September 1, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett, full name James William Buffett, passed away in Sag Harbor, New York, USA ~ Over two dozen albums to his name since the early-1970s, steadily growing his devoted fanbase lovingly referred to as “parrotheads”. Buffett is especially known for his laidback island escapism lifestyle and witty lyrics as evidenced in songs such as Margaritaville, Changes In Latitudes Changes In Attitudes, Come Monday, Pencil Thin Mustache, A Pirate Looks At Forty and Cheeseburger In Paradise. Noted musicians who passed through the ranks of Buffett's backing unit the Coral Reefer Band include in-demand percussionists such as Ralph MacDonald, Russ Kunkel and Kenny Buttrey, bassist Timothy B Schmit of Poco and the Eagles, progressive country singer, guitarist Jerry Jeff Walker, and fiddler Vassar Clements. Artists who on occasion have performed or recorded with Buffett, earning them status as “honorary Coral Reefers”, include Paul McCartney, Rita Coolidge, Steve Cropper, Steve Winwood, John Hiatt, Roy Orbison, JD Souther, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, James Taylor, and Sheryl Crow ~ Buffett was born in 1946
September 1, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano Milka Stojanović passed away in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Debuted at the the Belgrade Opera at age 22 portraying the role of Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi's Un Ballo In Maschera. Would go on to become an in-demand international guest singer with appearances with the Graz Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Hamburg State Opera ~ Stojanovic was born in 1937
September 1, 2023 ~ Hardcore punk guitarist Robert Becerra passed away ~ Member of the Stains, one of the earliest Los Angeles punk groups, founded in 1976. The band is considered influential on peers, merging elements from heavy metal into punk, and noted especially for their 1983 eponymous The Stains album. Becerra's guitar playing would serve as an inspiration for more well known artists, perhaps most notably Black Flag's Greg Ginn ~ Becerra was born ca.1959
September 1, 2021 ~ Carol Augustus Anthony, commonly known as soul blues, swamp pop singer, pianist Carol Fran, passed away ~ Known for a number of 1960s singles, perhaps most notably a 1962 swamp pop version of the Platters-classic The Great Pretender. Has worked with artists such as Guitar Slim, Nappy Brown, Lee Dorsey, Joe Tex. Resurged in the 1990s releasing a string of albums, often collaborating with her husband guitarist Clarence Hollimon, including the Soul Sensation album released in 1992 ~ Anthony was born in 1933
September 1, 2018 ~ Jazz, world fusion pianist Randy Weston, full name Randolph Edward Weston, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ A disciple of Thelonious Monk, also influenced by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. Closely associated with trombonist Melba Liston, a regular collaborator. Weston recorded some 50 albums as a leader or co-leader, and is particularly noted for Jazz A La Bohemia, Uhuru Afrika, and Tanjah. As a composer, Weston is perhaps best known for Hi-Fly, first recorded by Weston in 1958 and covered by numerous artists including Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, Eric Dolphy, and Dexter Gordon. Once described as America's African Musical Ambassador, Weston has been quoted as saying: “What I do I do because it's about teaching and informing everyone about our most natural cultural phenomenon. It's really about Africa and her music” ~ Weston was born in 1926
September 1, 2017 ~ Folk guitarist, singer Mick Softley passed away in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland ~ Softly recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Songs For Swingin' Survivors released in 1965, and has earned a devoted cult following including among fellow musicians. Played the trombone in school, before discovering the music of blues guitarist Big Bill Broonzy which prompted him to switch to guitar. Spent the late-1950s and early 1960s busking and playing the clubs in Paris, France, sharing stages with the likes of Clive Palmer, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Wizz Jones before returning to his native UK to become a figurehead in British folk. Reportedly taught cross-picking guitar techniques to Donovan, who would later record Softley's Goldwatch Blues and The War Drags On and cite Softley as a major influence. Softley continued to record and perform well into the 2000s, rejecting stardom and often performing for free, preferring to watch people enjoy his music rather than make money. Well known songs include Walk Walk Talk Talk, I Love You Baby, Can You Hear Me Now, Ragtime Mama, as well as renditions of Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit and Woody Guthrie's The Plains Of The Buffalo ~ Softley was born in 1939
