September 12, 2023 ~ Researcher, author Olof Björner passed away ~ Known to Bob Dylan aficionados for meticulously documenting over four decades of Dylan's history of live performances and studio recordings in thirteen volumes of Olof's Files (A Bob Dylan Performance Guide) published by Hardinge Simpole ~ Björner was born in 1942
September 12, 2022 ~ Rakim Hasheem Allen, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer PnB Rock, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his mid-2010s singles Fleek and Selfish. Has worked with Young Thug, Kodak Black, Lil Skies, Nicki Minaj, Young Zona, and others ~ Allen was born in 1991
September 12, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, keyboardist Ramsey Lewis, full name Ramsey Lewis Emmanuel Lewis Jr, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Over 80 albums to his name starting in the 1950s. Known for songs such as The In-Crowd, Hang On Sloopy and Wade In The Water. His Ramsey Lewis Trio has at times included Isaac Holt and Eldee Young of future Young-Holt Unlimited fame, Cleveland Eaton, Maurice White who would later found Earth Wind & Fire, Morris Jennings, Frankie Donaldson, Bill Dickens, and Felton Crews ~ Lewis was born in 1935
September 12, 2020 ~ R&B singer Edna Wright passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ Sister of singer Darlene Love. Married to producer Greg Perry. Lead singer of Honey Cone, known for their 1971 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Want-Ads. The follow-up singles Stick-up and One Monkey Don't Stop No Show also reached the top 20. Wright has also sung backup for artists such as the Righteous Brothers, Johnny Rivers, Ray Charles, U2, Kim Carnes, Aaron Neville, Andráe Crouch ~ Wright was born in 1945
September 12, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet Joaquín Carbonell, full name Joaquín Carbonell Marti, passed away in Zaragoza, Spain ~ Active since the 1970s with over a dozen albums to his name. Important figure in the new Aragonese song movement, along with mentor José Antonio Labordeta. Known for songs such as Amor Tu Donde Estas, Cancion Para Un Invierno, Cancion Para Dimitris and Mientes ~ Carbonell was born in 1947
September 12, 2018 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Erich Kleinschuster passed away ~ Worked with Fridl Althaler, the International Youth Band, Johannes Fehring, Friedrich Gulda, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto, George Gruntz, Peter Herbolzheimer, Gerry Mulligan, Toots Thielemans, and others. Conducted the 1972 and 1976 editions of Eurovision Songfestival ~ Kleinschuster was born in 1930
September 12, 2018 ~ Singer, activist Rachid Taha passed away in Paris, France ~ Algerian singer and activist. Influenced by Nass El Ghiwane and the Clash. Started as club DJ mashing up Algerian rai with rock, Led Zeppelin, Bo Diddley, Kraftwerk. Co-founded Carte de Sejour. Has been releasing solo records since the late-1980s. Blends rock, electronic, punk and rai. ~ Taha was born in 1958
September 12, 2017 ~ Francis Cappucio, commonly known as jazz, pop, rock drummer, percussionist, vibraphonist Frank Capp, passed away in Studio City, California, USA ~ Co-led the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut with pianist Nat Pierce from 1975 until Pierce's death in 1992. Had been active in music since the early-1950s, initially gaining attention as a member of Stan Kenton's orchestra. In-demand session musician in jazz, pop, and rock. Present on albums by Art Pepper, Benny Goodman, André Previn, Henry Mancini (The Music From Peter Gunn), Dinah Shore, Sonny & Cher, Nancy Sinatra, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), the Monkees, Frank Zappa, Harry Nilsson, Bette Midler, Tina Turner (Simply The Best), and John Denver ~ Cappucio was born in 1931
September 12, 2017 ~ Several artists including Stevie Wonder perform on the hour-long Hand In Hand (A Benefit For Hurricane Relief) telethon aired on several TV networks including ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox ~ Singer Stevie Wonder performs the Bill Withers-tune Lean On Me with Victoria White, Marquist Taylor and the Houston Gospel Choir on the hour-long telethon. In total over $50 million was raised to help victims of the hurricanes Harvy and Irma. Several stars from music and film industry make an appearance. Musical performances include Usher & Blake Shelton (Stand By Me), Tori Kelly & Luis Fonsi (Hallelujah), Dave Matthews (Mercy), Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker & CeCe Winans (With A Little Help From My Friends), and George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett & Robert Earl Keen (Texas and I Believe)
September 12, 2014 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Joe Sample, full name Joseph Leslie Sample passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Father of bassist Nicklas Sample. Co-founded the Jazz Crusaders in 1960, initially a jazz band, venturing into R&B in the 1970s after their namechange to the Crusaders. Sample remained with the band through their final album in the early-1990s. The band is best known for their 1979 hit Street Life featuring Randy Crawford. Parallel to his career in the band has recorded as a solo artist, collaborated with the likes of Ray Brown, Shelly Manne and David T Walker, and guested on recordings by Miles Davis, George Benson, Jimmy Witherspoon, BB King, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Anita Baker, the Supremes, the LA Express, Marvin Gaye, Minnie Riperton, Gene Ammons, Al Jarreau, Milt Jackson, Cher, Tina Turner, Solomon Burke, and others ~ Sample was born in 1939
