September 16, 2021 ~ Jiri Mraz, commonly known as jazz bassist, double bassist, saxophonist George Mraz passed away in Prague, Czech Republic ~ Leader, co-leader and sideman. Perhaps best known as a member of the New York Jazz Quartet from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s, including on the acclaimed Blues For Sarka album. Also worked extensively with Oscar Peterson, Pepper Adams, Roland Hanna, Tommy Flanagan, John Abercrombie, and with Toshiko Akiyoshi ~ Mraz was born in 1944
September 16, 2021 ~ Suzanne Lorraine Burce, commonly known as singer, dancer, actress Jane Powell, passed away in Wilton, Connecticut, USA ~ Popular musical singer, dancer, actress during the 1940s and 1950s. Known for roles in musical films such as A Date With Judy, Royal Wedding and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers ~ Burce was born in 1929
September 16, 2020 ~ Roy Charles Hammond, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Roy C, passed away in Allendale County, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for Shotgun Wedding, which reached top 20 Billboard R&B in 1965. Hammond is also noted for recording Impeach The President with the Honey Drippers, calling for the impeachment of then-President Richard Nixon. The song would become one of the most sampled drum tracks in hip-hop music used in hundreds of songs including MC Shan's The Bridge, De La Soul's Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) and Notorious BIG's Unbelievable ~ Hammond was born in 1939
September 16, 2018 ~ Cecil James McNeely, commonly known as saxophonist Big Jay McNeely passed away in Moreno Valley, California, USA ~ Played with Johnny Otis, his brother Robert McNeely, Little Sonny Warner, Detroit Gary Wiggins, Johnny Heartsman, Donald Robinson, Christian Rannenberg, and Lee Allen ~ McNeely was born in 1927
September 16, 2018 ~ Folk, folk rock guitarist, keyboardist, violinist, bassist, pipe player Maartin Allcock passed away ~ Best known as lead guitarist of Fairport Convention from 1985 through 1996 and concurrently keyboardist of progressive rock outfit Jethro Tull from 1988 through 1991. Has recorded a handful of solo albums, starting with MAART released in 1990. In-demand session musician reportedly appearing on over 200 albums, has worked with Robert Plant, Blue Tapestry, Beverley Craven, Judith Durham, Dan Ar Braz, Ralph McTell, Dave Swarbrick, Cat Stevens, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ashley Hutchings, the Reel And Soul Association, the Bad Shepherds, Bully Wee Band, and others ~ Allcock was born in 1957
September 16, 2015 ~ Guy Béhart-Hasson, commonly known as singer, songwriter Guy Béart, passed away in Garches, France ~ Released his Guy Béart (Qu'on Est Bien) debut album in 1957. Best known for his 1958 L'Eau Vive, the title track of the soundtrack of the same name. Remained popular throughout the early 1970s. Had his songs recorded by Juliette Gréco, Colette Renard, Yves Montand, Dalida, and others ~ Behart-Hasson was born in 1930
September 16, 2015 ~ Rhythm guitarist, singer Peggy Jones passed away ~ Formed the duo Greg & Peg with singer Gregory Carroll. Best known as Lady Bo, serving as backup singer and guitarist for Bo Diddley in the 1950s and 1960s ~ Jones was born in 1940
September 16, 2013 ~ Jazz guitarist Jimmy Ponder passed away in 1946 ~ Plaued with Charles Earland, Lou Donaldson, Houston Person, Donald Byrd, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy McGriff, Gene Ludwig, Roger Humphries ~ Ponder was born in 1946
September 16, 2011 ~ Willie Lee Smith, commonly known as blues harpist, drummer, singer Willie Big Eyes Smith, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Arthur Big Boy Spires, Bo Diddley (Diddy Wah Diddy), Muddy Waters, the Legendary Blues Band, John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Kim Wilson, James Wheeler, Nick Moss, Gareth Bet, Big Bill Morganfield, Johnny Rapp, Bob Stroger, Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy Flynn, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and others ~ Smith was born in 1936
September 16, 2009 ~ Singer, actor Filip Nikolic passed away in Paris, 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 was born in 1974
September 16, 2009 ~ Singer Mary Travers, full name Mary Allin Travers, passed away in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Sang backup for Pete Seeger before becoming one third of quintessential 1960s vocal folk group Peter Paul & Mary, alongside Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey. The group disbanded at the turn of the century and Travers released five solo albums, starting with 1971's Mary before re-forming the trio in 1978 ~ Travers was born in 1936