September 1, 2015 ~ Owen Castleman, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Boomer Castleman, passed away ~ As a solo artist known for the 1975 single Judy Mae. Toured with John Denver before Denver adopted the Denver monniker. Co-founded the Survivors with Michael Nesmith. Co-founded Lewis & Clarke Expedition with John London and Michael Martin Murphey. Wrote or co-wrote, often with Murphey, songs recorded by the Monkees (What Am I Doing Hangin' Around), Royal Guardsmen (The Airplane Song (My Airplane)), George Hamilton IV (West Texas Highway), Lyle Lovett, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and by Rusty Wier (Texas Morning). Backed Tammy Wynette, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, George Jones, and Roy Clark ~ Castleman was born in 1945
September 1, 2012 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Hal David, full name Harold Lane David, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as songwriting partner of Burt Bacharach on songs such as Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Don't Make Me Over and Walk On By (Dionne Warwick), What's New Pussycat (Tom Jones), (They Long To Be) Close To You) (the Carpenters), One Less Bell To Answer (originally by Keely Smith, later a huge hit for the 5th Dimension), and The Look Of Love (Dusty Springfield). Also collaborated with other songwriters, Albert Hammond, Sherman Edwards, Paul Hampton, co-writing songs such as To All The Girls I've Loved Before (Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias), Broken-hearted Melody (Sarah Vaughan), and Sea Of Heartbreak (Don Gibson) ~ David was born in 1921
September 1, 2012 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, flutist Sean Bergin passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ During apartheid performed illegally with blacj musicians. Part of a large diaspora of South Africans to flee the country to find succes in Europe. Over a dozen albums as a leader, most acclaimed for the 1999 Copy Cat album. Sideman on recordings by the Abstract Truth, Burton Greene, Ernst Reijseger, the ICP Orchestra, Louis Moholo, Miriam Makeba, and the Dedication Orchestra ~ Bergin was born in 1948
September 1, 2008 ~ Jerry Reed Hubbard, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Jerry Reed, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Guitar Man, US Male, A Thing Called Love, Alabama Wild Man, Amos Moses, When You're Hot You're Hot, Lord Mr Ford, and East Bound And Down. Member of country supergroup Old Dogs, which also included Mel Tillis, Bobby Bare and Waylon Jennings ~ Reed was born in 1937
September 1, 2007 ~ James Reginald Riley, commonly known as jazz fusion, R&B percussionist Juma Santos, passed away ~ Enjoyed a career spanning four decades in jazz, fusion and R&B. Perhaps best known for touring with trumpeter Miles Davis for about a year and appearing on the seminal Bitches Brew jazz fusion album released in 1970. Other notable credits include Compost, Roy Ayers (He's Coming), Paul Pena, Andy Pratt (Andy Pratt), Larry Young, Michael Gibbs, David Sanborn, Chico Freeman, Freddie Hubbard, and Taj Mahal ~ Riley was born in 1948
September 1, 2005 ~ Guitarist RL Burnside passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Performed, albeit part-time, for most of his life but success eluded him until collaborations with Jon Spencer in the mid-1990s drew attention and brought his gritty, rough blues, blues-rock to new audiences. Started touring with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in 1995, both as an opening act and sitting in with the band. The collaborative A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey would be released the next year and lauded by critics, Billboard writing it “sounded no other blues album ever released” and gaining praise from musicians such as Bono and Iggy Pop. It turned out to be Burnside's big break. Subsequent albums would feature his rough blues-rock rooted in old blues styles such as rural blues, hill country, Delta and Chicago blues, but drawing from idioms as diverse as punk, techno, hip-hop and downtempo ~ Burnside was born in 1926
September 1, 2004 ~ Blues harpist, singer Raful Neal passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Bandmate of Buddy Guy in the Clouds. Critically acclaimed for a number of 1990s solo albums. Also worked with Tab Benoit and with the Hoodoo Kings. Nine of his ten children are also blues musicians, including singer Jackie Neal and guitarist Kenny Neal ~ Neal was born in 1936
September 1, 2002 ~ Sylvester Austin, commonly known as saxophonist Sil Austin, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Cites Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Sonny Stitt as major influences. Active since the 1940s. Has worked with Roy Eldridge, Cootie Williams and Tiny Bradshaw before setting out on his own, scoring jazzified hits of pop tunes such as Danny Boy, Slow Walk and My Mother's Eyes ~ Austin was born in 1929
September 1, 1997 ~ Soprano singer Natalya Rozhdestvesnkaya, full name Natalya Petrovna Rozhdestvenskaya, passed away ~ Long-time soloist for the Russian All-Union Radio radio station starting in the late-1920s, performing concert performances of operas, often conducted by her husband Nikolai Anosov. The couple's son is conductor Gennnady Rozhdestvensky ~ Rozhdestvenskaya was born in 1900