September 12, 2014 ~ Rock, pop rock, hard rock bassist, singer John Gustafson, full name John Frederick Gustafson, passed away ~ Renowned bassist worked with the Big Three, the Merseybeats, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Quatermass, Roxy Music (Love Is The Drug), Juan Martin, Steve Hackett, Gordon Giltrap, and others ~ Gustafson was born in 1942
September 12, 2011 ~ Country singer, banjoist Wade Mainer, full name Wade Echard Mainer, passed away in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Bridged the gap between old-time mountain music and bluegrass. Influenced artists such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Doc Watson. Worked with the Sons Of Mountaineers, Zeke Morris, the Smiling Rangers, and others ~ Mainer was born in 1907
September 12, 2007 ~ R&B, funk, soul singer, songwriter Bobby Byrd, full name Bobby Howard Byrd, passed away in Loganville, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with James Brown, starting as a member of Famous Flames which Byrd co-founded. Contrary to numerous accounts it was Byrd who launched Brown's career, not the other way around. Previously a member of a number of vocal and gospel groups such as the Avons, the Zioneers and the Gospel Starlighters. Byrd is credited as writer or co-writer on numerous Brown recordings, including I Know You Got Soul and Hot Pants, and worked with Brown from the earliest recordings in the late-1950s throughout the mid-1970s, a short hiatus here and there. As a solo artist Byrd is best remembered for songs such as 1964's Baby Baby Baby and 1965's We Are In Love. Married to Brown's backup singer Vicki Anderson from 1973 until his death ~ Byrd was born in 1934
September 12, 2004 ~ Drummer Kenny Buttrey, full name Aaron Kenneth Buttrey, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Working professionally since his early teens. Went on his first world tour at age 14, backing Chet Atkins. Closely associated with Charlie McCoy, Barefoot Jerry, and Area Code 615. An in-demand session musician, Buttrey has appeared on albums by Elvis Presley (He Touched Me), Joan Baez, Bob Dylan (Blonde On Blonde), Donovan, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Young (Harvest), Al Kooper, Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Buffett, and Bob Seger. Buttrey was once quoted as saying he was most proud of drumming on Lay Lady Lay off of Dylan's 1969 Nashville Skyline album ~ Buttrey was born in 1945
September 12, 2003 ~ Country, rock & roll, outlaw country singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Cash passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Iconic country singer with a career spanning well over four decades and a reach far beyond country audiences, incorporating elements from a wide array of genres including rockabilly, gospel, blues, folk and gospel. Has recorded over 50 albums since the mid-1950s with record sales north of 90 million, making him one of the all-time best-selling artists. Known for his bass-baritone voice and themes of sorrow, moral tribulation and redemption and signature black attire. Signature songs include I Walk The Line, I Got Stripes, Ring Of Fire and A Boy Named Sue. Frequent collaborator of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson including in the country supergroup the Highwaymen. Rejuvenated his career in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed albums, the American Recordings-series, finding new audiences outside country ~ Cash was born in 1932
September 12, 2000 ~ Saxophonist Stanley Turrentine passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter Tommy Turrentine. R&B, soul jazz saxophonist active since the 1950s. Leader and sideman. Influenced by Illinois Jacquet. Has worked with Earl Bostic, Lowell Fulson, Tadd Dameron, Max Roach, his wife organist Shirley Scott, Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, George Benson, Bob James, Richard Tee, Idris Muhammad, Ron Carter, Grant Green, Eric Gale, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Georgie Fame, Roy Hargrove, Duke Jordan, Diana Krall, Abbey Lincoln, Les McCann, Jimmy McGriff, Horace Parlan, Ike Quebec, Mongo Santamaria, Art Taylor, and others ~ Turrentine was born in 1934
September 12, 1998 ~ Free jazz, free improvisation bassist Motoharu Yoshizawa passed away ~ Considered a pioneer of the bass solo on par with Barre Phillips and key figure in Japanese jazz. Closely associated with Mototeru Takagi, Masayuki Takayanagi and Kaoru Abe. Has collaborated with a host of Japanese and international musicians including Takehisa Kosugi, Steve Lacy, Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, Ikue Mori, Keiji Haino, Kan Mikami, and others ~ Yoshizawa was born ca.1931
September 12, 1997 ~ Music manager, lyricist, music publisher, label executive Stig Anderson, full name Stig Erik Leopold Anderson, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Prolific songwriter enjoying popularity throughout the 1960s, his songs recorded by the likes of Lill Babs, Brita Borg, Lena Anderson, and others. Best known for managing pop band ABBA. Co-founded Polar Music label ~ Anderson was born in 1931
