October 9, 2023 ~ Charles Wilburn Trent, commonly known as bluegrass, country banjoist, dobroist, mandolinist, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Buck Trent, passed away ~ Most revered for his work as a banjo player. Invented the electric banjo. Plays lead guitar on both Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You and Jolene. Other notable collaborations include Bill Monroe during the early-1960s, backing Porter Wagoner for about a decade, and as a regular on Roy Clark's musical variety TV shows The Roy Clark Show and Hee Haw. Trent also toured the Soviet Union with Clark in 1976, the first Soviet tour of any American country music act. As a solo artist Trent is perhaps most acclaimed for the album The Sound Of Bluegrass Banjo released in 1962 ~ Trent was born in 1938
October 9, 2023 ~ Pop rock, new wave drummer Hugh Friel passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Atrix, enjoying regional popularity in their native Ireland from their inception in 1978 through the early-1980s. The band is perhaps best known for their debut single The Moon Is Puce produced by future the Pogues-guitarist Philip Chevron, and for its follow-up single Treasure On The Wasteland produced by Ultravox-frontman Midge Ure. They released their sole album, Procession, in 1981. Friel had previously worked with the Slow Motion Orchestra ~ Friel was born ca.1952
October 9, 2023 ~ Theatre, opera director Jorge Lavelli passed away in Paris, France ~ Staged numerous plays. To classical music audiences known for staging operas composed by Béla Bartók, Georges Bizet, Claude Debussy, Charles-François Gounod, Sergei Prokofiev, and Igor Stravinsky, working mainly as director for the Paris Opera yet also for the Vienna State Opera, La Scala, and others ~ Lavelli was born in 1932
October 9, 2023 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Kevin Parrott passed away ~ Formed the one-hit-wonder duo Brian & Michael with bassist, singer Michael Coleman, known for their 1978 UK No.1 hit single Matchstalk Men And Matchstalk Cats And Dogs. The duo originally consisted of Brian Burke and Coleman, but as Burke had left shortly after the first pressing of their debut single his replacement Parrott would be billed as Brian. The duo's follow-up single Evensong would peak in the low 90s on the UK chart. Coleman and Parrott would however remain active in the music industry, either individually or as a team working as songwriters, producers for the Ramblers, Claire & Friends, and Ken Dodd ~ Parrot was born ca.1946
October 9, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Andrés Cuervo passed away in Paris, France ~ Released his Tras De Ti debut album in 2008 and has recorded to commercial succes since. Known for songs such as Como Yo Te Quiero, La Receta, Viviria Bien, Te Extrano, Destino Casualidad, and Luna Cuentale ~ Cuervo was born in 1988
October 9, 2022 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Chuck Deardorf passed away ~ Married to singer Kelly Harland. Leader, co-leader and sideman. Closely associated with Dave Peterson. Has also worked with Don Lanphere, Bud Shank, Jovino Santos Neto, Jim Knapp, Tom Collier, Pete Christlieb, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Frank D'Rone, and others ~ Deardorf was born in 1954
October 9, 2021 ~ Dimitri Papadopoulos, commonly known as post-punk, no wave, rock drummer Dee Pop, passed away ~ Constant member of the Bush Tetras, which never achieved mainstream succes yet was highly influential in the early-1980s Manhattan scene and college radio. The band is best known for the singles Too Many Creeps and Can't Be Funky. Has also worked with a wide array of artists including Radio I-Ching, the Shams, John Sinclair, Jayne County, Michael Karoli, the Slits, Lenny Kaye, the Gun Club, Eddie Gale, Roy Campbell Jr, Marc Ribot, Borah Bergman, Darlene Love, Nona Hendryx, and others ~ Papadopoulos was born ca.1956
October 9, 2021 ~ Gospel singer, guitarist, organist, songwriter Shawn McLemore, full name Shawn Lamont McLemore, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his 1997 Wait On Him debut album which charted on the Billboard Gospel charts. McLemore would continue to record through the 2010s but failed to reach the same level of succes ~ McLemore was born in 1967
October 9, 2020 ~ Punk bassist Pierre Kezdy passed away in Glenview, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of the Effigies-frontman John Kezdy. Pierre is best known for co-founding 1980s punk outfit Strike Under, which evolved into Trial By Fire after the departure of lead singer Steve Bjorklund. Has also worked with Naked Raygun, Pegboy, the Rainbow Girls, the Interceptors, the Arsenal, and others ~ Kezdy was born in 1962
October 9, 2020 ~ Operatic soprano Ruth Falcon passed away ~ Debuted with the New Orleans Opera in 1968 playing the role of Frasquita in Carmen. Would go on to work with the New Orleans Opera, the New York City Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the Wiener Staatsoper, the Teatro Colón, the Opera De Monte Carlo, and others ~ Falcon was born in 1942