September 1, 1996 ~ Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, singer, actress, commonly known simply as Zendaya, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Former child model, backup dancer, Disney Channel actress. Released self-recorded singles Zwag It Out and Watch Me in 2011, the latter a collaboration with Bella Thorne. Her major-label debut followed with 2013's Replay, which reached No.40 US singles, and the eponymous album Zendaya, peaked at No.51 US albums chart. Currently best known as an actress in feature films
September 1, 1987 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, producer, engineer, songwriter Dann Hume born in Feilding, New Zealand ~ Member of Evermore alongside his brothers Peter Hume and Jon Hume. Has co-written songs such as Running, Light Surrounding You and It's Too Late. Has also served as producer and songwriter for artists such as Lisa Mitchell, Matt Corby (Telluric), Amy Shark (Weekends), Alpine, Troye Sivan, Sticky Fingers (Caress Your Soul), Tones And I and Kita Alexander
September 1, 1986 ~ All-female pop rock, power pop, paisley underground group the Bangles release Walk Like An Egyptian, lifted off their Different Light sophomore album ~ Songwriter Liam Sternberg was inspired when he watched people clumsily walking, trying to keep their balance on a ferry crossing the English Channel as they hit choppy waters. It reminded him of the depictions of human figures in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings, and he scribbled down the words “walk like an Egyptian” in his notebook. Sternberg recorded a demo version with singer Marti Jones, featuring percussion with kitchen implements. The song would first be offered to Toni Basil, who turned it down, and Lene Lovich, who recorded a demo version before taking a break from music. When a demo reached producer David Kahne, he took it to the Bangles, who recorded the song for their Different Light album. It would become the band's first Billboard Hot 100 No.1
September 1, 1986 ~ Adegbenga Adejumo, commonly known as dubstep, UK garage producer Benga, born in London, UK ~ Released his full-length Newstep debut album in 2006. Best known for songs such as Pour Your Love featuring Marlene and Forefather featuring Kano. Member of Magnetic Man alongside Skream and Artwork
September 1, 1985 ~ Country singer, songwriter Charlie Worsham born in Grenada, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Old Crow Medicine Show, member of Kingbilly. Toured with Taylor Swift. Opened for Miranda Lambert and Wade Bowen. Debuted in 2013 with the Rubberband album, featuring guest appearances by Vince Gill and Marty Stuart
September 1, 1984 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist Joe Trohman, full name Joseph Mark Trohman, born in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Fall Out Boy, known for songs such as Sugar We're Going Down, Dance Dance, and This Ain't A Scene (It's An Arms Race). Also worked with the Damned Things and With Knives
September 1, 1982 ~ Classical pianist Clifford Curzon, full name Clifford Michael Curzon, passed away in London, UK ~ Studied and taught at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Married to harpsichordist Lucille Wallace, with whom he adopted the two sons of soprano Maria Cebotari after she and her husband died. In-demand soloist, known for premiering works by Germaine Tailleferre, John Ireland, Alan Rawsthorne, and Lennox Berkeley. Recorded prolifically since the late-1930s, though highly self-critical Curzon would veto many of his recordings, some of which would be released after his death ~ Curzon was born in 1907
September 1, 1981 ~ Singer, bassist, actress Shingai Shoniwa, full name Shingai Elizebeth Maria Shoniwa, born in London, UK ~ Bassist of indie rock band the Noisettes, known for their 2009 hit Don't Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go). Also worked with artists such as Guillemots, Annie Lennox, and Dennis Ferrer
September 1, 1978 ~ Coralie Biolay, commonly known as singer Coralie Clément, born in Villefanche-sur-Saône, France ~ Influenced by Françoise Hardy, Jane Birkin, Serge Gainsbourg. Debuted in 2001 with the album Salle De Pas Pardus. Known for songs such as Dorénavant
September 1, 1977 ~ Singer Ethel Waters passed away in Chasworth, California, USA ~ 1920s blues singer known for recordings such as Stormy Weather, Taking A Chance On Love, Supper Time, Am I Blue, and His Eye Is On The Sparrow. Would go on to perform jazz, swing, pop and star in Broadway musicals ~ Waters was born in 1896
September 1, 1976 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Angaleena Presley, full name Angaleena Loletta McCoy Presley, born in Beauty, Kentucky, USA ~ Notably co-wrote Look It Up for Jasmine Rae and Knocked Up for Heidi Newfield before rising to fame after joining all-female country trio the Pistol Annies. The band, which also includes Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe, issued their Hell On Heels debut album in 2011 and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial success since, each of the members also enjoying a parallel solo career. Presley released her American Middle Class solo debut album in 2014
