kenny G, the B52's, Jean-Michel Jarre, Lonnie Liston Smith, Gloria Gaynor, George Benson, Ben E King, and Stephanie Mills ~ Horton passed away in 1987
October 1, 1950 ~ Bassist Mark Helias born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA ~ Over a dozen albums as leader or co-leader. Noted especially for his work with avant-funk outfit the Slickaphonics and with the trio BassDrumBone which also include trombonist Ray Henderson and percussionist Gerry Hemingway. Has also collaborated with Anthony Davis, Dewey Redman, Jerome Harris (Algorithms), Bobby Previte, Ivo Perelman (Man Of The Forest), Regina Carter, John Zorn, Marty Ehrlich, Open Loose, Von Freeman, and Jane Ira Bloom
October 1, 1947 ~ Rock singer, actress, comedian Jane Dornacker, full name Jane Carroll Dornacker, born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA ~ Fronted Leila & the Snakes, known for songs such as Rock & Roll Weirdos and Pyramid Power. Also worked with the Tubes, serving as the band's touring backing singer and dancer and co-writing Don't Touch Me There ~ Dornacker passed away in 1986
October 1, 1947 ~ Singer Mariska Veres born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known as lead singer of Shocking Blue, joining the band in 1968 as replacement for Fred de Wilde, and present on hits such as Send Me A Postcard, Never Marry A Railroad Man and their best known Venus. The latter would reach No.1 in numerous countries, including topping the American Billboard Hot 100, and be notably covered by Bananarama in 1986 ~ Veres passed away in 2006
October 1, 1947 ~ Rock, progressive rock bassist, singer Martin Turner, full name Martin Robert Turner, born in Torquay, UK ~ Co-founding member of Wishbone Ash, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed early-1970s albums Pilgrimage and Argus, generally considered among their best. Turner departed the band in 1980, after recording the band's Just Testing album, and briefly returned at the end of the decade. Outside Wishbone Ash, Turner has been active in studio management, as a producer, and recorded as a solo artist starting with the album Walking The Reeperbahn released in 1996
October 1, 1946 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dave Gibson, full name David Lowell Gibson, born in El Dorado, Arkansas, USA ~ Married to singer Daisy Dern. Fronted the Gibson-Miller Band, with whom he recorded the 1990s albums Where There's Smoke and Red White And Blue Collar, of which the former spawned the Billboard Country top 30 hits High Rollin' and Texas Tattoo. However, Gibson would enjoy his biggest success as a songwriter. Both Tanya Tucker's If It Don't Come Easy and Alabama's Jukebox In My Mind would reach the top spot on the Billboard Country charts, respectively in 1988 and 1990. Other artists would reach the top 10 with songs written or co-written by Gibson, notably Steve Wariner, Larry Boone (Don't Give Candy To A Stranger), Southern Pacific, Confederate Railroad (Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind), Joe Diffie (Ships That Don't Come In), and Montgomery Gentry
October 1, 1946 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, jazz fusion bassist, double bassist, cellist Dave Holland born in Wolverhampton, UK ~ Quit school at age 15 to play in a Top 40 band but soon turned to jazz. Influenced by Ray Brown, Charles Mingus, Jimmy Garrison. Played with a host of jazz's finest including on three quintessential Miles Davis jazz fusion albums, namely Filles de Kilimanjaro, In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew. Holland would spend the remainder of the 1970s honing his skills, playing with topnotch artists and putting out string of critically acclaimed albums as a leader. Holland has played and recorded with John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Paul Rutherford, Derek Bailey, Terence Blanchard, Anthony Braxton, Michael Brecker, Vassar Clements, Eric Kloss, Steve Coleman, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Lee Konitz, Pat Metheny, and Kenny Wheeler
October 1, 1946 ~ Pauline Anna Strom, commonly known as keyboardist, electronic composer the Trans-Milennia Consort, born ~ Released her eponymous The Trans-Millenia Consort debut album in 1982. Strom said she translated visual ideas into sound, mapping an inner world of imagined pasts, possible futures and alternate realities. Retired from music by the late-1980s to focus on building a spiritual healing practice. A collection of shelved tapes would be bundled into the 2017 Trans-Millenia Music album, rekindling interest in her music. Strom was working on new material at the time of her unexpected death, the project posthumously released as Angel Tears In Sunlight in 2021 ~ Strom passed away in 2020