October 9, 2014 ~ Lincoln Valentine Scott, commonly known as reggae, dub drummer Style Scott, passed away in Manchester Parish, Jamaica ~ Drummer for Roots Radics, which served as the rhythm section of many top notch Jamaican stars including Bunny Wailer, Israel Vibration and Gregory Isaacs. Later teamed up with British dub producer Adrian Sherwood to form the core of Dub Syndicate. Also drummed on Revenge Of The Mozabites, the 1979 debut album of Suns Of Arqa ~ Scott was born in 1956
October 9, 2006 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Marek Grechuta, full name Marek Michel Grechuta, passed away in Krakow, Poland ~ Formed the cabaret group Anawa with Jan Kanty Pawluskiewicz, acclaimed for their 1967 Anawa album. Active as a solo artist since the early-1970s with about a dozen albums to his name ~ Grechuta was born in 1945
October 9, 2006 ~ Singer, percussionist, guitarist Rosanna Tavares passed away in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Member of Rosanna & Zélia, known for collaborating with artists such as Dino Saluzzi, Howard Levy, Katharina Franck, Shantel, and others ~ Tavares was born in 1961
October 9, 2005 ~ Electric blues, delta blues singer, guitarist Paul Wine Jones passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ For most of his life played merely as a pastime, working with local musicians. Released two albums in the 1990s, 1995's Mule and 1996's Pucker Up Buttercup. Jones passed away of cancer at age 59. The album Stop Arguing Over Me was released posthumously in 2006 ~ Jones was born in 1946
October 9, 2003 ~ Jazz trombonist Carl Fontana, full name Carl Charles Fontana, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ First gained attention in the early-1950s, initially hired by Woody Herman to fill in for Urbie Green but kept on after Green's return. Would go on to work with Lionel Hampton, Hal McIntyre, Stan Kenton, and Kai Winding. After relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada, by the late-1950s, Fontana spent most of his time performing in house orchestras and lounges, at times backing artists such as Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett, and Wayne Newton. The 1970s saw him playing with Louie Bellson, Bill Watrous, Supersax, and notably with drummer Jake Hanna, co-leading the Hanna-Fontana Band, including on the album Live At The Concord album. Fontana only recorded sporadically as a leader, and is noted most for his 1998 Live At Capozzoli's album ~ Fontana was born in 1928
October 9, 2003 ~ Jazz saxophonist Don Lanphere, full name Donald Gale Lanphere, passed away in Redmond, Washington, USA ~ Burst onto the New York scene in his late teens with a series of impressive recordings including with Fats Navarro, Woody Herman, Artie Shaw, Claude Thornhill, Charlie Barnet, and Billy May, before disappearing from view after a drug bust. For some two decades, Lanphere either ran the family music store or was out of music altogether, before making a remarkable comeback recording some dozen albums from the early-1980s until his death, including the acclaimed Into Somewhere, Don Still Loves Midge, and Lopin', the latter featuring Bud Shank and Denney Goodhew ~ Lanphere was born in 1928
October 9, 1999 ~ Vibraphonist Milt Jackson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Revolutionized the vibraphone. Long-time member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. As a leader or co-leader especially acclaimed for albums such as Jackson's Ville, Bags & Trane with John Coltrane, Bags' Opus, and Sunflower. Also present on albums by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk (The Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Hank Mobley, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Charlie Parker, Miles Davis (Porgy & Bess), and Ray Charles ~ Jackson was born in 1923
October 9, 1996 ~ Country, folk singer Colleen Peterson passed away ~ Member of 3's A Crowd. Member of Quartette. Solo artist. Cast in Canadian 1970 production of Hair. Also worked with Charlie Daniels Band, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Waits, Ry Cooder, Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, Janie Fricke, Marty Stuart. As a songwriter had her work recorded by Anne Murray, Ronnie Prophet and by Sylvia Tyson ~ Peterson was born in 1950
October 9, 1996 ~ Pianist, singer, composer, actor Per Asplin passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Starred in a number of films. Created the annual Christmas show Putti Plutti Pott And Santa's Beard. Participated in the prestigious Melodi Grand Prix a number of times. Best remembered as member of vocal group the Monn Keys ~ Asplin was born in 1928
