September 15, 2024 ~ Toriano Adaryll Jackson, commonly known as singer, guitarist Tito Jackson, passed away in Gallup, New Mexico, USA ~ Has recorded well over a dozen albums as a member of sibling outfit the Jackson 5, renamed to the Jacksons in the mid-1970s. The band has scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, and was especially popular at the turn of the 1970s scoring No.1 hits such as I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I'll Be There. Later hits included Blame It On The Boogie, Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground), and State Of Shock, the latter a collaboration with the Rolling Stones-singer Mick Jagger. Starting in the early-2000s, Jackson has performed as a solo blues musician on the club circuit, served as a judge on talent contests, and recorded two solo albums. As a solo artist, he is best known for the single Get It Baby featuring Big Daddy Kane off his 2016 Tito Time album. Jackson was married to Delores Dee Dee Martes from 1972 through 1994, with whom he has three sons, Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, and TJ Jackson who comprised the R&B trio 3T. As a member of the Jackson 5, Jackson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1997, the sibling act acknowledged for its own distinctive “bubblegum soul” sound, drawing from vocal groups, contemporary soul and R&B, and classic Motown. Jackson continued to perform with his siblings until his death at age 70 ~ Jackson was born in 1953
September 15, 2023 ~ Francesco Migliacci, commonly known as lyricist, songwriter, actor Franco Migliacci, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ As an actor, Migliacci has appeared in well over a dozen films from the early-1950s through the late-1960s. To music audiences, he is probably best known for co-writing Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu, also known as Volare, with Domenico Modugno. Originally recorded by Modugno in 1958 the song would become a standard covered by over 300 artists. Other songs co-written by Migliacci have been recorded by Gianni Meccia (Patatina), Neil Sedaka, Rita Pavone, Ennio Morricone, Donatella Moretti, Patty Pravo (La Bambola), and José Feliciano (Che Sarà) ~ Migliacci was born in 1930
September 15, 2023 ~ Rock, pub rock bassist, singer, songwriter Paul Woseen passed away ~ Co-founding and alongside lead singer Dave Gleeson the only other constant member of the Screaming Jets, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with 1991's All For One. The band would enjoy popularity in their native Australia especially during the 1990s and is best known for songs such as Better, Shivers, and Helping Hand. Woseen released his sole solo album, Bombido, in 2013 ~ Woseen was born ca.1967
September 15, 2023 ~ Pop, bubblegum pop singer Prudence McIntyre, full name Prudence Ann McIntyre, passed away ~ Formed the duo Patience & Prudence with her sister Patience McIntyre. Daughters of orchestra leader Mark McIntyre, they scored two hits in 1956, Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now and Tonight You Belong To Me. Both singles would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, both would reach top 20 UK. The siblings continued to record through 1964 but were unable to repeat their earlier surprise succes. Later the duo explained their succes was “just an accident” and the siblings, both in their early teens back when they hit the charts, never intended to become performers ~ McIntyre was born in 1945
September 15, 2020 ~ Conductor, composer Jan Krenz passed away ~ Best known for his longtime association with the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, serving as deputy conductor under Grzegorz Fitelberg from 1949 to 1953 and subsequently following Fitelberg's passing as director through 1968. Premiered Witold Lutoslawski's Musique Funèbre in 1958. Krenz has also conducted orchestras such as the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Concertgebouw Orchestra ~ Krenz was born in 1926
September 15, 2020 ~ Composer, conductor Paul Méfano passed away ~ Founded contemporary classical ensemble the Ensemble 2e2m in 1972, with which he he has premiered more than 500 works by young composers such as Stéphane de Gérando, Thierry Blondeau, Michael Finnissy, Bruce Mather, and Claude Lefebvre, as well as older composers including Morton Feldman and John Cage ~ Méfano was born in 1937