September 1, 1976 ~ Scott Hoffman, commonly known as glam rock, alternative pop bassist, keyboardist, saxophonist, guitarist, banjoist, singer Babydaddy, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Scissor Sisters. Co-wrote Kylie Minogue's I Believe In You with bandmate Jake Shears. Has also served as producer and remixer for artists such as the Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, and Tinashe
September 1, 1976 ~ Rock, alternative rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist, bassist Joey Eppard born in Kingston, New York, USA ~ Cites Led Zeppelin as one of his main influences, alongside artists such as King Crimson, Pink Floyd, and John McLaughlin. Praised for his finger-picked rhythms and his siren-like vocals. Best known as lead singer, guitarist of progressive rock outfit 3, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since the late-1990s. Eppard has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Been To The Future released in 2002. Eppard's brother is drummer Josh Eppard, who drummed on 3's Paint By Numbers debut album but would reach greater fame as a member of Coheed & Cambria
September 1, 1975 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte born in Wollongong, Australia ~ Started in the musical theatre, to venture into acting for TV. Rose to prominence in the early 2000s, noted for her role as Izzy in the popular soap opera Neighbours. Became the lead singer of electro-pop outfit the Rogue Traders in 2004, with whom she recorded the albums Here Come The Drums and Better In The Dark, before venturing out on her own. As a solo singer, Bassingthwaighte is known for songs such as Don't Give Up with Shannon Noll, Alive, and Someday Soon, all of which reached top 10 in her native Australia. Bassingthwaighte married former bandmate drummer Cameron McGlinchey in 2011, with whom she has two children, and rejoined the band in 2015
September 1, 1974 ~ Singer, actor Filip Nikolic born in St Ouen, France ~ Actor, singer. Best known as lead singer of boy band 2BE3. Also a member of Ima Robot. Was in the process of making a solo debut album when he died at 35 of a heart attack induced by a fatal mix of sleeping pills ~ Nikolic passed away in 2009
September 1, 1970 ~ Alt-country singer, guitarist Brent Best born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Frontman of Slobberbone, acclaimed for their 2000 Everything You Thought Was Right Was Wrong Today album. The album included Gimme Back My Dog, referenced by fan Stephen King in his Black House novel
September 1, 1968 ~ Regina Aparecida Saraiva, commonly known as singer, dancer, actress Regina Queen Alcasid, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Enjoyed chart and club succes across Europe from the late-1990s through the early-2000s with a number of Eurodance hits including Killing Me Softly and perhaps her best known Day By Day
September 1, 1964 ~ Jazz saxophonist Dave O'Higgins born in Birmingham, UK ~ Influenced by older jazzmen such as Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrane, as well as later generations such as Michael Brecker. First gained attention as a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for several years, before establishing himself as an in-demand sideman, collaborator, and leader by the early 1990s. Closely associated with Jim Mullen and Martin Taylor, to pop-jazz audiences known for working with Matt Bianco. Over a dozen albums as a leader, starting with All Good Things released in 1993. Has played classical music with the London Symphony Orchestra, and accompanied artists as diverse as Nancy Wilson, Randy Crawford, Jimmy Witherspoon, and the Four Tops. O'Higgins has also appeared on albums by Mezzoforte, Trudy Kerr, US3, Róisín Murphy, and Jazzanova. O'Higgins has also held several teaching positions including at the Guildhall School Of Music & Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, both located in London
September 1, 1964 ~ Folk rock, folk pop, pop singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Michael Brunnock born in Kells, Ireland ~ While holding down a day job as math teacher, Brunnock played in a number of bands in the Dublin area, most notably Little Palace co-founded by Brunnock in 1996 and known for their Beekeeper debut EP. By the early 2000s, Brunnock relocated to New York, where he landed a regular Tuesday night gig at The Red Lion. It was here he would be discovered by David Byrne, formerly of Talking Heads. Byrne would employ Brunnock to perform for the soundtrack to the 2011 comedy-drama This Must Be The Place, the song If It Falls earning Brunnock as well as writers Byrne and Will Oldham a David di Donatello Award, the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards. As a solo artist Brunnock has recorded to a devoted following and critical acclaim, starting with So Do I released in 2007, his music once described by the weekly The Irish Emigrant as “beautiful clear crispness and clipped tones, (…) expertly arranged melodies, driven home with truthful heart-filled soul”. Brunnock returned to his native Ireland in the mid-2010s, where he primarily works as a soundtrack composer
September 1, 1963 ~ Singer Carola Smit born in Volendam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as female lead of BZN from 1984, succeeding Anny Schilder, until the band's disbandement in 2007. Present on songs such as The Summertime, Amore, The Banjo Man and Wedding Bells. Released her eponymous Carola Smit debut album in 2008, spawning a modest local hit with With You (I'm In Heaven)