September 12, 1995 ~ Jazz double bassist Larry Gales, full name Lawrence Bernard Gales, passed away ~ Renowned sideman. Occassional leader. Worked with JC Heard, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, Herbie Mann, Junior Mance, Joe Williams, Erroll Garner, Willie Bobo, Red Rodney, Harry Sweets Edison, Benny Carter, Blue Mitchell, Clark Terry, Kenny Burrell, Buddy Tate, Bennie Green, Sonny Stitt, Mary Lou Williams, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Criss, Big Joe Turner, Eddie Henderson, Johnny Lytle, Junior Mance, Charlie Rouse, and others ~ Gales was born in 1936
September 12, 1993 ~ Country, country pop, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Kelsea Ballerini, full name Kelsea Nicole Ballerini, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Began songwriting as a child. Released her The First Time debut album in 2017. The album included her 2014 Love Me Like You Mean It debut single which at the time reached top 10 Billboard Country. Subsequent hit singles included Dibs, Peter Pan, Yeah Boy, Miss Me More and Hole In The Bottle
September 12, 1989 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their Pump album, their first to reach UK top 10 ~ In their native America, the band was popular during the mid- to late-1970s, and after a minor slump again for most of the 1980s onward. It wouldn't be until the tail end of the 1980s, however, starting with the albums Permanent Vacation and Pump that they gained mainstream popularity abroad as well. Pump would be their first album to reach top 10 in the UK. The album's lead single, Love In An Elevator, reached UK top 20
September 12, 1989 ~ Singer, songwriter Tim Knol born in Hoorn, the Netherlands ~ Member of Be Right Back. Debuted in 2010 with his eponymous Tim Knol album and has been releasing records to commercial success since. Known for his close association with Anne Soldaat, formerly of Daryl Ann
September 12, 1988 ~ Bandleader, director Charlie Palmieri, full name Carlos Manuel Palmieri, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known as the “Giant of the Keyboard.” Worked with Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Papiro Allende, Willie Rodriguez, Adalberto Santiago, Celia Cruz, Herbie Mann, Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Quintana, Bobby Capó, Mongo Santamaria, and Ray Barretto ~ Palmieri was born in 1927
September 12, 1988 ~ Matthew Martian, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Matt Martians, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member of Odd Future, present on the 2012 The OF Tape Vol.2. Has also recorded as a solo artist starting with Drum Chord Theory released in 2017
September 12, 1986 ~ Post-dubstep, ambient, art pop producer Dominic Maker born in Brighton, UK ~ Formed the electronic music duo Mount Kimbie with Kai Campos, acclaimed for their 2010 Crooks & Lovers which is generall seen as one of the albums that defined UK dubstep. Also closely associated with James Blake, for whom he co-produced and co-wrote several tracks starting on the 2017 Assume Form. Has also worked with Jay-Z, Slowthai, Rosalia, Starrah, Isaiah Rashad, Schoolboy Q, and others
September 12, 1985 ~ Jazz singer, pianist Champian Fulton born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ~ Daughter of jazz trumpeter Stephen Fulton. Influenced by Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Wynton Kelly, Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum. Best known for her 2007 Champian debut album and her 2012 Champian Sings And Swings album
September 12, 1982 ~ Composer, conductor, theatrical impresario Federico Moreno Torroba passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Regarded as one of the leading 20th century composers for the classical guitar. Praised as composer of zarzuelas, a form of Spanish light opera, noted for his 1932 Luisa Fernanda. Has also composed ballets, symphonies, piano works and one full-length opera, El Poeta which premiered in 1980 featuring Plácido Domingo ~ Torroba was born in 1891
September 12, 1977 ~ Tauneed Epps, commonly known as rapper 2 Chainz, born in College Park, Georgia, USA ~ Initially gained attention as half of Playaz Circle, the other half being Earl Conyers. Epps debuted as a solo artist in 2012 with the album Based On A T-R-U Story and has been releasing records to commercial success since. Known for songs such as Mercy, We Own It (Fast & Furious), Feds Watching and Watch Out, as well as for collaborating with a host of rap and hip-hop artists including Gucci Mane, Twista, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Nipsey Hussle, Lil' Wayne, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, French Montana, Travis Scott, BoB, Sean Paul, Tinie Tempah, Fabolous, R Kelly, Jason Derülo, and Bun B
September 12, 1976 ~ Bryon Anthony McCane II, commonly known as Bizzy Bone, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Founding member of hip-hop group Bone Thugs 'n Harmony, which also included Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone and Flesh-n-Bone. The group would be discovered by NWA's Eazy E and release a debut EP in 1994 which spawned the hit Thuggish Ruggish Bone featuring Shatasha Williams. Subsequent hits included 1st Of Da Month, Tha Crossroads, Look Into My Eyes and I Tried featuring Akon. Bizzy would also record as a solo artist, team up with bandmate Layzie under the moniker the Bone Brothers, and collaborate with artists such as Adina Howard, Lil' Flip, Iyaz, and Ying Yang Twins