September 15, 2019 ~ Richard Theodore Otcasek, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Ric Ocasek passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead singer, rhythm guitarist, songwriter for the Cars. As a solo artist known for the mid-1980s hit Emotion In Motion. In-demand producer, has worked with Suicide, Bad Brains, Weezer, Nada Surf, Guided By Voices, No Doubt, Weezer, Romeo Void, Hole, Bebe Buell, Black 47, Bad Religion, Johnny Bravo, D-Generation, the Wannadies, Possum Dixon, Martin Rev, Jonathan Richman, the Pink Spiders, the Cribs, Alan Vega, Lloyd Cole & the Commotions, Shwayze, and others ~ Otcasek was born in 1949
September 15, 2018 ~ Musicologist James Haar passed away ~ Specialist in Renaissance music. Editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Musicological Society during the 1960s, and serving as the Society's President during the mid-1970s. Perhaps best known for his doctoral dissertation Musica Mundana (Variations On A Pythagorean Theme), exploring the ancient belief in musica universalis and considered a standard work on the subject to this day. Has taught at Harvard, the University of Philadelphia, the New York University, and the University of North Carolina ~ Haar was born in 1929
September 15, 2015 ~ John Junla Jones Jr, commonly known as blues, soul blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Yard Dog Jones, passed away in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, OV Wright, Johnnie Taylor, and the Spirit Of Memphis Quartet. Released his sole solo album, the critically acclaimed Ain't Gonna Wory, as late as 1996 at age 55 ~ Jones was born in 1941
September 15, 2013 ~ John Richard Lomax, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Jackie Lomax, passed away in Wirral, UK ~ Member of several bands including Dee & the Dynamites, the Undertakers, Heavy Jelly, and Badger. Best known for his association with George Harrison, who produced several of Lomax's late-1960s recordings notably Sour Milk Sea and the subsequent Is This What You Want debut album released in 1969. Despite warm critical reception and backing from Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and an all-star session cast including Larry Knechtel, Nicky Hopkins and Hal Blaine, both the single and album would fail to chart on either side of the Atlantic ~ Lomax was born in 1944
September 15, 2012 ~ Singer, songwriter James Sugarboy Crawford passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as author and original recording artist of Iko Iko, originally titled Jock-a-mo later covered by a host of artists including the Dixie Cups, Dr John, the Neville Brothers, James Booker, Belle Stars, the Grateful Dead, Cowboy Mouth, Warren Zevon, Long John Baldry, Aaron Carter, and Cyndi Lauper. The song stands as a classic of New Orleans R&B and remains popular to this day ~ Crawford was born in 1934
September 15, 2009 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader Nunzio Rotondo passed away ~ Worked with Louis Armstrong, Flavio Ambrosetti, Bill Coleman, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Zoot Sims, Toots Thielemans, Gil Cuppini, Robert Nicolosi, Romano Mussolini, Gato Barbieri, Franco D'Andrea, Pierre Favre, Mal Waldron, and others ~ Rotondo was born in 1924
September 15, 2008 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Richard Wright, full name Richard William Wright, passed away in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of Pink Floyd. Left the band after the 1981 tour to rejoin as a session musician in 1987 becoming a full-time member again in 1994 ~ Wright was born in 1943
September 15, 2007 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger, conductor Aldemaro Romero passed away in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Worked with Dean Martin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stan Kenton, René Touzent, Machito, Tito Puente, the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Romero was born in 1928
September 15, 2004 ~ John William Cummings, commonly known as guitarist, singer Johnny Ramone passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member and rhythm guitarist of the Ramones. Known within the punk community as one of the few conservatives and a staunch supporter of the GOP. The UK single Bonzo Goes To Bitburg would be retitled My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) on American releases as Cummings found the title insulting to Reagan, at the time US President ~ Cummings was born in 1948