September 1, 1963 ~ Bryan G Phillips, commonly known as rock, alternative rock, folk singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist, mandolinist, keyboardist, percussionist Grant-Lee Phillips, born in Stockton, California, USA ~ Praised for his singing capabilities, blessed with a voice that is both smoky and honeyed smooth, his thoughtful lyrics, and sense of melody. Best known for fronting Grant Lee Buffalo, critically acclaimed for their 1993 Fuzzy debut album. The band would record three more acclaimed albums, before Phillips embarked on a solo career recording about a dozen albums, starting with Ladies' Love Oracle released in 2000. Phillips has also guested on recordings by Eels, Robyn Hitchcock, and Aimee Mann
September 1, 1963 ~ Indie pop singer, guitarist Malcolm Eden born in Ilford, UK ~ Lead singer, frontman of McCarthy. The band is known for lead guitarist Tim Gane's intricate guitar play and Eden's outspoken political lyrics, reflecting the band's far-left views. They were joined by future Stereolab-singer Laetitia Sadier on their third and final album Banking Violence And The Inner Life Today released in 1990. The band was cited as a major influence by the Manic Street Preachers, who also covered We Are All Bourgeois Now, Charles Windsor, and Red Sleeping Beauty. In the 1990s, Eden formed the short-lived Herzfeld, known for their sole The Sack album
September 1, 1961 ~ James Oppenheim, commonly known as saxophonist, songwriter Boney James, born in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Acclaimed as one of the premier contemporary jazz artists. Heavily influenced by R&B, especially Motown and Grover Washington Jr. Well over a dozen albums to his name starting with 1992's Trust. Has had artists such as Raheem DeVaughn, Faith Evans, George Benson, George Duke, Dwele, Al Jarreau, Earth Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey, Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benét, Stokley Williams, Avery Sunshine, Kenny Lattimore and Angie Stone guest on his albums
September 1, 1959 ~ John Godfrey Knauff, commonly known as vaudeville singer, songwriter Jack Norworth, passed away in Laguna Beach, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Take Me Out To The Ball Game with Albert von Tilzer, first performed by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes. The song would become the anthem of North American baseball. Neither of the song's authors had actually ever been to a ball game ~ Knauff was born in 1879
September 1, 1957 ~ Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo Garcia, commonly known as Latin pop, dance-pop singer Gloria Estefan, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Fronted the Miami Sound Machine. Known for hits such as Conga, Anything For You, The Rhythm's Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, Get On Your Feet and Turn The Beat Around
September 1, 1956 ~ Bassist Essiet Essiet born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Worked with Famoudou Don Moye, Abdullah Ibrahim, Art Blakey, Marty Cook, Ralph Peterson Jr, George Adams, Ron Affiff, Kenny Barron, the Blue Note All-Stas, Paul Bollenback, Donald Brown, Bruce Cox, Kurt Elling, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Jim Hartog, David Hazeltine, Freddie Hubbard, Victor Jones, Joe Locke, Kevin Mahogany, Cedar Walton, Bobby Watson, George Cables, Vincent Herring, and Frank Morgan
September 1, 1956 ~ Jazz singer Hilde Hefte born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Debuted in 1999 with the critically acclaimed Round Chet's Midnight album. Has since recorded steadily, including collaborations with Jon Larsen, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Ola Kvernberg, and Paul Weeden
September 1, 1955 ~ Rock, punk rock, new wave, mod revival bassist Bruce Foxton, full name Bruce Douglas Foxton, born in Woking, UK ~ Rose to prominence as key member of the Jam alongside drummer Rick Buckler and singer Paul Weller, known for songs such as All Around The World, Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, The Eton Rifles, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and Beat Surrender. After the band disbanded has recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1984's Touch Sensitive, and has worked with the Casbah Club, Sharp and perhaps most notably Stiff Little Fingers
September 1, 1955 ~ Jazz, experimental rock keyboardist Wayne Horvitz born in New York, New York, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s New York Downtown scene. Married to singer, pianist Robin Holcomb, with whom he also collaborated. Founded the New York Composers Orchestra. Closely associated with John Zorn, including in the ensembles Naked City and Pigpen. As a leader especially acclaimed for the early-2000s albums American Bandstand and Forever. In-demand sideman and collaborator, present on albums by Elliott Sharp, Peter Kuhn, Bobby Previte, Bill Frisell, Marty Ehrlich, and Warne Marsh