September 12, 1975 ~ Post-grunge, heavy metal, hard rock singer, guitarist Nick Townsend, full name Nicholas John Townsend, born in Kidderminster, UK ~ Co-founder, guitarist, lead singer of Weak13, acclaimed for their 2015 They Live. Also known for founding the independent music magazine PMT, for his work as an illustrator for children's books and as a an actor for film and TV, notably in the BBC children's horror drama Young Dracula
September 12, 1974 ~ Country, country pop, pop singer Jennifer Nettles born in Douglas, Georgia, USA ~ Forms the highly successful Sugarland duo with Kristian Bush, active since the mid-2000s. The singles Want To, Settlin', All I Want To Do, Already Gone and It Happens would all reach No.1 Billboard Country. Nettles also duetted with Jon Bon Jovi on the 2006 Bon Jovi hit single Who Says You Can't Go Home, which also topped the country charts
September 12, 1973 ~ Sibling outfit the Jackson 5 release their GIT (Get It Together) album ~ Though underrated at the time, GIT (Get It Together) over time has earned critical acclaim. It marked a stylistic change for the band, moving away from their bubblegum soul and experimenting with a funk-infected disco sound before disco was mainstream, serving as a predecessor to lead singer Michael Jackson's later solo career. The album only barely made the top half of the Billboard Hot 200 album chart, peaking at No.100, but did spawn the Billboard R&B No.2 hit Get It Together. The group would record three more albums for Motown, before the label's constraint on the band caused them to move to Epic Records, where they continued as the Jacksons
September 12, 1973 ~ Singer, drummer, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Jon Sortland born in Vancouver, Washington, USA ~ Drummer for indie rock band the Shins, joining the band in 2016 and first appearing on the 2017 Heartworms album. Touring drummer, bassist, keyboardist and backing vocalist for Broken Bells. Previously formed late-1980s skate punk outfit the Circus Tents and 1990s punk rock band Cigar
September 12, 1973 ~ Drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter Pedrito Martinez born in Havana, Cuba ~ Founding member of Yerba Buena. Worked with Paquito d'Rivera, Arturo O'Farrill, Brian Lynch, Bruce Springsteen, Wynton Marsalis, John Scofield, Steve Gadd, Rubén Blades, Angélique Kidjo, Issac Delgado, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Sting, Steve Turre, Bill Summers, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Lovano, Stefon Harris, Jane Bunnett, Eliane Elias, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Conrad Herwig, Edie Brickell, Eddie Palmieri, Esperanza Spalding, and Alfredo Rodriguez
September 12, 1972 ~ Jazz trumpeter Gerard Presencer born in Watford, UK ~ Cited Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Wheeler, Woody Shaw, Clifford Brown as influences. Worked with artists such as Peter John King, Johnny Dankworth, John Taylor, Ronnie Scott, Norma Winstone, Mike Gibbs, Johnny Griffin, Chris Potter, Mark Turner, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Randy Brecker, Red Rodney, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, John Abercrombie, Bob Berg, Charlie Watts, Sting, Jamiroquai, Zero 7, James Brown, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, and Jonny Greenwood
September 12, 1971 ~ R&B, soul, blues singer Jesse Powell born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Brother of singers Trina Powell and Tamara Powell. Discovered by producer Louil Silas Jr. Best known for You co-written with producer Carl Roland, taken of his 1998 'Bout It sophomore album. The single would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Other charting singles included All I Need, I Wasn't With It and If I ~ Powell passed away in 2022
September 12, 1968 ~ Guitarist Larry Lalonde, full name Reid Laurence Lalonde, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Primus. Also worked with Blind Illusion, No Forcefield, the Possessed, and with Frank Zappa tribute band Caca
September 12, 1967 ~ Luis Alberto Cuevas Olmedo, commonly known as pop rock, alternative rock singer, songwriter, actor, model Beto Cuevas, born ~ Lead singer of La Ley, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums since the early-1990s. The band is best known for songs such as Mentira and El Duelo featuring Ely Guerra. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Miedo Escenico released in 2008 which spawned the hits Vuelvo, Hablame, and Un Minuto De Silencio
September 12, 1967 ~ Bryan Cuevas, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Bryan Austin, born in Pass Christian, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for his eponymous 1994 Bryan Austin debut album produced by Keith Stegall. The album spawned the modest hit Radio Active. Guested on Steve Wariner's 1997 No More Mr Nice Guy album. Founded Phoenix in the late-1990s with Darin Anthony and Noah Gordon
September 12, 1966 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Ben Folds, full name Benjamin Scott Folds, born in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Rose to fame as frontman of alternative rock outfit Ben Folds Five, best known for their 1997 single Brick. Member of the Bens alongside Ben Kweller and Ben Lee. Produced Amanda Palmer's 2008 Who Killed Amanda Palmer solo debut album. Has recorded as a solo artist and contributed to several soundtracks, notably a cover of the Clash's Lost In The Supermarket for Over The Hedge, Red Is Blue for Hoodwinked and composed the entire soundtrack for Handsome. Has also worked with Regina Spektor, Majosha, and the Semantics