September 15, 1994 ~ Baritone saxophonist Haywood Henry, full name Frank Haywood Henry, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Bama State Collegians, renamed to the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra when Erskine Hawkins took leadership. Has also worked with Tiny Grimes, Julian Dash, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Eddie Harris, Willis Jackson, Rex Stewart, Brook Benton, Bill Doggett, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, Rusty Bryant, King Curtis, Aretha Franklin (on the quintessential Lady Soul album), Jimmy Witherspoon, Wilbur de Paris, Max Kaminsky, Snub Mosley, Louis Metcalf, Steve Turre, Earl Hines, Sy Oliver, the New York Jazz Repertory Company, and others. Reportedly sessioned on over 1,000 rock & roll records in the 1950s and 1960s, many of them uncredited ~ Henry was born in 1913
September 15, 1990 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, Release Me by Wilson Phillips hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Producer Glen Ballard, who had previously worked with Jack Wagner and Michael Jackson, helped Wilson Phillips land a record deal, and would produce the trio's eponymous debut album. Release Me tells of a man coming back to his former lover asking for another chance, yet if he would just let it go, they could both move on. Issued as the album's second single, Release Me reached No.1, just as its predecessor Hold On had done. The album would spawn two more hits, Impulsive peaked at No.4 Billboard Hot 100, and You're In Love was another charttopper
September 15, 1988 ~ Singer Roy Orbison records She's A Mystery To Me for the album of the same name ~ Written by U2's The Edge and Bono, the latter also playing electric guitar on the recording. As Orbison died in December 1988, She's A Mystery To Me would be released posthumously in early 1989 as a single. The other musicians on the recording were Orbison vocals and guitar, Benmont Tench on piano, Howie Epstein on bass guitar and Jim Keltner on drums
September 15, 1987 ~ Alexander Ray Torres, commonly known as metalcore, post-hardcore guitarist Alex Torres born ~ Worked with Eyes Set To Kill, present on the band's 2006 When Silence Is Broken The Night Is Torn EP. Member of Greeley Estates from 2007 through 2010. Member of Alesana, joining the band in 2010 as replacement for Jake Campbell. Member of the Dead Rabbitts
September 15, 1987 ~ Bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, producer, arranger Joe Reisman passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a saxophonist and clarinetist Reisman played with the Casa Loma Orchestra, Louis Prima, Bob Crosby, Frankie Masters, and Jack Teagarden. As an arranger and producer worked for Ray Bauduc, Gene Williams, Patti Page (including on The Tennessee Waltz and How Much Is That Doggie In The Window), Eartha Kitt, Sarah Vaughan, June Valli, Georgia Gibbs, and the Ames Brothers. Reisman was also closely associated with Henry Mancini, serving as producer for about thirty years starting with 1964's Our Man In Hollywood ~ Reisman was born in 1924
September 15, 1986 ~ George Virden Watsky, mononymously known as alternative hip-hop, slam poetry rapper, singer, songwriter Watsky, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known for his 2011 viral video Pale Kid Raps Fast, featuring his trademark chopping style. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with the eponymous Watsky released in 2011. In 2020 Watsky set the Guinness World Record for longest rapping marathon, rapping for 33 hours 33 minutes and 19 seconds
September 15, 1985 ~ Charles Melvin Williams, commonly known as jazz, jump blues, R&B trumpeter, bandleader Cootie Williams, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the leading trumpeters of the 1930s, known specifically for his use of the plunger mute. Backed the likes of James P Johnson, Chick Webb, and Fletcher Henderson, before rising to fame as a member of Duke Ellington's orchestra, notably present as a soloist on songs such Echoes Of Harlem, Air Shaft, and The Shepherd Who Watches Over The Night. Ellington also wrote the instrumental Concerto For Cootie specifically tailored to showcase Williams, a song later reworked to Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me with lyrics added. At the turn of the 1940s, Williams joined