September 16, 2008 ~ Jazz bassist, pianist, singer, songwriter Jim Aton, full name James G Aton, passed away ~ Worked with Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, Bobby Troup, Stan Kenton, Bill Evans, Jimmy Nottingham, Frank Rosolino, Lurlan Hunter, Maynard Ferguson, Georgie Auld, the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Jerry Gray, Stan Levey, Betty Roché, Mavis Rivers, Chico Hamilton, Jim Hall, Fred Katz, Nancy Malcolm, Al Viola, Earl Hines, and others ~ Aton was born ca.1925
September 16, 2008 ~ Songwriter, producer Norman Whitfield, full name Norman Jesse Whitfield, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Renowned songwriter, producer, often in partnership with Barrett Strong. Especially associated with the Temptations, producing eight of their albums from the mid-1960s through the early-1970s and co-writing some of their best-known including Psychedelic Shack, Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) and Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Whitfield include the Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye (I Heard It Through The Grapevine), Gladys Knight, Edwin Starr (War), the Undisputed Truth (Smiling Faces Sometimes), Yvonne Fair, Willie Hutch, Rose Royce (Car Wash), and others ~ Whitfield was born in 1940
September 16, 2004 ~ Izora Rhodes, commonly known as singer Izora Armstead passed away in San Leandro, California, USA ~ First drew attention as half of Two Tons Of Fun, the other half being Martha Wash. Two Tons originally sang backup for Sylvester and later renamed themselves the Weather Girls, best known for the 1982 smash hit It's Raining Men. The duo continued to back Sylvester but released five studio albums ~ Rhodes passed away in 1942
September 16, 2003 ~ Shelby F Wooley commonly known as singer, songwriter Sheb Wooley, in passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a singer known for songs such as That's My Pa, Almost Persuaded Number 2 and his 1958 novely hit The Purple People Eater. As an actor known for roles in High Noon, The Outlaw Josey Wales and the television series Rawhide ~ Wooley was born in 1921
September 16, 1998 ~ Jazz, bebop, free jazz pianist, composer, musicologist Andrzej Trzaskowksi passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Musicologist regarded as an authority on syncopated music ~ Trzaskowski was born in 1933
September 16, 1994 ~ Jazz pianist Bernie Leighton passed away in Coconut Creek, Florida, USA ~ Active since the late 1930s. Leader and sideman. Worked with Bud Freeman, Leo Reisman, Raymond Scott, Benny Goodman, Dave Tough, Billie Holiday, Neal Hefti, Artie Shaw, John Serry Sr, James Moody, Bob Wilber, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Mark Murphy, Charlie Parker, Jack Teagarden, Cal Tjader, and others ~ Leighton was born in 1921
September 16, 1993 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist JR Monterose passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Played with Henry Busse, Dave Schildkraut, Allen Eager, Philly Joe Jones, Claude Thornhill, Teddy Charles, Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Burrell, Eddie Bert, Jon Eardley, René Thomas, and with George Wallington ~ Monterose was born in 1927
September 16, 1993 ~ Leland Tyler Wayne, commonly known as producer, DJ, label executive Metro Boomin', born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Also known under the monikers Metro and Young Metro. Closely associated with the Atlanta hip-hop and trap scene and easily counted as one of its most important producers during the 2010s. Hits produced or co-produced include Tuesday (ilovemakonnen), Mask Off (Future), Bank Account (21 Savage), Congratulations (Post Malone), Bad & Boujee (Migos), Tunnel Vision (Kodak Black), and Heartless (the Weeknd). As a solo artist, DJ, has released several mixtapes, collaborative albums and the acclaimed 2018 Not All Heroes Wear Capes solo album
September 16, 1992 ~ Operatic tenor Henri Legay passed away in Paris, France ~ Debuted in 1950 with the Royal theater Of La Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium. Closely associated with the Opera-Comique. Perhaps best remembered for his 1955 recording of the Jules Massenet-opera Manon alongside Victoria de los Angeles ~ Legay was born in 1920