September 12, 1966 ~ The TV show The Monkees, a sit-com portraying the adventures of the “fictional” band the Monkees, debuts on NBC ~ Marketed as America's answer to the Beatles, a group of actors, musicians is put together for the TV show. Initially a fictional band, with session musicians playing on the band's songs, the group consisting of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones would become hugely popular and eventually play all music themselves. The show would win several Emmy Awards and air through 1968. The band's first four albums would all reach No.1 Billboard Hot 200. Three singles would reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, namely Last Train To Clarksville, I'm A Believer, and Daydream Believer. Although the band originated arguably “just as a novelty”, and their hit-making tenure lasted just a few years, retrospectively they have earned critical acclaim and are remembered as one of the finest cultural phenomena of their day
September 12, 1964 ~ Singer, songwriter Paola Turci born in Rome, Italy ~ Actively recording since the late-1980s. Broke through with her 1997 Oltre Le Nuvolo album, consisting of translations of English-language 1980s, 1990s pop songs originally by John Waite, Roxette, the Pretenders, Jude Cole, and others
September 12, 1961 ~ Mylene Jeannne Gautier, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress Mylène Farmer born in Pierrefonds, Canada ~ Released her Cendres De Lune debut album in 1986. Dubbed “the Queen of French pop” and one of the all-time best-selling artists in France with over an estimated 30 million copies sold and over 20 No.1 hits including Libertine, Désenchantée, Slipping Away (Crier La Vie) featuring Moby, Blue Noir, Stolen Car featuring Sting, Désobéissance and L'Ame Dans L'Eau
September 12, 1957 ~ Composer Hans Zimmer born in Frankfurt, Germany ~ Film composer with over 150 soundtracks to his name. Known for integrating electronic music with orchestral arrangements. Won an Academy Award for his work on The Lion King. Other notable scores include Crimson Tide, Gladiator, The Pirates Of The Caribbean series, Interstellar and Dunkirk
September 12, 1957 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader Louis Mitchell passed away ~ Led the Southern Symphonists Quartet. Has also worked with James Reese Europe, Sidney Bechet, and others ~ Mitchell was born in 1885
September 12, 1956 ~ Jazz trumpeter Brian Lynch born in Urbana, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his associations with Eddie Palmieri and Conrad Herwig. Has also worked with Barbarito Torres, Little Louie Vega, Yerba Buena, Mika Nakashima, Shinichi Osawa, Maxwell, Prince, Sheila, the Jazz Messengers, and the CTI All-Stars
September 12, 1956 ~ Classical pianist, conductor Jeffrey Kahane, full name Jeffrey Alan Kahane, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Longest running music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, a position he held for about two decades starting in 1997. Regular accompaniest of Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Joshua Bell. Has also worked with the Santa Rosa Symphony, the Colorado Symphony, the Saratosa Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, and others
September 12, 1956 ~ Singer, actor Leslie Cheung, full name Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing, born in Kowloon, Hong Kong ~ Over a career starting in the late-1970s until his death by suicide established himself as one of the most prominent singers to help develop Cantopop. Known for his flamboyant stage appearance. Has released over 40 albums, especially acclaimed for his 1987 Summer Romance album, and acted in over 50 movies ~ Cheung passed away in 2003
September 12, 1956 ~ Singer Screamin' Jay Hawkins records I Put A Spell On You ~ Penned by Hawkins and Herb Slotkin. Produced by Arnold Maxin. Originally intended as a ballad, it would however come out as what may arguably be called the first shock rock song laden with voodoo images. Hawkins, up until then a “regular” would rebuild his image and stage act to include theatrical elements influential on later acts from Alice Cooper to Ozzy Osbourne and Marilyn Manson. The song would be covered by numerous artists including Nina Simone, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Nick Cave, and Pete Townshend
September 12, 1955 ~ Percussionist, composer Adam Rudolph born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Hailed as a pioneer in world music. Co-founded the Mandingo Griot Society with Foday Musa Suso and Hamid Drake, one of the first groups to blend African and American music. Has also worked with Don Cherry, Jon Hassell, Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock, Massimo Laguardia, Fred Anderson, Muhal Richard Abrams, Wadada Leo Smith, Omar Sosa, Yusef Lateef, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Gabrielle Roth, and Shadowfax
September 12, 1955 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Frank Stokes passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Generally considered to be the father of the Memphis blues guitar style. Influenced Memphis Minnie. Known for songs such as Chicken You Can't Roost Too High For Me, Mr Crump Don't Like It, You Shall Be Free, and Hey Mourner, often teaming up with either Dan Sane or Will Batts ~ Stokes was born in 1888