September 1, 1953 ~ Donald Blackman, commonly known as jazz, funk, R&B, soul pianist, singer, songwriter Don Blackman, born in Jamaica, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his eponymous Don Blackman debut album released in 1982. Best known as an in-demand session musician, present on albums by Lenny White, Bernard Wright, Roy Ayers, Kurtis Blow, Najee, the World Saxophone Quartet, Sting (Brand New Day), and Wayman Tisdale ~ Blackman passed away in 2013
September 1, 1953 ~ Violinist Jacques Thibaud passed away inear Barcelonnette, France ~ Had to rebuild his technique after being injured in World War I. Noted for his performances as a soloist as well in small chamber ensembles, notably in a trio with Alfred Cortot and Pablo Casals. Has also toured with Yves Nat and George Enescu. Had 2nd Sonata For Solo Violin written especially for him by close friend Eugène Ysaÿe. Thibaud, his daughter-in-law, and pianist René Herbin were killed in the 1953 Air France Flight 178 plane crash ~ Thibaud was born in 1880
September 1, 1952 ~ Jazz, classical trombonist Ed Neumeister born in Topeka, Kansas, USA ~ As a leader especially acclaimed for the albums New Standards and Reflection. Considered an inventive performer, Neumeister has drawn from avant-garde, free jazz, post-bop, and modern classical. While still in high school, Neumeister backed rock and roll artists such as Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, and Chuck Berry. In the classical world known for his tenures with the San Francisco Ballet & Opera and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra. An in-demand big band player on the New York scene during the 1980s and 1990s, working with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, and Mel Lewis. Neumeister has also appeared on albums by Jerry Garcia (Run For The Roses), Teresa Brewer, Bruce Williamson, Christopher Hollyday, Tom Boras, Michel Camilo, Tom Pierson, Bill Mays, Yvonne Roome, John Pizzarelli, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dean Friedman, Jim McNeely, and Nnenna Freelon, and held several teaching positions both in the USA and abroad
September 1, 1951 ~ Jazz, classical, world music pianist, rebab player, sarod player Larry Porter, full name Lawrence Stephen Porter, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Spent a significant part of his career in Europe, where he worked with artists such as Volker Kriegel, Kai Winding, Mel Lewis, Günter Lenz, and co-led the ensembles Head Heart & Hands and Music Community. Has traveled to India and Afghanistan, picking up Eastern influences. Notable associations include Airto Moreira, Albert Mangelsdorff, Sal Nistico, and Allan Praskin. Porter has also toured with Chet Baker, was a member of Art Farmer's band in the late-1980s and early-1990s, backed Archie Shepp, Marty Cook, and Monty Waters, and composed for the Berlin Philharmonic. To world music aficionados, Porter is perhaps best known for his 1999 album of traditional Afghan music, The Magical Rebab Of Larry Porter, on which he played the traditional short-necked lute the rebab. The album earned wide acclaim, critics praising Porter as “without a doubt, (…) one of the best rebab players of his generation”
September 1, 1951 ~ Singer, songwriter Steven Grossman born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens. Known for his sole Caravan Tonight album released in 1974. The album was hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the most auspicious singer-songwriter debuts of the 1970s” and is distinguished for being one of the first albums to openly deal with gay themes and subject matter. Grossman recorded a second album, Something In The Moonlight, shortly before his death at age 39 of an AIDS-related illness. Grossman's sophomore effort would be released posthumously in 2011 ~ Grossman passed away in 1991
September 1, 1948 ~ Pop, schlager singer Birthe Kjær born in Aarhus, Denmark ~ Internationally best known for representing her native Denmark at the 1989 Eurovision Songfestival with Vi male Byen Rød, which reached third place. Kjær had been recording since the late-1960s, and is known at home for hits such as Arriverderci Franz, Sommer Og Sol, Tennessee Waltz, and Av Min Arm
September 1, 1948 ~ Drummer Greg Errico born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Rose to fame as co-founding member of Sly & the Family Stone, with whom he recorded five albums before departing the band in 1971. Present on most of the band's best known including all of the band's three Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits, Everyday People, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), and Family Affair. After departing the band, Errico has worked with Mickey Hart, Betty Davis, Bill Wyman (Monkey Grip), David Soul, Hubert Laws, the Rhythm Devils, Harvey Mandel, Enuff Z'nuff, and Jerry Garcia
September 1, 1946 ~ Barry Alan Crompton Gibb, commonly known as singer, songwriter Barry Gibb, born in Douglas, Isle Of Man ~ Co-founding member of sibling outfit the Bee Gees, known for songs such as New York Mining Disaster 1941, Massachusetts, I Started A Joke, Lonely Days, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, Jive Talkin', You Should Be Dancing, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, Tragedy, and You Win Again