September 16, 1992 ~ Singer, songwriter Nick Jonas born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of sibling outfit the Jonas Brothers alongside Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Burnin' Up and Tonight. After the band folded in 2013 would focus on acting and a solo singing career, notably reaching succes with his third solo album, 2016's Last Year Was Complicated release. In 2019 the brothers reformed
September 16, 1984 ~ Ketevan Melua, commonly known as singer, songwriter Katie Melua, born in Kutaisi, Soviet Union ~ Debuted in 2003 with the album Call Off The Seach. Best-known for her 2005 hit Nine Million Bicyles
September 16, 1984 ~ Rock guitarist Oumi Kapila born in Coventry, UK ~ Best known as lead guitarist for rock outfit Filter. Touring member of Combichrist. Guested on Billy Ray Cyrus's 2012 Change My Mind album, noted for his guitar solo on Good As Gone. Released his full-length Bending Stress solo debut album to critical acclaim in 2019
September 16, 1979 ~ Punk rock singer Damian Abraham born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as lead singer of Fucked Up. Has sat in with Dinosaur Jr
September 16, 1979 ~ Tramar Lacel Dillard, commonly known as singer, rapper and songwriter Flo Rida, born in Opa Locke, Florida, USA ~ Broke through with the 2007 single Low which held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks. His debut studio album, 2008's Mail On Sunday, would reach No.4 on the album charts. Has been recording and scoring hits since, including Right Round, Can't Handle Me, Good Feeling, Wild Ones, Whistle, I Cry, GDFR, and My House. Has collaborated with Fresh Kid Ice, Rick Ross, T-Pain, DJ Khaled, Timbaland, will.i.am, Trey Songz, Lil' Wayne, Trina, Wynter Gordon, Akon, Nickelback, and others
September 16, 1978 ~ Twin sisters singer, conductor Ane Carmen Roggen and jazz singer Ida Roggen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Baby sisters of singer Live Maria Roggen. Both sisters would become known as members of Quatro Stagioni and subsequently Pitsj, the latter acclaimed for their eponymous Pitsj album released in 2006
September 16, 1978 ~ Country, pop singer, TV personality Matthew Rogers, full name Matthew Wyatt Rogers, born in Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA ~ First gained attention as finalist on the 3rd season of American Idol in 2004. Would go on to become a popular TV host and correspondent for several shows, focusing especially on entertainment and sports. As a singer best known for the self-penned I'm Coming Home, the theme song of the reality show Coming Home showing surprise reunions of members of the military with their families. The show was also hosted by Rogers
September 16, 1977 ~ Mark Feld, commonly known as singer, songwriter Marc Bolan, passed away in Barnes, UK ~ Glam rock pioneer. Lead singer of T.Rex, known for songs such as Hot Love, Bang-a-gong (Get It On), Telegram Sam, Metal Guru and 20th Century Boy ~ Feld was born in 1947
September 16, 1977 ~ Maria Kalogeropoulos, commonly known as opera singer Maria Callas, passed away in Paris, France ~ Opera singer with rockstar status. Regarded as one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century known for her bel canto technique and dramatic interpretations ~ Kalogeropoulos was born in 1923
September 16, 1977 ~ Taalib Hassan Johnson, commonly known as singer Musiq Soulchild, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Acclaimed R&B, hip-hop singer drawing from funk, blues, jazz and gospel. Released his Aijuswanaseing debut album in 1998 to critical acclaim. The follow-up, 2002's Juslisen, would debut atop the Billboard Hot 200 album charts, reach Platinum status and spawn the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Halfcrazy and Dontchange. Recorded to a devoted and growing fanbase ever since, and is an in-demand collaborator guesting on recordings by Carlos Santana, the Roots, Ice Cube, and others
September 16, 1976 ~ Nelson J Chu, commonly known as Christian hip-hop singer DJ Official, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Member of Christian hip-hop groups 116 Clique and the Cross Movement. Released his sole solo album, Entermission, in 2009 ~ Chu passed away in 2016
September 16, 1976 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Tina Barrett born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Best known as member of S Club 7 from 1999 through 2003, singing lead on I'll Be There and Stronger, and later of spin-off group S-Club Allstars. Also a member of Mis-Teeq, though does not appear on any of the band's recordings