September 12, 1954 ~ Zouk singer Jocelyne Béroard born in Fort-de-France, Martinique ~ Lead singer of Kassav, joining the band in 1983, with whom she has recorded over a dozen albums. The band enjoyed popularity in France especially from the mid-1980s through the early-1990s, most of their albums from the period reaching Gold or Platinum certification. The band would score a top 20 hit in 1988 with Sye Bwa. Béroard has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Siwo released in 1986, and ventured into acting for film and TV
September 12, 1954 ~ Swing, mainstream jazz saxophonist Scott Hamilton born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for his close association with Rosemary Clooney, recording and touring with Clooney for about a decade. Has also worked with artists such as Benny Goodman, Buddy Tate, Ruby Braff, Ken Peplowski, Spike Robinson, Gerald Wiggins, Andy Simpkins, Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Tate, Howard Alden, Dusko Gojkovic, and others
September 12, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Gerry Beckley born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Member of 1960s surf group the Vanguards. Rose to fame as founding member of America alongside Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek, best known for their 1972 hit A Horse With No Name. Other well known songs include I Need You, Sister Golden Hair and Daisy Jane, all written by Beckley. Has also guested on recordings by Dan Fogelberg, David Cassidy, Rick Danko, Dan Peek, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson's One World Project, Chicago's Robert Lamm, Al Jardine, and others
September 12, 1952 ~ Drummer Neil Peart, full name Neil Ellwood Peart, born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Influenced by Keith Moon, John Bonham, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich. Longtime drummer, primary lyricist for rock, symphonic rock outfit Rush, joining the band in 1974 as replacement for original drummer John Rutsey. Peart has also authored about half a dozen books on his travels and personal stories, and co-authored three steampunk fantasy novels based on the band's final album, 2012's Clockwork Angels. Retired from music in 2015 for health reasons. Peart was widely revered for his technical proficiency, The New Yorker once commenting: “Watching Peart play the drums gave the impression that he might possess several phantom limbs” ~ Peart passed away in 2020
September 12, 1951 ~ Ollie Creggett, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, drummer Ali Ollie Woodson born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Joined the Temptations in 1984 replacing Dennis Wilson as the lead singer. Except for a year-long hiatus Woodson remained with the band through 1996. Had also worked with Aretha Franklin, Jean Carn, and with Bill Pinkney ~ Woodson passed away in 2010
September 12, 1951 ~ Contemporary classical, free improvisation bassist, double bassist, singer Joëlle Léandre born in Aix-en-Provence, France ~ Leader and in-demand collaborator. Appears on well over a hundred albums since the early-1980s. Member of Quartet Noir, alongside Marilyn Crispell, Urs Leimgruber and Fritz Hauser. Has worked with Lol Coxhill, Canvas Trio, Jon Rose, Anthony Braxton, Diaboliques, Carlos Zingaro, Francois Houle, Derek Bailey, Kazue Sawai, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Barre Phillips, Kevin Norton, and others
September 12, 1949 ~ Bassist, singer Tony Stevens born in London, UK ~ Member of Savoy Brown from 1968 through 1971, present on the albums Shake Down, Getting To The Point, Blue Matter, A Step Further, Raw Sienna, and Looking In. Subsequently a member of Foghat, with whom he recorded four albums until his departure in 1974. Stevens has also appeared on albums by Joe Jammer, Kaz Lux, Jimmy Dawkins, Andy Mackay, Midnight Flyer, and Roger Chapman
September 12, 1948 ~ Trombonist Steve Turre born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Leader with over 20 albums to his name, renowned sideman. Member of the Saturday Night Live Band. Has worked with artists such as Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Carlos Santana, Ray Charles, Monty Alexander, Carl Allen, Laurie Anderson, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Andy Bey, Art Blakey, Terence Blanchard, Lester Bowie, TK Blue, Don Braden, Cecil Bridgewater, Kenny Burrell, Henry Butler, Mariah Carey, Regina Carter, Celia Cruz and Willie Nelson, Deadline, Charles Fambrough, Larry Gales, Dizzy Gillespie, Chico Hamilton, Antonio Hart, Marion Hayden, Terumasa Hino, JJ Johnson, Etta Jones, Harold Mabern, John Santos, Chico Mendoza, Jann Parker, Tito Puente, Lou Rawls, Gabrielle Roth, Vanessa Rubin, Hilton Ruiz, Woody Shaw, Horace Silver, Archie Shepp, Bob Stewart, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, and others
September 12, 1948 ~ Drummer, songwriter, producer, music journalist Will Birch born in Southend-on-Sea, UK ~ Co-founded pub rock band the Kursaal Flyers, for whom he co-wrote their biggest hit Little Does She Know with bandmates guitarist Graeme Douglas and singer Paul Shuttleworth. Following the band's disbandement in 1977 Birch formed power pop outfit the Records, known for the minor hit Starry Eyes. Co-wrote A1 On The Jukebox with Dave Edmunds, recorded by the latter. Served as producer for the like of Yachts, Billy Bremner, Desmond Dekker, Dr Feelgood. Wrote No Sleep Till Canvey Island documenting the 1970s pub rock scene and the Ian Dury biography Ian Dury (The Definitive Biography)