Benny Goodman's orchestra, a move that caused a stir at the time, and which was commemorated by Raymond Scott in the song When Cootie Left The Duke. Williams has also led his own bands, at times employing sidemen such as Charlie Parker, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Bud Powell, and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. Williams recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, and is noted specifically for the 1950s albums The Big Challenge and its follow-up Cootie Williams In Hi-Fi. Williams returned to play with Ellington in the early-1960s, remaining with the orchestra until Duke's death in 1974 ~ Williams was born in 1911
September 15, 1983 ~ John Maurice Hartman, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Johnny Hartman passed away ~ Critically acclaimed, admired by peers, never widely known. Fresh out of the US Army, Hartman won a singing contest awarding him a one-week engagement with Hines. Hines hired him for a year. Dizzy Gillespie snatched Hartman when the Hines orchestra broke up, and he sang with Dizzy for about a year. He briefly teamed up with pianist Erroll Garner before going solo in 1950. In 1955 he released his first solo album, Songs From The Heart, followed by a handful more, all on small labels and to little commercial succes. In 1963 John Coltrane asked Hartman to do a collaboration album. The result, Johnny Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, is widely considered a classic. Despite the attention, a label move and teaming up with famed producer Bob Thiele, Hartman failed to reach a wider audience. He continued to perform and record up to his death, mostly on smaller labels. Hartman did receive a Grammy-nomination for Best Male Jazz Vocalist following his LP Once In Every Life. Four of the tracks would later be included on the soundtrack to The Bridges Of Madison County, introducing the late Hartman to a younger generation ~ Hartman was born in 1923
September 15, 1983 ~ William Correa, commonly known as jazz percussionist Willie Bobo passed away ~ Played with Mongo Santamaria, George Shearing, Cal Tjader, Carlos Santana, Nat Adderley, Dorothy Ashby, Bob Brookmeyer, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Miles Davis, Victor Feldman, José Feliciano, Benny Golson, Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Chico Hamilton, Slide Hampton, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, Bobby Hutcherson, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, Gary McFarland, Buddy Miles, Wes Montgomery, Oliver Nelson, Dave Pike, Tito Puente, Ike Quebec, Terry Reid, Dannie Richmond, Charlie Rouse, AK Salim, Doc Severinsen, Sonny Stitt, Gábor Szabó, Clark Terry, and with Don Wilkersen ~ Correa was born in 1934
September 15, 1981 ~ Charles Bullock, commonly known as jazz, dance band singer Chick Bullock, passed away ~ A popular session vocalist during the late-1920s and 1930s, Bullock has sung on some 500 sides working with the likes of Duke Ellington, Luis Russell, Cab Calloway, Bunny Berigan, Bill Coleman, Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, and Eddie Lang. Bullock rarely performed live because of a disfigurement due to an eye disease. In the early-1940s the recording ban, a union strike over royalty payments, effectively ended Bullock's recording career. Bullock would retire from music altogether two years later, and has spent the remainder of his life working in real estate ~ Bullock was born in 1898
September 15, 1980 ~ Jazz pianist Bill Evans, full name William John Evans, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained, influenced by Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, Evans was noted most for his technical ability and sense of harmony. As a leader, Evans is especially acclaimed for the early-1960s albums Portrait In Jazz, Explorations, and Sunday At The Village Vanguard. A revered sideman, Evans has also appeared on landmark albums by Charles Mingus, Jimmy Knepper, Chet Baker, Miles Davis (Kind Of Blue), Art Farmer, Tony Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Cannonball Adderley, Oliver Nelson (The Blues And The Abstract Truth), Benny Golson, and Freddie Hubbard ~ Evans was born in 1929
September 15, 1980 ~ Sertanejo singer Fernando Fakri de Assis born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Known as the “Soracaba” in Fernando & Soracaba, a duo he formed with Fernando Zorzanello Bonifácio. Active since the mid-2000s the duo enjoys popularity in their native Brazil and is known for songs such as Paga Pau, Madri, Férias Em Salvador, É Tenso, Mô, and Bobeia Pra Ver