September 16, 1973 ~ Avrum Sherman, commonly known as songwriter Al Sherman, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Father of songwriters Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman. Al Sherman was one of Tin Pan Alley's most in-demand songwriters, oft collaborating with topnotch writers of the day including Sam Coslow, Irving Mills, Al Dubin, BG DeSylva, Harold Tobias, Harry M Woods, Buddy Fields, Al Lewis, Abner Silver, Edward Heyman, and others. Artist who have recorded songs written or co-written by Sherman include Fred Waring, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallee, Ozzie Nelson, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Patti Page, Duke Ellington, and others ~ Sherman was born in 1897
September 16, 1972 ~ R&B guitarist, bandleader, arranger Edgar Blanchard, full name Edgar Vernon Blanchard, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Roy Brown, Ernest McLean, Dave Bartholomew, Big Joe Turner, Ray Charles, Professor Longhair, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Paul Gayten, Eddie Bo, Clarence Frogman Henry, Johnny Adams, and others ~ Blanchard was born in 1924
September 16, 1969 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Doug Martsch born in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA ~ Influenced by J Mascis, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Mississippi Fred McDowell and Neil Young. Best known as lead singer and guitarist of Built To Spill since 1992. Has previously worked with Farm Days and Treepeople
September 16, 1968 ~ Jazz saxophonist Chris Cheek, full name Christopher Carson Cheek, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Sessioned on over 100 albums. Worked with Paul Motian, the Electric Bebop Band, the Bloom Daddies, Seamus Blake, Guillermo Klein, Mika Pohjola, Luciana Souza, David Berkman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Burak Bedikyan, Frank Carlberg, Jen Chapin, Stephen Furic, Chris Lightcap, Brad Mehldau, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Steve Swallow, and others
September 16, 1968 ~ Marco Antonio MUñiz Rivera, commonly known as singer Marc Anthony, born in New York, New York, USA ~ All-time best selling tropical salsa artist with over 12 million copies sold. Influenced by a wide array of artists from rock, R&B, pop and salsa including José Feliciano, Air Supply, Hector Lavoe, Rubén Blades and especially Tito Puente. Sang backup for Menudo. Released his Rebel debut album in 1988. Would go on to score well over a dozen top 10 hits on the Billboard Latin charts, the singles I Need To Know and You Sang To Me also reaching top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
September 16, 1968 ~ Singer, actress Maura O'Connell born in Ennis, Ireland ~ Influenced by tradional Irish music and American country, bluegrass, newgrass. Began her professional career touring the USA with Celtic group De Dannan in 1980. Appeared on the band's 1981 Star Spangled Molly landmark album. Debuted as a solo artist in 1983 with the eponymous Maura O'Connell which didn't make much of an impact. Would gain serious attention with her 1989 Grammy Award-nominated album Helpless Heart and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes through the 2000s. Perhaps best known for her 2009 Naked With Friends album which featured guest singers such as Paul Brady, Alison Krauss, Tim O'Brien and Dolly Parton. O'Connell retired from music in 2013
September 16, 1968 ~ Maurice Alfred Cohen, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Michael Carr, passed away in London, UK ~ Best remembered for co-writing South Of The Border with Jimmy Kennedy for the 1939 film of the same name. The song would be first recorded by Billy Cotton and covered by numerous artists including Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, Patsy Cline, Fats Domino, Gene Pitney, and others ~ Cohen was born in 1905
September 16, 1964 ~ Jazz double bassist Ernest Hill passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Claude Hopkins, Josephine Baker, Leroy Smith, Willie Bryant, Benny Carter, Chick Webb, Rex Stewart, Mac Strittmacher, Eddie South, Hot Lips Page, Zutty Singleton, Louis Armstrong, Herbie Cowens, Bill Coleman, Happy Caldwell, and others ~ Hill was born in 1900
September 16, 1964 ~ Jazz flutist Phillip Bent born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Bobbi Humphrey, James Newton, William Bennett, James Galway. Has worked with the Jazz Warriors, Ronny Jordan, Galliano, Des'ree, the GRP All-Star Big Band, and others