September 12, 1946 ~ Freddie Pool, commonly known as singer Freddi Poole, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of Wild Honey, which also included Vesta Williams and Mary Flowers. Has also worked with Lola Falana, Jean Terrell, Lisa Stansfield, Phyllis Hyman, Patti Labelle, Ron Townson, Sammy Davis Jr, Liza Minnelli, Lou Rawls, Jermaine Jackson, Gladys Knight, and others. Joined the Three Degrees in 2011 replacing Cynthia Garrison who retired from music for health reasons
September 12, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Barry White, full name Barry Eugene White, born in Galveston, Texas, USA ~ Over 100 gold records worldwide. Influenced by James Cleveland, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, the Supremes, the Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye. Known for a bass-baritone smooth voice, his association with the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and for songs such as I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby, Never Never Going To Give You Up, Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe, and It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me ~ White passed away in 2003
September 12, 1944 ~ Bassist, singer Colin Young born in Barbados, West Indies ~ Lead singer of the Foundations, joining the band in 1968 replacing Clem Curtis and remaining with the band until its initial disbandement in 1970. Present on some of the band's best known including Build Me Up Buttercup and In The Bad Bad Old Days (Before You Loved Me)
September 12, 1944 ~ Guitarist, singer Steve Lalor born in Glens Falls, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Daily Flash, known for their blend of folk, jazz and rock setting them apart from the usual garage bands of the era making them a major force in the Seattle underground scene by the mid-1960s. The band is best known for their 1967 single French Girl ~ Lalor passed away in 2018
September 12, 1943 ~ Maria Grazia Rosa Domenica D'Amato, commonly known as folk, blues, country singer Maria Muldaur born in New York, New York, USA ~ Well known for the 1973 hit Midnight At The Oasis, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit of her 1973 eponymous Maria Muldaur debut album. Cites country artists such as Kitty Wells, Hank Williams and Bob Wills, R&B artists such as Ruth Brown, Fats Domino and Chuck Willis, and doo-wop acts such as the Platters as influences. Member of the Even Dozen Jug Band alongside future Lovin' Spoonful-singer John Sebastian. Member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, which also included Geoff Muldaur whom she would later marry. Has also worked with the Jerry Garcia Band, Linda Ronstadt, the Doobie Brothers, Elvin Bishop, the Woodstock Mountain Revue, and others
September 12, 1942 ~ Jazz, pop, rock, country pianist Jane Getz born ~ Leader, solo artist and in-demand sidewoman, session pianist in a variety of genres. As a solo artist has about half a dozen albums to her name, starting with the county-tinged Mother Hen released in 1971. Wrote The Original Tap Dancing Kid, featured on 1973 Jimmie Spheeris album of the same name. Present on recordings by Charles Mingus, Pharoah Sanders, George Braith, Gene McDaniels, Rick Roberts, the Bee Gees (Life In A Tin Can), Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Geoff Muldaur, and others
September 12, 1940 ~ Digby George Richards, commonly known as rock & roll singer, songwriter, TV personality Dig Richards, born in Dunedoo, Australia ~ Fronted the R'Jays during the late-1950s and early-1960s. Arguably the first Australian rock & roll artists to record a full-length album, namely his eponymous Dig Richards solo debut album in 1959. Would venture into country later on. Best known for songs such as My Little Lover, A Little Piece Of Peace, People Call Me Country and Do The Spunky Monkey ~ Richards passed away in 1983
September 12, 1940 ~ Jazz organist, singer John DeFrancesco, full name John Jasper DeFrancesco, born ~ Father of jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco and blues guitarist Johnny DeFrancesco. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader, noted especially for Coming Home released in 1994
September 12, 1938 ~ Judith Grace Guions, commonly known as singer Judy Clay, passed away in St Paul's, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of family gospel outfit the Drinkard Singers, which later became the Sweet Inspirations and at times included Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick. Clay also notably teamed with singer Billy Vera for a number of duets, including Storybook Children and Country Girl City Man. Also teamed with singer William Bell for the duets Private Number and My Baby Specializes. Would go on to session for artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Donny Hathaway, and Wilson Pickett ~ Guion passed away in 2001
September 12, 1935 ~ Geraldo Pedrosa de Araujo Dias, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Geraldo Vandré, born in Paraiba, Brazil ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Frontman of the Quarteto Novo. Known for penning Disparada recorded by Jair Rodrigues, and Caminhando recorded by Simone
September 12, 1931 ~ Singer George Jones, full name George Glenn Jones, born in Saratoga, Texas, USA ~ Iconic country singer active since the 1950s. Known for songs such as Why Baby Why, White Lightning, The Window Up Above, Seasons Of My Heart, Just One More, The Love Bug, The Race Is On, A Good Year For The Roses, He Stopped Loving Her Today, The Grand Tour, as well as for several duets with his then-wife Tammy Wynette such as Golden Ring ~ Jones passed away in 2013