October 1, 1945 ~ R&B, soul, gospel, jazz singer, keyboardist, songwriter Donny Hathaway, full name Donny Edward Hathaway, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Iconic soul singer influential on Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Common, George Benson, Justin Timberlake, and Amy Winehouse. Known for songs such as The Ghetto (Part 1), This Christmas, Someday We'll All Be Free, Little Ghetto Boy, A Song For You and For All We Know. Has duetted with Roberta Flack, notably on Where Is The Love and The Closer I Get To You. Session singer, later producer, worked with the Staple Singers, Jerry Butler, Aretha Franklin, the Impressions, and Curtis Mayfield ~ Hathaway passed away in 1979
October 1, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, slide guitarist, pianist, songwriter Ellen McIlwaine born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Founded the late-1960s psychedelic blues-rock band Fear Itself, known for their sole eponymous Fear Itself album released in 1969. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1972 Honky Tonk Angel album and has recorded to a devoted fanbase since. Known for songs such as I Don't Want To Play, The Secret In This Lady's Heart and a slide guitar cover of Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground ~ McIlwaine passed away in 2021
October 1, 1944 ~ Singer Barbara Parritt born in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA ~ One third of R&B girl group the Toys alongside June Montiero and lead singer Barbara Harris, known for their 1965 hit recording A Lover's Concerto which reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Its follow-up, 1966's The Attack featured in the beach movie It's A Bikini World, would also reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 20
October 1, 1944 ~ Danièle Graule, commonly known as actress, singer Dani, born in Castres, France ~ Best known for her 1968 hit Papa Vient D'Epouser La Bonne and her 1974 hit La Vie A 25 Ans. She would also record the latter in English, titled That Old Familiar Feeling, with lyrics written by Lynsey de Paul
October 1, 1943 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records I'll Be Home For Christmas at Decca Recording Studio, Los Angeles, California ~ Written by Walter Kent, Kim Gannon and Buck Ram, the latter earning co-writing credit following a lawsuit regarding Ram's earlier poem. Released as a single by Crosby, b/w Danny Boy, late October it would become a top ten hit
October 1, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Don Sanders born ~ Sometimes described as “folk humorist&tdquo for his witty songwriting. Enjoyed some popularity in the 1960s and 1970s on the Houston folk scene, associating with artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and with Lyle Lovett, yet never broke through nationally. Would focus on work as a radio DJ and teacher by the end of the 1970s, providing a more stable income, yet continued to record well into the 2000s ~ Sanders passed away in 2018
October 1, 1943 ~ Saxophonist Jerry Martini born in Boulder, Colorado, USA ~ Key member of Sly & the Family Stone, staying with the band from its inception in 1967 until its disbandement in 1976, known for hits such as Dance To The Music, Everyday People and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). Also worked with Joe Piazza & the Continentals, Graham Central Station and Rubicon
October 1, 1942 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Wendell Harrison born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Grant Green, Big Maybelle, Chuck Jackson, Sun Ra, Howard Johnson, Marcus Belgrave, Jimmy Owens, Hank Crawford, Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond, Kenny Cox, Charles Moore, David Durrah, Ron Brooks, William Odell Hghes, John Arnold, Sean Blackman, Proof, and others
October 1, 1935 ~ Margaret Ann Borden, commonly known as pop, jazz singer Ann Richards, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Barnet, and with Stan Kenton ~ Borden passed away in 1982