September 1, 1946 ~ Rock, hard rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Shalom Hanoch born in Kibbutz Mishmarot, Israel ~ Known as “the King of Israeli Rock”, having delivered some of the first Israeli rock albums especially in partnership with Arik Einstein. Has also worked with the High Windows, the Churchills, Shmulik Kraus, Josie Katz, and Tamouz
September 1, 1944 ~ Singer Archie Bell, full name Archie Lee Bell, born in Henderson, Texas, USA ~ While still in junior high school formed the Drells, known especially for the hit Tighten Up which topped both the Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1968. The song was originally issued as the B-side to Dog Eat Dog, but a radio DJ flipped it over and it became a surprise hit for the then-unknown Bell. Bell had recorded the song shortly before being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. While recuperating from a gunshot wound, he had a hard time convincing superior officers the song on the radio was his and he needed to get home to promote it. All he could get were some 15-day passes he used to return home and record more songs with the group. Despite subsequent releases being well-received by critics, Bell failed to repeat his earlier success. Nevertheless, Bell continued to perform and record venturing out into blues and country music until suffering a stroke in the 2020s
September 1, 1944 ~ Conductor, composer Leonard Slatkin, full name Leonard Edward Slatkin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Fixture on the American symphonic scene, regarded as one of the most versatile and accomplished conductors. Slatkin had worked with the New York Youth Symphony, the New Orleans Symphony, and the San Francisco Symphony, prior to starting his tenure as music director of the St Louis Symphony Orchestra in 1979, notably increasing the profile of the orchestra through frequent touring and a series of acclaimed recordings including the first digital stereo version of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker in 1985. Other notable associations include the Cleveland Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, becoming only the second non-British person to conduct the latter for The Night Of The Proms in 2001, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Slatkin is also a composer known for The Raven and Kinah, the latter an elegy dedicated to the memory of his parents, and as an author, notably publishing his Conducting Business (Unveiling The Mystery Behind The Maestro) in 2012
September 1, 1940 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Kimmel born ~ Worked with Linda Ronstadt, the Stone Poneys, Kenny Edwards, Shep Cooke, Kit Alderson, the Floating House Band, Doc Watson, Merle Watson, Jo Wilkinson, I Hear Voices, the 4 Corners, and BK Special
September 1, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter Alton Ellis, full name Alton Nehemiah Ellis, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Pivotal to development of rocksteady. Half of Alton & Eddy, the other half being Eddy Parkins, known for recordings such as Muriel, Lullabye Angel and I'm Never Gonna Cry. As a solo artist best known for the quintessential rocksteady songs Girl I've Got A Date, featuring Gladstone Anderson, Paul Douglas, Hux Brown, Lynn Tait and Al Jackson Jr, and for Rocksteady, the song that actually named the genre. Ellis also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Vincent Chin, John Holt, Duke Reid, Winston Jarrett, Tommy McCook, Lloyd Charmers, Phyllis Dillon, the Heptones, Bunny Lee, Keith Hudson, and Aspo ~ Ellis passed away in 2008
September 1, 1935 ~ Conductor Seiji Ozawa born in Mukden, Japan ~ Closely associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, serving as its music director for nearly three decades. Has also worked with the San Francisco Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic
September 1, 1934 ~ Shirley Enid Avery, commonly known as jazz singer Teri Thornton, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Recorded a number of albums in the early-1960s only to fade from view by the end of the decade. Rediscovered in the late-1990s, which prompted the 1999 I'll Be Easy To Find album ~ Avery passed away in 2000
September 1, 1933 ~ Harold Lloyd Jenkins, commonly known as country, rock & roll, pop singer, songwriter Conway Twitty, born in Friar's Point, Mississippi, USA ~ Emerging from the 1950s rockabilly scene, Twitty would eventually establish himself as the premier romantic country singer, dubbed “the High Priest of Country Music”, with an impressive string of over four dozen nearly-consecutive Billboard Country top 10 hits from the late-1960s until his death in the early-1990s. Well known songs include Hello Darlin', She Needs Someone To Hold Her When She Cries, Linda On My Mind, This Time I've Hurt Her More Than She Loves Me, I've Already Loved You In My Mind, I'd Love To Lay You Down, Tight Fittin' Jeans, Slow Hand, and Desperado Love. Twitty also regularly duetted with Loretta Lynn, the pair recording over half a dozen albums together, four of which reached the No.1 spot on the Billboard Country album charts ~ Twitty passed away in 1993