September 12, 1930 ~ Claude Vasori, commonly known as orchestra leader, composer, arranger Caravelli was born in Paris, France ~ Actively recording since the late-1950s. Has worked with Maurice Chevalier and Charles Trenet. Known for composing several soundtracks, notably El Satan Conduit Le Bal. Also co-wrote Laisse Moi Le Temps, translated to English by Paul Anka and recorded by Frank Sinatra as Let Me Try Again ~ Vasori passed away in 2019
September 12, 1927 ~ Country singer, accordionist, autoharpist, guitarist, pianist, mandolinist Helen Carter, full name Helen Myrl Carter, born in Maces Springs, Virginia, USA ~ Member of pioneering all-female country grouip the Carter Sisters alongside matriarch Mother Maybelle Carter and younger sisters June Carter and Anita Carter ~ Carter passed away in 1998
September 12, 1924 ~ Pop, R&B, jazz singer Ella Mae Morse born in Mansfield, Texas, USA ~ Hired by Jimmy Dorsey when she was just 14 years old. Predated rock & roll. Would go on to score hits such as Cow Cow Boogie, Mister Five By Five and House Of The Blue Lights with Freddie Slack, and Shoo Shoo Baby and Love Me Or Leave Me as a solo artist ~ Morse passed away in 1999
September 12, 1919 ~ Soul jazz, R&B guitarist Bill Jennings born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Widely regarded as leading figure in soul jazz. Cited by BB King as influence. Has worked with Willis Jackson, Brother Jack McDuff, Leo Parker, Bill Doggett, Little Willie John (Fever), Louis Jordan, the Tympany Five, King Curtis, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Jennings passed away in 1978
September 12, 1918 ~ Waldren Joseph, commonly known as trombonist Frog Joseph, born ~ Plays piano, double-bass and trombone. Toured with artists such as Joe Robichaux, Sidney Desvignew, and Lee Allen. Recorded with Big Joe Turner, Earl King, Smiley Lewis, Dave Bartholomew. Has also worked with Paul Barbarin, Louis Cottrell Jr, Papa French, the Original Camelia Band, and others. Two of Joseph's sons would go on to become professional jazz musicians, sousaphonist Kirk Joseph and trombonist Charles Joseph ~ Joseph passed away in 2004
September 12, 1916 ~ William Alonzo Anderson, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Cat Anderson, born in Greenville, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his extensive tenure in Duke Ellington's orchestra. Also played with Hartley Toots, Claude Hopkins, Doc Wheeler, Lucky Millinder, Erskine Hawkins, Sabby Lewis, Lionel Hampton, Gene Ammons, Louie Bellson, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hodges, Quincy Jones, Rosemary Clooney, Earl Hines, Bill Berry, and with Claude Bolling ~ Anderson passed away in 1981
September 12, 1914 ~ Singer, bandleader Eddy Howard, full name Edward Evan Duncan Howard, born in Woodland, California, USA ~ Enjoyed populaairty during the 1940s and 1950s. Started his career singing in the bands of Ben Bernie and Dick Jurgens. Would venture out on his own, leading his own orchestra by the mid-1940s. Known for songs such as To Each His Own, My Adobe Hacienda, Kate (Have I Come Too Early Too Late), Room Full Of Roses, It's No Sin, Be Anything But Be Mine ~ Howard passed away in 1963
September 12, 1910 ~ Saul Feldman, commonly known as bandleader, clarinetist, saxophonist Shep Fields, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Popular 1930s bandleader. Known for songs such as Cathedral In The Pines, Did I Remember, Thanks For The Memory. Has worked with artists such as Sal Gioa, Lou Halmy, Gene Merlino, Dorothy Allen, Toni Arden, Sid Caesar, and others ~ Feldman passed away in 1981
September 12, 1908 ~ Harold Holiday, commonly known as Texas blues pianist, singer, songwriter Black Boy Shine, born ~ Drew from dance music, ragtime, boogie-woogie, blues. Remembered by blues aficionados for a number of 1930s recordings, notably Hobo Blues and Ice Pick And Pistol Woman Blues. Formed the duo Moonshine with the more famous blues pianist Moon Mullican. Has also worked with Bernice Edwards, JT Smith, Robert Shaw and others ~ Holiday passed away in 1952
September 12, 1883 ~ Banjoist, guitarist Gus Cannon, full name Gustavus Cannon, born in Red Banks, Mississippi, USA ~ Helped popularize jug bands, including his own Cannon's Jug Stompers, of the 1920s and 1930s. Also recorded under the moniker Banjo Joe. Best known for songs such as Minglewood Blues, Pig Ankle Strut, Wolf River Blues, and Walk Right In, the latter later covered by the Rooftop Singers in the 1960s and by Dr Hook in the 1970s. Worked with Blind Blake, Furry Lewis, Bukka White, Will Shade, and Milton Roby ~ Cannon passed away in 1979
September 12, 1768 ~ Music publisher, conductor, composer Benjamin Carr born in London, UK ~ Regarded as the most important music publisher in America during the 1790s, as well as distinguished composer and conductor. Co-founded Musical Fund Society in 1820, one of the oldest musical societies in America. As a composer best known for his 1794 Federal Overture work for piano. Dubbed “the Father of Philadelphia Music” ~ Carr passed away in 1831
September 12, 1764 ~ Composer, harpsichordist Jean-Philippe Rameau passed away ~ Considered one of the most important French composers of the 18th century and leading composer of the harpsichord alongside François Couperin. Best known for his Hippolyte Et Aricie opera premiered in 1733 ~ Rameau was born in 1683