October 9, 1993 ~ Singer Scotty McCreery born in Garner, North Carolina, USA ~ Winner of the 10th season of American Idol in 2011. Debuted with the album Clear As Day, spawning the hit singles I Love You This Big and The Trouble With Girls. Also known for songs such as See You Tonight and Five More Minutes
October 9, 1991 ~ Gerhard Höllerich, commonly known as schlager singer, actor Roy Black, passed away in Heldenstein, Germany ~ Took his stage name for his black hair color and his idol Roy Orbison. Started singing rock & roll but soon switched to romantic songs pressed by his manager, first gaining attention with the 1966 single Ganz In Weiss which sold over one million copies. Black would go on to become one of Germany's most beloved schlager singers, scoring hits well into the 1980s ~ Höllerich was born in 1943
October 9, 1988 ~ Guitarist Cliff Gallup passed away ~ Member of Gene Vincent's backing unit the Blue Caps through late 1956, appearing on some 35 tracks including Race With The Devil, Blue Jean Bop and Be-bop-a-lula. Regarded as one of early rock & roll's most technically proficient electric guitarists. Influential on Eric Clapton, Brian Setzer and Jeff Beck. At the request of his widow obituaries in local newspapers made no mention of his time with Vincent ~ Gallup was born in 1930
October 9, 1988 ~ Elmer Alexander, commonly known as jazz drummer Mousey Alexander, passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jimmy McPartland, Marian McPartland, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Johnny Smith, Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman, Eddie Condon, Charlie Ventura, Red Norvo, Clark Terry, Ralph Sutton, Sy Oliver, Doc Severinsen, Eddie Barefield, Buck Clayton, Beverly Kenney, Lee Konitz, Gene Krupa, Sal Salvador, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Alexander was born in 1922
October 9, 1984 ~ Justin Clarke, commonly known as grime MC, rapper, songwriter Ghetts, born in London, UK ~ Known for his intricate rhyme schemes. Has toured with Kano. Member of the Nasty Crew. Released his solo debut album, Rebel With A Cause, in 2014
October 9, 1984 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Heather Baker born ~ Touring and session guitarist for the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Adam Lambert, Bonnie McKee, Bea Miller, and others. Member of all-female Iron Maiden-tribute band the Iron Maidens from 2007 through 2010, going by the moniker Adrienne Smith using a female version of guitarist Adrian Smith's name. Member of post-hardcore band Fake Figures
October 9, 1982 ~ Singer, songwriter Otto Nielsen, full name Otto Louis Nielsen, passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Important figure in Norwegian culture with a career spanning five decades. Performed with his sister Gerd Nielsen under the moniker Otto & Gerd in the 1930s. Wrote children's opera. Program director for Norwegian radio show Søndagsposten for nearly two decades. Renowned songwriter ~ Nielsen was born in 1909
October 9, 1979 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, indie pop, pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, mandolinist, bassist, percussionist Alex Greenwald born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Lead singer of Phantom Planet. The band is best known for the singles California and Big Brat, the former used as the theme song of the teen drama The OC and a UK top 10 hit of the band's 2002 The Guest sophomore album. Collaborated with Mark Ronson on the Radiohead-cover Just. Co-produced the Young Veins sole Take A Vacation album, released in 2010. Has also worked with the Like, Phases, and with Blackblack
October 9, 1979 ~ Lecrae Devaughn Monroe, mononymously known as Christian rapper, producer, actor Lecrae, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Fronted hip-hip group 116 Clique. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Real Talk in 2004 and has recorded steadly since. Best known for songs such as Nuthin', All I Need Is You and Say I Won't featuring Andy Mineo
October 9, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, actor Jacques Brel, full name Jacques Romain Georges Brel, passed away in Bobigny, France ~ Master of the modern chanson. Influenced Scott Walker, David Bowie, Alex Harvey, Marc Almond, Rod McKuen. Brel has acted in close to a dozen films yet is best remembered as a singer, known for songs such as Le Moribond, Le Colombe, Amsterdam, Marieke and perhaps his best known Ne Me Quitte Pas. English translations of his songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Judy Collins, John Denver, the Kingston Trio, Nina Simone, Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams ~ Brel was born in 1929
October 9, 1978 ~ Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne Jr, commonly known as pop singer, guitarist, pianist, bassist, songwriter Nicky Byrne, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Member of Irish boy band Westlife, alongside Kian Egan, Markus Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden, known for songs such as Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, Fool Again, What Makes A Man, Queen Of My Heart, Hey Whatever, You Raise Me Up and Amazing, all of which reached top 10 in both the band's native Ireland and the UK