September 16, 1963 ~ Pop rock, soft rock singer, songwriter Richard Marx, full name Richard Noel Marx, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ The only male artist in history to have his first seven singles all reach top 5 Billboard Hot 100. Released his eponymous Richard Marx debut album in 1987, it would reach triple Platinum status. As a solo artist enjoyed his biggest succes through the mid-1990s, charting with songs such as Hold On To The Nights, Satisfied, Angelia, Hazard and Now And Forever. In-demand songwriter and collaborator, writing or co-writing songs such as What About Me (Kenny Rogers), Swear Your Love (Steve Lukather), Live My Life Without You (Freddie Jackson), I Know (Luther Vandross), Right Here Waiting (Monica), This I Promise You (NSYNC), Holdin' On To A Dream (Billy Ray Cyrus), Surrender (Sister Hazel), and others
September 16, 1961 ~ Alternative rock, shoegaze singer, guitarist, keyboardist Bilinda Butcher born in London, UK ~ Best known as member of My Bloody Valentine, joining the band in 1987 as replacement for David Conway. Also worked with Collapsed Lung, notably on the tracks Ballad Night and Casino Kisschase, Dinosaur Jr and with the Jesus & Mary Chain
September 16, 1961 ~ Guitarist Bill Nershi born in New Jersey, USA ~ Founding member and acoustic guitarist of the String Cheese Incident
September 16, 1960 ~ Donald Wayne Evans, commonly known as bassist Ean Evans, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Active since his teens. Influenced by John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, Leon Wilkeson. Member of rock unit Five Miles High, earning regional popularity in the early 1980s. Formed Babe Blu with keyboardist Joey Huffman. Formed Noon with Rick Craig, blending metal with southern rock. Joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2001, replacing the late Wilkeson, remaining with the band until his death at age 48 ~ Evans passed away in 2009
September 16, 1958 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Rodney Franklin born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Influenced by McCoy Tyner, George Duke, Chick Corea, Lonnie Liston Smith. Best known for the 1980 album You'll Never Know and its hit single The Groove. Worked with John Handy, Bill Summers, Freddie Hubbard, Marlena Shaw, Stanley Clarke, Jennifer Holliday, and others
September 16, 1958 ~ Country bassist, singer Terry McBride born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Son of country singer Dale McBride. Lead singer, bassist for McBride & the Ride, active from the early through the mid-1990s. McBride is also an in-demand songwriter, writing or co-writing songs for Alan Jackson, Rosie Flores, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait (Always Never The Same), David Ball, Josh Gracin, Reba McEntire (I Keep On Loving You), Casey James, Emerson Drive, Jim Lauderdale, and others
September 16, 1956 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist Michael Falch, full name Michael Ehlert Falch, born in Køge, Denmark ~ Rose to fame as lead singer in Malurt from its inception in 1976 through the mid-1980s. Following the band's initial disbandement would go on to record over a dozen solo albums, reaching chart succes from the mid-2000s forward with albums such as Falder Du Nu, Sommeren Kom Ny Tilbage and For&aaring;r I Brystet all reaching top 5 in his native Denmark. Has also worked with Boat Man Love including on the 2007 Sang Til Undren album, and with Poul Krebs
September 16, 1954 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist Colin Newman born in Wiltshires, UK ~ Best known as lead singer and songwriter of post-punk band Wire. Has also been releasing solo albums starting with 1980's A-Z, recorded in Wire's temporary split. Has produced and arranged for other artists as well including the Virgin Prunes, Parade Ground, Minimal Compact, Alain Bashung, Silo & Lobe, Hawkwind, Dead Man Ray, Fennesz, Polypsics, Celebricide, and others
September 16, 1954 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Frank Reed, full name Frank Kevin Reed, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Joined the Chi-lites in 1988, replacing original lead singer Eugene Record ~ Reed passed away in 2015
September 16, 1953 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz fusion guitarist Earl Klugh born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Bob James, Ray Parker Jr, Wes Montgomery and notably by Chet Atkins, having guested on several of the latter's albums. Active since his teens, initially with Yusef Lateef (Suite 16) and George Benson (White Rabbit). Over 30 albums to his name, starting with the eponymous Earl Klugh released in 1976