October 1, 1934 ~ Producer, songwriter Geoff Stephens born in London, UK ~ Discovered and managed Donovan and co-produced his 1965 What's Bin Did And What's Bin Hid debut album. As a songwriter known for writing or co-writing a number of 1960s, 1970s classics including Tell Me When for the Applejacks, Crying Game for Dave Berry, Winchester Cathedral and There's A Kind Of Hush for the New Vaudeville Band, Sorry Suzanne for the Hollies, Daughter Of Darkness for Tom Jones, Silver Lady for David Soul and You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me for the New Seekers ~ Stephens passed away in 2020
October 1, 1932 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Albert Collins, full name Albert Gene Collins, born in Leona, Texas, USA ~ Cousin of Lightnin' Hopkins, who introduced him to the guitar. Dubbed “the Master of the Telecaster”, Collins helped shape the legacy of T-Bone Walker into a straight-forward, modern blues template. Influentual on guitar-driven acts such as Canned Heat, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Well over a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for 1965's The Cool Sound Of Albert Collins and 1978's Ice Pickin'. To younger blues audiences known for the 1985 Showdown collaborative album with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland, which earned the trio a Grammy Award ~ Collins passed away in 1993
October 1, 1930 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Richard Harris born in Limerick, Ireland ~ Best known as an actor for stage and film, Harris nevertheless recorded about a dozen albums as a singer. Best known to pop audiences for first recording the Jimmy Webb-penned Macarthur Park, originally intended for the Association. Harris would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1968. In later years both country singer Waylon Jennings and R&B, disco singer Donna Summer would each score a hit with it ~ Harris passed away in 2002
October 1, 1929 ~ Bonnie Campbell, commonly known as country singer Bonnie Owens, born in Blanchard, Oklahoma, USA ~ Married to Buck Owens, later to Merle Haggard. Revered singer known for a number of 1960s country recordings including Why Don't Daddy Live Here Anymore, Don't Take Advantage Of Me, and Just Between The Two Of Us, the latter a duet with then still future husband Haggard ~ Campbell passed away in 2006
October 1, 1929 ~ Country lyricist, promoter Paul Gilley, full name Herbert Paul Gilley born in Maytown, Kentucky, USA ~ Though records are unclear and sometimes disputed lyrics to a number of quintessential country songs are attributed to Gilley, including Ray Price's Crazy Arms and two of Hank Williams' best known, namely Cold Cold Heart and I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. Gilley reportedly once remarked it's not too bad being uncredited, since “you get paid for the lyrics, sometimes well paid.” ~ Gilley passed away in 1957
October 1, 1926 ~ Jazz trombonist, composer Andre Paquinet born in Arcueil, France ~ Son of jazz trombonist Guy Paquinet, in whose band he played. Also worked with Tony Proteau, Jacques Hélian, Claude Bolling, Michel Legrand, Fred Gerard, Benny Vasseur, Dany Doris, André Hodeir, Francois Guin, Jean-Claude Naude, Roy Eldridge, Slide Hampton, Ivan Jullien, and Paul Kuntz
October 1, 1926 ~ Ragtime pianist, composer, actor, author, radio and TV presenter Max Morath born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ~ Dubbed “Mr Ragtime” for his extensive studies of ragtime and role in bringing early Americana to a younger and wider audience, and particularly helpful in the ragtime revival of the 1970s. Devotee of specifically Eubie Blake and Scott Joplin. Recorded well over two dozen albums from the 1950s onwards. Became well known for his role in Ragtime Era, a series of 26 TV programs for PBS aired from 1959 through 1961. Has toured with number of theater shows, notably the acclaimed 1969 one-man show At The Turn Of The Century. Morath would continue to record and perform well into the 2000s. Authored or co-authored a number of books on ragtime music ~ Morath passed away in 2023
October 1, 1925 ~ Producer, label executive Harry Balk born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Discovered acts such as Little Willie John, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Rodriguez. Co-produced Del Shannon's Runaway. Noted for pushing Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, a career-changing and era-defining song disliked by Motown head Berry Gordy Jr but released partly thanks to Balk's insistence. Also pivotal to the career of Rare Earth ~ Balk passed away in 2016