September 1, 1933 ~ Eugene Haire, commonly known as jazz, blues, soul-jazz pianist, keyboardist, organist Gene Harris, born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Oscar Peterson and Junior Mance. Rose to fame as leader of the Three Sounds. The trio would initially be dismissed by critics as lounge-jazz, yet became one of the most popular acts on the Blue Note label in the late-1950s and 1960s, and in retrospect earned critical acclaim for their blues-infused jazz with Harris acknowledged as a unique stylist. Harris recorded prolifically with the trio through the late 1960s, including collaborative albums with Lou Donaldson (LD+3), Stanley Turrentine (Blue Hour), and Anita O'Day (Anita O'Day & the Three Sounds). After the trio disbanded, Harris continued to record under his own name until retiring in 1977, only to return to the stage after being persuaded by bassist Ray Brown in the early-1980s and record to critical acclaim until his death at age 66 ~ Haire passed away in 2000
September 1, 1931 ~ Jazz hornist, bassist Willie Ruff, full name Willie Henry Ruff Jr, born in Sheffield, Alabama, USA ~ Half of longtime duo the Mitchell-Ruff Duo, the other half being pianist Dwike Mitchell. The duo has recorded well over a dozen albums and made history in 1959 when they became the first jazz act to play in the Soviet Union since World War II. Half of Pisano & Ruff, the other half being John Pisano. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Ruff has appeared on albums by Clifford Coultier, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Benny Golson, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, Leonard Cohen (Songs Of Leonard Cohen), Jimmy Smith, and Sonny Stitt. Ruff was also particularly known as a music scholar and teacher, graduating in 1954 from the Yale School of Music, New Haven, Connecticut, and serving as a professor at his alma mater from 1971 through 2017 ~ Ruff passed away in 2023
September 1, 1931 ~ R&B, gospel singer Zilla Mays, full name Zilla Florine Mays, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ As a singer known for a number of early-1950s R&B, gospel recordings, notably I'll Keep Singing My Song, If You Were On The Other Side, Seems Like You Just Don't Care, and Don't Take My Good Love Away. Best known as a radio host and community leader in Atlanta from the mid-1950s until her death four decades later, hosting a number of shows on WAOK ~ Mays passed away in 1995
September 1, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Grassella Oliphant born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Recorded two soul-jazz albums as a leader, The Grass Roots released in 1965 and its acclaimed follow-up The Grass Is Greener three years later with an all-star cast featuring Harold Ousley, John Patton, Grant Green, Clark Terry, and Major Holley. Songs from the latter album would later be regularly sampled by hip hop artists. Oliphant has been active since the early-1950s, first gaining serious attention backing Ahmad Jamal. Oliphant would go on to appear on albums by Tony Scott, Gloria Lynne (I'm Glad There Is You), Herman Foster, Joe Kennedy Jr, and Shirley Scott (Soul Shoutin') ~ Oliphant passed away in 2017
September 1, 1925 ~ Arthur Edward Pepper Jr, commonly known as saxophonist Art Pepper, born in Gardena, California, USA ~ First gained attention backing Stan Kenton. Though early on his career was regularly interrupted serving several stints in prison on drug charges, Pepper overcame his addiction and would go on to become a leading figure in bop and cool jazz. Pepper has recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for albums such as Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section, Plus Eleven, and Intensity. An in-demand sideman, Pepper has appeared on albums by Shorty Rogers, Shelly Manne, Annie Ross, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Joe Morello (The Joe Morello Sextet), Marty Paich, Chet Baker, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Herb Ellis, Gerry Mulligan, Art Blakey, Barney Kessel (Some Like It Hot), Helen Humes, Buddy Rich, and Dizzy Gillespie ~ Pepper passed away in 1982
September 1, 1898 ~ Mary Ellen Reynolds, commonly known as dancer, actress, singer Marilyn Miller, born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most popular Broadway musical stars of the 1920s and 1930s. Rose to fame with her appearances in the 1918 Ziegfeld Follies and headlining the next year's edition playing the role of producer Florenz Ziegfeld Jr's wife. Rumored to be Ziegfeld's mistress, though this was never proven. Also known for roles in stage productions of Peter Pan, Sunny and Rosalie, becoming the highest-paid Broadway star by the late-1920s ~ Reynolds passed away in 1936
September 1, 1878 ~ Conductor, musical director Tullio Serafin born ~ Leading opera conductor known for reviving many 19th century bel canto operas by Vincenzo Bellini, Gioachino Rossini, and Gaetano Donizetti. Closely associated with La Scala, the Teatro Colón, and the Metropolitan Opera. Incremental to the careers of Rosa Ponselle, Magda Olivero, Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, and most notably Maria Callas ~ Serafin passed away in 1968