September 15, 1978 ~ Pop rock guitarist, violist, percussionist, singer, songwriter Zach Filkins, full name Zachary Douglas Filkins, born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ~ Co-founding member of OneRepublic, for whom he co-wrote songs such as All Fall Down, Prodigal, Say (All I Need), Sleep, Something's Not Right Here, Stop And Stare, Tyrant, and Won't Stop. The band has released about half a dozen albums, starting with Dreaming Out Loud released in 2007, and is perhaps best known for 2013's Counting Stars, a top 10 hit in several countries including the Netherlands, UK, and their native USA
September 15, 1975 ~ Ole Anders Olsen, commonly known as singer, guitarist, keyboardist Andy LaPlegua, born in Fredrikstad, Norway ~ Influenced by David Bowie, Motörhead, Prince, the Cure, the Dead Kennedys. Lead singer, co-founding member of Icon Of Coll, Combichrist, Panzer AG
September 15, 1973 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, Delta Dawn by Helen Reddy hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Two other distinct versions were released around the same time, Bette Midler included it on her The Divine Miss M debut album, and Tanya Tucker issued it as her debut single, which reached No.6 Billboard Country propelling the then-13-year-old Tucker to fame. To mainstream pop audiences, however, the best known version would be Reddy's charttopper. Yet Alex Harvey, who had co-written the song with Larry Collins, was the first to record it for his eponymous 1971 Alex Harvey album. Harvey has stated the song was written for his mother. One night, some ten years before writing the song, Harvey had asked his mother not to come to his TV performance, lest she get drunk and embarrass him. That night she died in a car crash, and Harvey believed it was suicide caused by his rejection. For years he suffered from guilt until a cathartic incident, his mother appearing to him in a vision, the night he wrote Delta Dawn. As he would later explain: “I really believe that my mother didn't come into the room that night to scare me, but to tell me, ‘It's okay,’ and that she had made her choices in life and it had nothing to do with me. I always felt like that song was a gift to my mother and an apology to her. It was also a way to say ‘thank you’ to my mother for all she did”
September 15, 1969 ~ Heavy metal, punk, blues singer, guitarist, actress Ani Kyd born in Ontario, Canada ~ Had her 2005 Evil Needs Candy Too debut album produced by Jello Biafra. Has also collaborated with Fuel Injected 45, THOR, Approach The Throne, Paul Hyde, Sandy Scofield, Strapping Young Lad, and Devin Townsend
September 15, 1967 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, arranger, composer Alan Baylock born in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as chief arranger for the Airmen Of Note jazz ensemble for over two decades. Has also worked with the One O'Clock Lab Band, Maynard Ferguson, and the Pete Elfman Big Band
September 15, 1967 ~ Singer Amy Keys born ~ Recorded a sole solo album, Lover's Intuition released in 1989. In-demand session and touring backing singer. Has toured with Johnny Hallyday, and with Toto. Present on albums by Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Rod Piazza, Julio Iglesias, Curt Smith, Sylvia Vartan, Jason Mraz (Love Is A Four Letter Word), Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, Stewart Copeland, and Korn
September 15, 1967 ~ Metal, glam metal, hard rock bassist Jerry Dixon, full name Jerry Lawrence Dixon, born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Co-founding and constant member of Warrant. The band is best known for their first three albums, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich and Cherry Pie both reaching Platinum, while their third Dog Eat Dog would reach Gold certification. Songs such as Heaven, Cherry Pie, and I Saw Red would all reach top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts
September 15, 1964 ~ Singer Tony Bennett releases his Who Can I Turn To single ~ Written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for their The Roar Of The Greasepaint (The Smell Of The Crowd) musical. The musical struggled in the UK, where interest was minimal and the show never reached the West End. However, American theatre producer David Merrick brought the show to America for a lengthy tour. Bennett's hit rendition of Who Can I Turn To, which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 40, would boost sales for the show. In 1965 The Roar Of The Greasepaint (The Smell Of The Crowd) would hit Broadway, where it ran for some 230 performances
September 15, 1961 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Gustavo Cordera, full name Gustavo Edgardo Cordera, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Best known as co-founding member, frontman of rock band Bersuit Vergarabat, remaining with the band from 1987 until 2009. They are best known for their 2004 La Argentinidad Al Palo album. Cordera released his solo debut album, Suelta, in 2009
September 15, 1960 ~ Michel Dorge, commonly known as drummer Mitch Dorge, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Member of the Crash Test Dummies from 1991 through 2002, rejoining in later years. Present on the band's best known including the band's 1993 God Shuffled His Feet sophomore album, which included the hit Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, and its follow-up A Worm's Life released in 1996. Dorge released his sole solo album, As Trees Walking, in 2002
September 15, 1958 ~ Gary Miller, commonly known as punk rock guitarist, keyboardist Dr Know, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Best known as member of punk rock outfit Bad Brains. Has occasionally worked with others, notably Mos Def, Coheed & Cambria on the track Time Consumer, and with the Deftones
September 15, 1956 ~ Jacqueline Maureen Graham, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jaki Graham, born in Birmingham, UK ~ First gained serious attention in 1985 duetting with David Grant on Could It Be I'm Falling In Love. Graham would go on to score about half a dozen UK top 20 hits, including Round And Around and Set Me Free. Her 1994 Chaka Khan-cover Ain't Nobody would be a club hit in America
September 15, 1952 ~ Rock drummer, singer Kelly Keagy, full name Kelly Dean Keagy, born in Eugene, Oregon, USA ~ Touring member of Rubicon. Along with guitarist Brad Gillis the only other member to have played in every incarnation of Night Ranger, best known for their Billboard top 10 hits 1984's Sister Christian and 1985's Sentimental Street, both with lead vocals by Keagy. Other well known songs include When You Close Your Eyes, Four In The Morning (I Can't Take It Anymore) and Goodbye. Also worked with King Of Hearts, the Mob and guested on bandmate Gillis' 1993 solo debut Gilrock Ranch
September 15, 1950 ~ Anthony Lacen, commonly known as tubist, bandleader Tuba Fats Lacen, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Ernest Doc Paulin, the Onward Brass Band, the Treme Brass Band, and the Olympia Brass Band. Lacen was married to blues shouter Linda Young ~ Lacen passed away in 2004
September 15, 1947 ~ William Taylor Bryans, commonly known as funk, rock, world drummer, singer, engineer, producer, songwriter, film composer Billy Bryans, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Cited by renowned producer Daniel Lanois as an inspiration. Well-known for his association with the Downchild Blues Band, including producing the band's first notable hit Flip Flop & Fly. Co-founding member of the Parachute Club. Especially noted for producing Lillian Allen's award-winning albums Revolutionary Tea Party and Conditions Critical. Co-wrote the soundtrack to the 1989 thriller Office Party. Also noted for helping promote Latin music in Canada in the 2000s, advancing the careers of Laura Fernandez, Aline Morales, and Alex Cuba ~ Bryans passed away in 2012
September 15, 1945 ~ Anton Friedrich Wilhelm Von Webern, commonly known as composer, conductor Anton Webern, passed away in Austria ~ Along with Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg considered a leading figure in the Second Viennese School ~ Von Webern was born in 1883
September 15, 1945 ~ Opera singer Jessye Norman, full name Jessye Mae Norman, born in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted with the Deutsche Oper Berlin in 1968 following winning an ARD International Music Competition. Would go on to sing with renowned orchestras including La Scala, the Opera Company Of Philadelphia, the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Paris Opera, and the Royal Opera ~ Norman passed away in 2019