October 1, 1924 ~ Louis Jacob Weertz, commonly known as pianist Roger Williams, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Member of Brass Monkey. Majored in piano but reportedly expelled for playing Smoke Gets In Your Eyes in the practice room instead of classical music. Known for songs such as Almost Paradise, Till, Near You, Born Free, and Autumn Leaves. The latter stands as the only piano instrumental since 1955 to top the Billboard charts ~ Weertz passed away in 2011
October 1, 1918 ~ Jessie Mae Booker, commonly known as R&B, pop songwriter Jessie Mae Robinson, born in Call, Texas, USA ~ One of the first black songwriters to break the colour barrier. Wrote or co-wrote numerous 1940s, 1950s hits recorded by artists such as Charles Brown (Black Night), Eddie Cleanhead Vinson (Cleanhead Blues, Old Maid Boogie), Amos Milburn (Tears Tears Tears), Patti Page (I Went To Your Wedding), Elvis Presley (Let's Have A Party), and Jo Stafford (Keep It A Secret) ~ Booker passed away in 1966
October 1, 1915 ~ Enos William McDonald, commonly known as country, honky-tonk, rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter Skeets McDonald, born in Greenway, Arkansas, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. Honky-tonker bridged the gap between country and rock & roll. Perhaps best known for Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes, a Billboard Country charttopper in 1952. Subsequent hits include This Old Heart, Call Me Mr Brown and Mabel ~ McDonald passed away in 1968
October 1, 1913 ~ Jazz violinist Harry Lookofsky born in Paducah, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked in both classical music, noted specifically for his tenure with the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Arturo Toscanini, and in jazz, regarded as one of bebop's earliest and most accomplished violinists. Critically especially acclaimed for his 1959 Stringsville album, bridging the gap between classical and jazz. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Coleman Hawkins, Lena Horne (Stormy Weather), Chris Connor, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Sarah Vaughan, Wes Montgomery (Bumpin'), Blood Sweat & Tears (Child Is Father To The Man), Antônio Carlos Jobim, Roberta Flack (Chapter Two), Hank Crawford, Bette Midler (The Divine Miss M), and Grover Washington Jr. To pop audiences Lookofsky is also known for co-producing Walk Away Renee, a 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for his son Michael Brown's band the Left Banke ~ Lookofsky passed away in 1998
October 1, 1912 ~ Songwriter, pianist Sol Marcus born in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Bennie Benjamin, Eddie Seiler, Guy Wood. Songs co-written by Marcus include Till Then (the Mills Brothers, Ray Peterson, Sammy Davis Jr), Ask Anyone Who Knows (the Ink Spots), Fabulous Character (Sarah Vaughan), Lonely Man and Anyone Could Fall In Love With You (Elvis Presley), Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone, the Animals, Elvis Costello), Forever My Darling (the Crew Cuts), I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire (Harlan Leonard, the Charioteers, Vera Lynn), and You're All I Want For Christmas (Brook Benton) ~ Marcus passed away in 1976
October 1, 1904 ~ Pianist Terry Shand, full name Terence Alister Shand born in Uvalde, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Jack Teagarden, Wingy Manone, Muggsy Spanier, Freddy Martin. Also known as a songwriter. Co-wrote Dance With A Dolly With A Hole In Her Stocking first recorded by Tony Pastor. Co-wrote I'm Gonna Lock My Heart And Throw Away The Key, recorded by Billie Holiday ~ Shand passed away in 1977
October 1, 1903 ~ Classical pianist, composer Vladimir Horowitz, full name Vladimir Samoyiovich Horowitz, born in Kyiv, Russian Empire ~ Generally regarded as one of the all-time greatest pianists known for his virtuoso . Early on in his career toured Russia paid in bread, butter and chocolate rather than money due to the economic hardship of the day. Best known for his interpretations of the Romantic repertoire, notably his 1932 recording of Piano Sonata in B Minor to this day considered the best performance of the Franz Liszt composition. Married to Wanda Toscanini, daughter of renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini ~ Horowitz passed away in 1989