October 9, 1977 ~ Yafeu Akiyele Fula, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap rapper Yaki Kadafi, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Founding member of Outlawz. His full-length Son Rize Vol.1 solo album would be released posthumously in 2004. Noted for guesting on several Tupac Shakur recordings, perhaps most notably on the tracks All Bout U and When We Ride of the 1996 All Eyez On Me ~ Fula passed away in 1996
October 9, 1976 ~ In its twentieth week on the charts, A Fifth Of Beethoven by Walter Murphy hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ A disco instrumental rendition of the first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No.5, Murphy's A Fifth Of Beethoven was initially issued under the group moniker Walter Murphy & the Big Apple Band. Although all instruments were played by just one man, Walter Murphy, the publisher thought the song would be more successful if credited to a group. The single, lifted off the album of the same name, would be Murphy's sole Billboard Hot 100 hit, selling some two million copies. Later the song would be used in the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever. Murphy's follow-up single, Flight '76 based on Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's classical composition Flight Of The Bumblebee, would make a significantly lesser impact, peaking at No.44 Billboard Hot 100
October 9, 1975 ~ Country singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Brandy Clark, full name Brandy Lynn Clark, born in Morton, Washington, USA ~ Debuted as a recording artist in 2013 with the album 12 Stories produced by Dave Brainard and featuring Vince Gill on backing vocals. Known for songs such as Girl Next Door and the critically acclaimed Stripes. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Sheryl Crow (Homecoming Queen), Jennifer Nettles, Shelley Skidmore, Miranda Lambert (Mama's Broken Heart), Aubrie Sellers, Reba McEntire (She Got Drunk Last Night), LeAnn Rimes (Crazy Women), Billy Currington, the Oak Ridge Boys, Darius Rucker, the Band Perry (Better Dig Two), Kacey Musgraves (Follow Your Arrow), Gretchen Wilson, Wade Bowen, Keith Urban, Ashton Shepherd (Tryin' To Go To Church), Buffy Lawson, Jo Smith, Hayden Panettiere, Kenny Rogers, Mica Roberts, Sarah Darling, Pam Tillis, Ashley McBryde (Voodoo Doll), and Hailey Whitters
October 9, 1975 ~ Alternative rock, blues bassist Burak Güven born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Best known as member of Mor Ve Otesi, joining the band in 1997 as replacement for Alper Tekin. Produced Ayca Sen's 2009 Astronot album
October 9, 1975 ~ Rock, avant-garde, experimental singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Sean Lennon born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Halfbrother to singer Julian Lennon. Member of Cibo Matto, Ghost Of A Sabre Tooth Tiger, the Mystical Weapons, and of Claypool-Lennon Delirium. Active as a film composer since the mid-2000s, starting with Smile For The Camera. Served as producer for both his own bands as well as as Soulfly, Irina Lazareanu, Lana Del Rey (Lust For Life), the Black Lips, and others
October 9, 1973 ~ Blues singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Gospel, blues singer popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Influenced early rock & roll musicians such as Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Also a major influence on later British stars, such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Keith Richards. Pioneered use of deliberate distortion on the electric guitar. Pushed pop-gospel, gospel-influenced pop into the mainstream. Known for songs such as Rock Me, Down By The Riverside, and Strange Things Happening Every Day ~ Tharpe was born in 1915
October 9, 1965 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock bassist, singer, songwriter Andria Busic born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Son of jazz trumpeter André Busic. Brother of drummer Ivan Busic. Has worked with Dr Sin, Ultraje A Rigor, Taffo, Supla, Platina, and with singer Eduardo Araújo
October 9, 1965 ~ Saxophonist, flutist, bandleader, composer, arranger Geir Lysne born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Best known for leading the Geir Lysne Listening Ensemble. Has conducted and led big bands and orchestras such as the Norddeutscher Rundfunk Orchestra, the Danmarks Radio Bigband, the Kristiansand Blåseensemble, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra
October 9, 1964 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Dance Dance Dance at RCA-Victor Studios, Los Angeles, USA ~ Written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Carl Wilson, marking the latter's first serious songwriting contribution to a Beach Boy single having contributed the song's primary guitar riff. Produced by Brian. Released as a single, b/w The Warmth Of The Sun, it would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Guitarist Glen Campbell is one of the session musicians
October 9, 1961 ~ In its fifth week on the charts, Hit The Road Jack by Ray Charles hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Percy Mayfield, whose 1960 a capella demo would find its way to good friend Ray Charles. Charles would be the first to record it, the song noted for its call-and-response vocals between the pianist, begging for forgiveness, only to be rebuffed by his backing singers telling him to “hit the road”. It would be the second Billboard Hot 100 No.1 for the pianist, following Georgia On My Mind the previous year. Hit The Road Jack would also earn Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Girl group the Chantels issued their answer song Well I Told You later the same year, in which they voice regret of having told Jack to hit the road: “Well, I told you to hit the road, Jack, I'm sorry now, so, won't you come on back”
October 9, 1960 ~ Post-bop saxophonist, flutist Kenny Garrett born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Described as “the most important alto saxophonist of his generation” by Washington City Paper, and as “one of the most admired alto saxophonists in jazz after Charlie Parker” by the New York Times. In 1978 he joined the the Duke Ellington Orchestra, then led by Mercer Ellington. Released his debut as a leader, Introducing Kenny Garrett, on the Criss Cross label in 1984. Performed and recorded with artists such as Mel Lewis, Dannie Richmond, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Joe Henderson, Brad Mehldau, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, Brian Blade, Marcus Miller, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, Mulgrew Miller, and others. Continues to record to this day, both as a sideman and as a leader
October 9, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter PJ Harvey born in Bridport, UK ~ Critically acclaimed edgy alternative singer. Started as saxophonist in the local band Automatic Diamini, alongside John Parish with whom Harvey would collaborate on most of her solo albums
October 9, 1960 ~ Avant-garde jazz pianist, accordionist, composer Satoko Fujii born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Classically trained. Actively recording to critical acclaim since the mid-1990s. Leader or member of several ensembles, both big band and smaller settings, notably the Satoko-Fujii Quartet, Satoko Fujii Min Yoh Ensemble and Double Duo. Has worked with Paul Bley, Mark Dresser, Mark Feldman, Tatsuya Yoshida and Gato Libre. The latter also included her husband trumpeter Natsuki Tamura
October 9, 1958 ~ Guitarist, producer Al Jourgensen born in Havana, Cuba ~ Regarded as leading figure in industrial music. Founder, frontman, sole constant member of Ministry. Also worked with Lard, Lead Into Gold, Acid Horse, Pailhead and with Surgical Meth Machine. Produced for Reverend Horton Heat, Prong, Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, Blackouts, Alan Vega, Iggy Pop, Adrian Sherwood, and Jello Biafra
October 9, 1958 ~ Cellist, conductor Jonathan May, full name Jonathan Paul May, born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known for conducting, and founding, several youth orchestras in Floria. Artistic director of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, which under his guidance grew from a few dozen to over 200 members. Also closely associated with the Daytona Beach Youth Orchestra, the Florida Young Artists Orchestra, and others. Married to cellist Maureen May, with whom he has four children ~ May passed away in 2010
October 9, 1957 ~ Dixieland violinist, bandleader Carroll Dickerson passed away ~ Closely associated with Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines, King Oliver. Pivotal bandleader. Employed sidemen such as Johnny Dunn, Frankie Jaxon, Tommy Ladnier, Honore Dutrey, Natty Dominique, Sterling Conaway, Boyd Atkins, Fred Robinson, Jimmy Strong, Mancy Carr, Pete Briggs, Jimmy Mundy, Buster Bailey, George Mitchell, and Zutty Singleton ~ Dickerson was born in 1895
October 9, 1957 ~ Cecil Campbell, commonly known as reggae, dancehall singer Ini Kamoze born in Port Maria, Jamaica ~ Best known for Here Comes The Hotstepper, which reached top 10 in numerous countries in 1994 including America and the UK
October 9, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Grazia di Michele, full name Maria Grazia di Michele, born in Rome, Italy ~ Released her Cliché solo debut album in 1978 and has recorded consistently to a devoted fanbase since. best known for her 1986 Le Ragazze Di Gauguin album. Also known for Gli Amon Diversi, a 1993 dut with Rossana Casale