September 16, 1953 ~ Bassist Michael Rhodes born in Monroe, Louisiana, USA ~ In-demand touring and session musician from the early 1980s forward, present on albums by Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), JJ Cale (Shades), Dolly Parton, Keith Whitley, Michael Martin Murphey, John Jarvis, Crystal Gayle, Hank Williams Jr, Rodney Crowell (Diamonds & Dirt), Marie Osmond, Rosanne Cash (King's Record Shop), Reba McEntire (Reba), Kenny Rogers, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Delbert McClinton, Steve Winwood, Etta James, Kelly Willis, Alan Jackson (Don't Rock The Jukebox), Vince Gill (Pocket Full Of Gold), Bob Seger, Jason Ringenberg, Faith Hill, Tammy Wynette, Mark Knopfler, Clint Black (Nothin' But The Taillights), Allison Moorer, the Dixie Chicks, Green On Red, Lee Ann Womack (Something Worth Leaving Behind), Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Sheryl Crow, Gretchen Wilson, George Strait, India Arie, Darius Rucker, Tommy Emmanuel (Little By Little), Buddy Guy, Joss Stone, Joe Bonamassa, and numerous others ~ Rhodes passed away in 2023
September 16, 1952 ~ Rock, heartland rock bassist Ron Blair, full name Ronald Edward Blair, born in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Member of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers from 1976 through 1981. Returned to the band in 2002, taking over for Howie Epstein who had replaced him twenty years earlier. Present on the band's first four albums, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, You're Gonna Get It, Damn The Torpedoes and Hard Promises. Towards the end of his first tenure with the band Blair regularly considered leaving and was occassionally replaced in the studio by session bassists including Donald Duck Dunn
September 16, 1950 ~ Singer David Bellamy, full name David Milton Bellamy, born ~ Half of sibling duo the Bellamy Brothers, the other half being his baby brother Howard Bellamy, known for country-pop songs such as Let Your Love Flow and If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me
September 16, 1948 ~ Drummer Kenney Jones, full name Kenneth Thomas Jones, born in London, UK ~ Best known for his association with the Small Faces, its successor the Faces and the Who, replacing the late Keith Moon in 1978. Co-founded the Law with singer Paul Rodgers in the 1990s and the Jones Gang with Rick Wills and Robert Hart in the 2000s. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, Roger Daltrey, Andy Fairweather Low, Marsha Hunt, David Essex, the Wings, and others
September 16, 1948 ~ Percussionist, composer Madeleine Yayodele Nelson born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Founder, director of the Women Of The Calabash, who performed with the Temptations, Richie Havens, Philip Glass, Odetta, Max Roach, Ashford & Simpson, and others. As a solo artist Nelson has collaborated with Paul Simon, Edie Brickell, and with Billy Harper, amongst others ~ Nelson passed away in 2018
September 16, 1946 ~ Camilo Blanes Cortés, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Camilo Sesto, born in Alcoy, Spain ~ Member of Los Dayson and of Los Botines in the 1960s. Went solo in 1970, known for songs such as Algo De Mi, Yo Soy Asi, Isabel, Mienteme, and others. Has written songs for Angela Carrasco, Miguel Bosé, Lucía Méndez, Charytin Goyco and José José ~ Cortés passed away in 2019
September 16, 1946 ~ Mamie Robinson, commonly known as vaudeville, jazz, blues singer, pianist, dancer, actress Mamie Smith, passed away in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Made blues history in 1920 recording That Thing Called Love and You Can't Keep A Good Man Down, making her the first African-American singer to be recorded and her success prompting record companies to seek other female singers ushering in the era of classic female blues ~ Robinson was born in 1891
September 16, 1945 ~ John Peter Robinson, commonly known as keyboardist J Peter Robinson, born in Fulmer, UK ~ In-demand session keyboardist starting in the 1970s. Has worked with Brand X, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Quatermass, Carly Simon, Bryan Ferry, David Bowie, Stealers Wheel, Eric Clapton, the Manhattan Transfer, Al Jarreau, Melissa Etheridge. Would turn to a career as a film and TV composer in the mid-1980s, scoring films such as Cocktail, Highlander III (The Sorcerer), Vampire In Brooklyn, The Bank Job, and others