September 15, 1941 ~ Singer Signe Anderson born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Original singer for the Jefferson Airplane. Present on their debut album Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, notably on her signature song Chauffeur Blues. Left the band in late 1966, replaced by Grace Slick ~ Anderson passed away in 2016
September 15, 1940 ~ Mariachi, norteño singer Cornelio Reyna, full name Cornelia Reyna Cisneros, born in Reynosa, Mexico ~ Formed Los Relámpagos Del Norte with Ramón Ayala, known for songs such as Mil Noches, Tu Traicion, Lagrimas De Mi Bario and their best known Ya No Llores. Active as a solo artist since the early-1970s, appearing in over 30 films and recording some 60 albums. Notable hits include Me Sacaron Del Tenampa, Lagrimas De Mi Barrio and Me Caiste Del Cielo ~ Reyna passed away in 1997
September 15, 1940 ~ Pianist, singer Jimmy Gilmer born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Fronted Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs, known for Sugar Shack which reached No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Other well known songs included Daisy Petal Pickin' and Bottle Of Wine ~ Gilmer passed away in 2024
September 15, 1938 ~ Songwriter, producer Sylvia Moy born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as staff songwriter at Motown, especially closely associated with Stevie Wonder. Moy co-wrote songs such as My Cherie Amour, I Was Made To Love Her, and Never Had A Dream Come True for Stevie Wonder, Honey Chile and Love Bug (Leave My Heart Alone) for Martha & the Vandellas, and It Takes Two for Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston ~ Moy passed away in 2017
September 15, 1934 ~ Organist, pianist, composer David Vaughan-Thomas, also known as Pencerdd Vaughan, passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Though his music is now seldom performed has been described as leading native Welsh musician of his time, bridging the Victorian era to more modern times. Drawing from Welsh literature and folklore, known best for works such as Llyn Y Fan, A Song For St Cecilia's Day, The Bard, and Ysbryd Y Mynydd ~ Thomas was born in 1873
September 15, 1933 ~ Traditional pop, doo-wop tenor singer Pat Barrett born ~ Member of Canadian vocal quartet the Crew Cuts, known for their mid-1950s string of hits including Sh'boom, Earth Angel, Ko-ko-mo I Love You So, Angels In The Sky and Gum Drop ~ Barrett passed away in 2016
September 15, 1931 ~ Label executive Jac Holzman born ~ Label executive asssociated with Elektra Records and Nonesuch Records. Signed acts such as the Doors, Love, Josh White, Carly Simon, the Stooges, MC5, Harry Chapin, Bread, and others
September 15, 1930 ~ Songwriter, bandleader Hoagy Carmichael records Georgia On My Mind in New York, New York ~ Music written by Carmichael, lyrics Stuart Gorrell. Released as a single, featuring One Night In Havana on the flip side. Notably covered by Ray Charles in 1960, included on the album The Genius Hits The Road, and by Willie Nelson in 1978, included on Stardust, a collection of American standards
September 15, 1928 ~ Julian Edwin Adderley, commonly known as jazz, hard bop, soul jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Best known for his 1966 soul jazz single Mercy Mercy Mercy, which became a surprise crossover hit reaching top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Closely associated with Miles Davis, notably on the quintessential jazz albums Milestones and Kind Of Blue. Davis in turn backed Adderley on his acclaimed 1958 Somethin' Else album. Adderley has also worked with his brother Nat Adderley, Charles Lloyd, Yusef Lateef, Bobby Timmons, Victor Feldman, Joe Zawinul, George Duke, Walter Booker, and Victor Gaskin ~ Adderley passed away in 1975
September 15, 1923 ~ Jazz double bassist Arvell Shaw born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his association with Louis Armstrong, intermittently working with Armstrong from the mid-1940s through the mid-1950s, including for the acclaimed 1956 High Society musical comedy film. Other associations include Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins (Lover Man), Herb Hall, Dorothy Donegan (The Many Faces Of Dorothy Donegan), and Rahsaan Roland Kirk ~ Shaw passed away in 2002