October 9, 1955 ~ Rock, new wave singer, guitarist Shona Laing born in New Zealand ~ Known for songs such as Glad I'm Not A Kennedy and Soviet Snow. Briefly a member of Manfred Mann's Earth Band in the early-1980s, appearing on the 1982 Somewhere In Afrika album
October 9, 1954 ~ Folk rock, pop guitarist, mandolinist, accordionist James Fearnley born in Worsley, UK ~ Member of the Pogues alongside Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer. Also worked with the Low & Sweet Orchestra, Talking Heads, David Byrne, Julia Fordham, Steve Earle, Dylan Walshe, Melissa Etheridge, and others
October 9, 1952 ~ Sharon Rachel Levy, commonly known as TV personality, music manager Sharon Osbourne, born in London, UK ~ Daughter of music manager Don Arden. Married to heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne. Became a household name through the reality show The Osbournes, following her family's daily life and first aired on MTV in 2002
October 9, 1951 ~ Jeri Keever Hull, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Bunny Hull, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Co-wrote New Attitude, recorded by Patti Labelle for the soundtrack of the 1984 Beverly Hills Cop feature film. Backup singer, present on albums by Harvey Mason Sr, the Jacksons, Michael Jackson (Thriller), Irene Cara, Morris Day, Anita Baker (Rapture), Peabo Bryson, and Billy Idol. As a solo artist best known for her 1994 A Child's Spirit album
October 9, 1951 ~ Radio DJ, nightclub DJ, producer, remixer Tom Wilson born ~ Closely associated with the Scottish dance music scene. Best known for his radio show Steppin' Out, aired on Radio Forth for over a dozen years starting in 1985. Nightclub DJ. Record producer, remixer, worked with artists such as N-Trance, the Time Frequency, Ice MC, Scooter, and DJ Dado ~ Wilson passed away in 2004
October 9, 1948 ~ Vibraphonist, marimba player Dave Samuels, full name David Alan Samuels, born in Waukegan, Illinois, USA ~ Recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Closely associated with Spyro Gyra, appearing on close to two dozen of the ensemble's albums. Founded the Caribbean Jazz Project. Has also worked with Gerry Mulligan, Carla Bley, Gerry Niewood, Paul McCandles, Bobby McFerrin, Double Image, Frank Zappa, Dave Valentin, Paquito d'Rivera, Edie Brickell, and Pat Metheny ~ Samuels passed away in 2019
October 9, 1948 ~ Rock, folk rock, country rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Jackson Browne, full name Clyde Jackson Browne born in Heidelberg, Germany ~ One of the preeminent 1970s singer, songwriters known for songs such as These Days, The Pretender, Running On Empty, Doctor My Eyes, Take It Easy, For A Rocker and Somebody's Baby. Member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Member of Pamela Polland's Gentle Soul. Romantically involved with the Velvet Underground's Nico. Had his songs recorded by Tom Rush, Gregg Allman, Joan Baez, the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds, and others
October 9, 1947 ~ Isabelle Genevieve Marie Anne Gall, commonly known as singer, actress France Gall born in Paris, France ~ Daughter of lyricist Robert Gall and singer Cecile Berthier. Won the 1965 edition of Eurovision Songfestival, representing France with the song Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son). Also worked with Denis Bourgeois, Serge Gainsbourg, Alain Goraguer, Jacques Datin, Gigliola Cinquetti, and Michel Berger ~ Gall passed away in 2018
October 9, 1947 ~ Beat guitarist Phil Cash, full name Philip Peter Cash, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Played rhythm guitar in the Applejacks, known for a number of mid-1960s singles including Like Dreamers Do penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Three Little Words and the UK top 10 hit Tell Me When. The band was also the first to record I Go To Sleep, written by the Kinks singer Ray Davies. Others who have recorded the song include Cher on her 1965 All I Really Want To Do solo debut album, Peggy Lee, the Pretenders, Graham Bonnet, Soulwax, and others
October 9, 1946 ~ Singer Bob Haworth born in Spokane, Washington, USA ~ Member of folk, folk-pop outfit the Brothers Four from 1971, replacing Mark Pearson, to 1985
October 9, 1946 ~ Singer, guitarist Don Baskin born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Member of Syndicate Of Sound, known for their single Little Girl which would reach the Billboard top 10 in 1966. The band would record a number of other singles, notably Rumors and Brown Paper Bag, but would be unable to replicate the success of Little Girl ~ Baskin passed away in 2019
October 9, 1944 ~ Bassist John Entwistle, full name John Alec Entwistle, born in Chiswick, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Who. The only one in the band with formal musical training. The band is known for songs such as I Can't Explain, My Generation, Substitute, Happy Jack and I Can See For Miles, the latter their only Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single ~ Entwistle passed away in 2002
October 9, 1944 ~ R&B, funk, soul, pop, funk rock, new wave singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Nona Hendryx born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Associated with Patti Labelle, co-founding member of the Blue-belles and of Labelle, writing or co-writing a vast amount of the band's material including Nightbirds, Going Down Makes ME Shiver and Space Children. As a solo artist well over half a dozen albums to her name, starting with the eponymous Nona Hendryx album released in 1977, and known for songs such as Keep It Confidential, Transformation, I Sweat (Going Through The Motions) and Why Should I Cry. Hendryx has also worked with Talking Heads, Keith Richards, Billy Vera, Afrika Bambaataa, Dan Hartman, Yoko Ono, and others, composed for film, dabbled in acting, written for Dusty Springfield and Ultra Naté, and is a gay-rights activist
October 9, 1943 ~ Jazz, blues guitarist Pete Cosey, full name Peter Palus Cosey, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1973-1975 stint playing with Miles Davis, including on the albums Get Up With It, Agharte, Pangaea, and Fark Magus. Prior Cosey worked as an in-demand session musician backing artists such as Etta James, Fontella Bass (including on the single Rescue Me), Rotary Connection, Howlin' Wolf, and Muddy Waters. Member of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Member of the Pharaohs, which would later evolve into Earth Wind & Fire. Cosey's talent and technique has been likened to Jimi Hendrix yet Cosey would maintain a low profile throughout his career and not record any solo albums ~ Cosey passed away in 2012
October 9, 1941 ~ Jesus Valdes Rodriguez, commonly known as pianist, composer Chucho Valdes born in Quivican, Cuba ~ Son of pianist Bebo Valdes, father of pianist Chuchito Valdes. Founded Irakere, one of Cuba's best known Latin jazz bands
October 9, 1941 ~ Helen Riggins, commonly known as actress, singer Helen Morgan, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity as a torch singer from the 1920s onwards. Starred as Julie LaVerne in the original 1927 Broadway production of Show Boat as well as several reprises and film adaptations ~ Morgan was born in 1900
October 9, 1940 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter John Lennon, full name John Winston Lennon, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Quarrymen which eventually evolved into the Beatles, generally regarded as one of the most important acts in the history of pop-rock music. Active as a solo artist since 1968, most notably collaborating with his second wife Yoko Ono using the moniker the Plastic Ono Band. Well known for songs such as Give Peace A Chance, Instant Karma, Imagine and Happy Xmas (War Is Over). Shot and killed by Mark David Chapman, a deranged fan, at age 40 ~ Lennon passed away in 1980
October 9, 1939 ~ Jazz saxophonist Ed Xiques, full name Edward F Xiques Jr, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Worked with Jaki Byard, Herb Pomeroy, Buddy Morrow, Les Elgart, Larry Elgart, Duke Pearson, Woody Herman, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Ten Wheel Drive, Frank Foster, Bill Watrous, McCoy Tyner, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Liza Minnelli, the Westchester Jazz Orchestra, Mario Bauzá, Maria Schneider, and others ~ Xiques passed away in 2020
October 9, 1939 ~ Overton Vertis Wright, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk, deep soul singer OV Wright born in Leno, Tennessee, USA ~ Renowned Southern soul singer known for That's How Strong My Love Is, You're Gonna Make Me Cry, When You Took Your Love From Me, Nucleus Of Soul, A Nickel And A Nail, I Can't Take It and Ace Of Spades ~ Wright passed away in 1980
October 9, 1939 ~ Harry DePona Bone, commonly known as accordionist Ponty Bone, born ~ Early on in his career a member of Joe Ely's backing band, appearing on nearly half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Honky Tonk Masquerade released in 1978. Achieved fame fronting his own band the Squeezetones, with whom he performed and recorded for two decades starting in the early-1980s, drawing from gypsy dances, reggae-blues, Tex-mex polkas, Cajun boogie, and other idioms. Bone has also guested on recordings by Butch Hancock, Wes McGee, Rory McLeod, Jimmie Dale Gilmore (After Awhile), Omar & the Howlers, Jerry Jeff Walker, Charlie Robison (Bandera), and Robert Earl Keen ~ Bone passed away in 2018