September 15, 1921 ~ Jazz arranger, composer Gene Roland born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ As a bandleader known for his sole Jazzville Vol.4 album released in 1957. Best known for his association with Stan Kenton, serving as one of only two arrangers to write for Kenton in all four decades of the band's existence, the other being Ken Hanna. Roland plays piano, trumpet, trombone, and mellophonium, and has worked with Lionel Hampton, Lucky Millinder, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Giuffre, Woody Herman, Georgie Auld, Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Claude Thornhill, and Artie Shaw ~ Roland passed away in 1982
September 15, 1918 ~ Julius Russell, commonly known as comedian, poet, dancer Nipsey Russell, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as a TV personality appearing on numerous game shows from the 1960s through the 1990s and a regular on Late Night With Conan O'Brien during the show's early years. To pop audiences known for starring as the Tin Man in the 1978 film version of The Wiz alongside Ted Ross, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross ~ Russell passed away in 2005
September 15, 1915 ~ Jazz guitarist Al Casey, full name Albert Aloysius Casey, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Child prodigy. Played violin and ukelele before settling on guitar. Best known for his association with pianist Fats Waller, backing Waller from 1933 until his death in 1943. Also worked with Fletcher Henderson, King Curtis, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Helen Humes, and recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader ~ Casey passed away in 2005
September 15, 1913 ~ Roger Ramirez, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Ram Ramirez, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Co-wrote Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be), a jazz standard most closely associated with Billie Holiday. Worked with Monette Moore, Rex Stewart, Sid Catlett, Willie Bryant, Ella Fitzgerald, Frankie Newton, Charlie Barnet, John Kirby, Duke Ellington, T-Bone Walker, and others ~ Ramirez passed away in 1994
September 15, 1907 ~ Big band bandleader, arranger, composer Larry Wagner born in Ashland, Oregon, USA ~ Best known for his association with Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra including writing or co-writing hits such as Whistler's Mother-in-law, No Name Jive and Turn Back The Hands Of Time ~ Wagner passed away in 2002
September 15, 1906 ~ Walter E Rollins, commonly known as songwriter Jack Rollins, born in Scottdale, Arizona, USA ~ Best known for co-writing the Christmas classic Frosty The Snowman with Steve Nelson, first recorded by Gene Autry in 1950, and covered by hundreds of artists including Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, the Ronettes, Brenda Lee, the Jackson 5, and Lynn Anderson. Other songs co-written by Rollins include Peter Cottontail (Mervin Shiner, Jimmy Wakely, Rosemary Clooney), A Prison Without Walls (Eddy Arnold, Little Roy Wiggins), Heart Of A Clown (Wade Ray, Sammi Smith, Willie Nelson), and I Don't Hurt Anymore (Hank Snow, Dinah Washington, Janis Martin) ~ Rollins passed away in 1973
September 15, 1903 ~ Singer, songwriter, fiddler, music publisher Roy Acuff, full name Roy Claxton Acuff, born in Maynardville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for co-founding Nashville music publishers Acuff/Rose Music together with Fred Rose, quintessential music publishers to the country genre, and responsible for advancing the careers of artist sich as Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers and others ~ Acuff passed away in 1992
September 15, 1890 ~ Composer, pianist Frank Martin born in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Wrote for orchestra, ballet, chamber music, organ, choral music, operas. Closely associated with Emile Jacques-Dalcroze. Founded the Chamber Music Society Of Geneva ~ Martin passed away in 1974
September 15, 1876 ~ Bruno Schlesinger, commonly known as conductor, pianist, composer Bruno Walter, born in Berlin, Germany ~ Widely considered one of the great conductors of the 20th century. Fled Germany in 1933, naturalized French citizen in 1938, settled in America the next year. Has worked closely with Gustav Mahler. Held positions at prestigious orchestras including the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Salzberg Festival, the Vienna State Oper, and the Deutsche Oper Berlin ~ Schlesinger passed away in 1962