October 9, 1936 ~ Poet, writer, playwright, lyricist, songwriter Agnieszka Osiecka born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Daughter of pianist, composer Wiktor Osiecki. In her own right considered a cultural icon having co-written over an estimated 2,000 songs, collaborating with composers such as Krzysztof Komeda, Seweryn Krajewski, Adam Slawinski, and Zygmunt Konieczny. Of her lyrics Osiecka would comment “I am a journalist, that is why some of my songs are reports which rhyme.” Well known songs co-written by Osiecka include Ballada Wagonowa, Malgoska and Diabel I Raj all recorded by Maryla Rodowicz and Port Piratów recorded by Czerwone Gitary ~ Osiecka passed away in 1997
October 9, 1935 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Johnnie Bassett, full name Johnnie Alexander Bassett, born in Marianna, Florida, USA ~ Cites Billy Butler, Tiny Grimes, Albert King, BB King, T-Bone Walker as influences. Sessioned for decades for artists such as Big Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, Nolan Strong, André Williams, the Miracles, John Lee Hooker, Alberta Adams, Lowell Fulson, Dinah Washington, Tina Turner, Little Willie John, and others. Recorded as a leader since the mid-1990s ~ Bassett passed away in 2012
October 9, 1934 ~ Adolph Johannes Brand, commonly known as South-African jazz, bebop, post-bop, folk pianist, saxophonist, cellist Dollar Brand, sometimes also known as Abdullah Ibrahim, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Leading figure in Cape Jazz, drawing from gospel and traditional African music as well as from Western jazz. Influenced by Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington. Active since the early-1960s, initially leading the Jazz Epistles. Best known for Mannenberg recorded in 1974, which would become an anti-apartheid anthem. Has collaborated with international stars such as Max Roach, Carlos Ward, Randy Weston as well as with numerous renowned classical orchestras. Married to singer Sathima Bea Benjamin. Their daughter Jean Grae is also a musician, rising to fame in the late-1990s New York underground rap scene
October 9, 1929 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by Paul Whiteman & his Orchestra, records Without A Song ~ Originally written by Vincent Youmans, lyrics added by Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu, for the musical Great Day. The play only ran for 36 performances but Without A Song, along with the play's title track Great Day, would become famous. The Whiteman/Crosby version would be one of the earliest popular hit versions. It would later be recorded by a wide array of pop, jazz, opera and R&B artists including Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Lauritz Melchior, Mario Lanza, Mahalia Jackson, George Benson, the Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Sonny Rollins, Oscar Peterson, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, and Nana Mouskouri
October 9, 1920 ~ William Emanuel Huddleston, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist, bassoonist, pianist, singer Yusef Lateef, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA ~ Especially noted for albums such as Jazz Mood, Eastern Sounds, Live At Pep's, The Golden Flute, and The Doctor Is In & Out. Recorded prolifically both as a leader and sideman, appearing on albums by Donald Byrd, Frank Wess, Babatunde Olatunji (Drums Of Passion), Curtis Fuller, Charles Mingus (Pre-Bird), Clark Terry, Sonny Red, Grant Green, Slide Hampton, Les McCann, Art Farmer, Leon Redbone (Double Time), and Randy Weston. Lateef has also recorded outside of jazz, including forays into world and new age music, his 1987 Yusef Lateef's Little Symphony album winning the Grammy Award for Best New Age Recording, though his core influences, however, were clearly rooted in jazz. Or in Lateef's own words: “My music is jazz.” ~ Huddleston passed away in 2013
October 9, 1918 ~ Dionisio Ramon Emilio Valdes Amaro, commonly known as pianist, composer Bebo Valdes, born in Quivican, Cuba ~ Central figure in Cuban jazz. Father of pianist Chucho Valdes. Worked with the Orquesta Sabor de Cuba, Paquito d'Rivera, Rita Montaner, Benny Moré, Pio Leyva, Norman Granz, Rolando Laserie, Cachao, Diego el Cigala, Monna Bell, and Eladio Reinon ~ Valdés passed away in 2013
October 9, 1908 ~ Jazz singer Lee Wiley born in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, USA ~ Popular jazz singer from the 1930s through the 1950s. Worked with Leo Reisman (Got The South In My Soul), Bunny Berigan, Bud Freeman, Max Kaminsky, Victor Young (Just So You'll Remember), Fats Waller, Billy Butterfield, Bobby Hackett, Eddie Condon, Stan Freeman, Cy Walter, Jess Stacy, Paul Whiteman, the Dorsey Brothers, Johnny Green (Easy Come Easy Go), and others ~ Wiley passed away in 1975
October 9, 1900 ~ Jazz banjoist, guitarist Elmer Snowden, full name Elmer Chester Snowden, born ~ Worked with the Washingtonians, Bob Fuller, Lou Hooper, Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford, Bubber Miley, Tricky Sam Nanton, Frankie Newton, Benny Carter, Rex Stewart, Roy Eldridge, Chick Webb, Cliff Jackson, Al Sears, Dicky Wiss, Sid Catlett, Lonnie Johnson, Bud Freeman, Jo Jones, Tommy Bryant, and others ~ Snowden passed away in 1973