September 16, 1945 ~ José Alberto Iglesias, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Tanguito, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Leading Buenos Aires underground countercultural figure by the late 1960s. Helped birth Argentine rock. Reportedly co-wrote Los Gatos' La Balsa hit. Struggled with amphetamine addiction and the law, received electroshock therapy and was declared legally insane and imprisoned by early 1972 before escaping and losing his life under the San Martin train. His sole sole album, Tango, would be released posthumously and is regarded as one of the most important albums in Argentine rock ~ Iglesias passed away in 1972
September 16, 1944 ~ R&B, pop singer Betty Kelly born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Martha & the Vandellas from 1961 replacing Annette Beard through 1967, present on most of the band's best-known including I'm Ready For Love, Nowhere To Run and My Baby Loves Me. Also sang with the Velvelettes
September 16, 1944 ~ Winston Richards, commonly known as drummer, pianist, singer, songwriter Winston Grennan, born in Duckenfield, Jamaica ~ Noted session drummer active in Jamaica in the 1960s, in New York throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Worked with Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, Leslie Kong, Sonia Pottinger, Clive Chin, Byron Lee, Winston Riley, Toots & the Maytals, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, Paul Simon, Eddie Kendricks, Peter Paul & Mary, Booker T & the MG's, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Garland Jeffreys, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, the O'Jays, Minnie Riperton, Herbie Mann, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Pat Kelly, the Clarendonians, Yellowman, the Skatalites, and others ~ Richards passed away in 2000
September 16, 1942 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Bernie Calvert born in Brierfield, UK ~ Active since the early 1960s playing in several rock & roll groups such as Rickie Shaw & the Dolfins. Best known as bass guitarist for the Hollies from 1966 through 1981
September 16, 1942 ~ Rock, blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Don Preston, full name Donald Jack Preston, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Influenced by BB King, Lowell Fulson, Johnny Guitar Watson, Wes Montgomery. Active since the late 1950s. Appears on classic recordings such as Leon Russell's Leon Russell And The Shelter People, Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen and George Harrison's all-star Concert For Bangladesh. Over the course of his career Preston has worked with artists as diverse as the Penguins, the Coasters, the Olympics, the Righteous Brothers, Ritchie Valens, Gene Vincent, Delaney Bramlett, JJ Cale, Canned Heat, Klaus Voormann, Freddie King, Eric Clapton, and others
September 16, 1940 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Hamiet Bluiett born in Brooklyn, Illinois, USA ~ Considered one of the finest baritone saxophonists of his day. Co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet, which also included Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, and David Murray. Has worked with Charles Mingus, Sam Rivers, Babatunde Olatunji, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, 360 Degree Music Experience, Anthony Braxton, James Carter, Gil Evans, the Music Revelation Ensemble, Craig Harris, and others ~ Bluiett passed away in 2018
September 16, 1940 ~ Jazz double bassist Lisle Atkinson, full name Lisle Arthur Atkinson, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Nina Simone, the New York Bass Choir, Les Spann, Betty Carter, Kenny Burrell, George Coleman, Andrew Cyrille, Maynard Ferguson, Dizzy Gillespie, John Gordon, Jon Hendricks, Helen Humes, Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly, Howard McGhee, Horace Parlan, Hazel Scott, Norma Simmons, Frank Strozier, Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, Stanley Turrentine, Richard Wyands, the Neo Bass Ensemble, Paul H Brown, Al Harewood, Benny Carter, Lee Konitz, Grover Mitchell, Joe Newman, Dakota Staton, Ernie Wilkins, Barry Harris, [artist-leroy-williams-trombonist], Jeanne Lee, Charles Thompson, Walt Dickerson, Horace Parlan, Frank Strozier, and others ~ Atkinson passed away in 2019
September 16, 1936 ~ Pianist, composer Gordon Beck born in London, UK ~ Worked with Don Byas, was in Gyroscope with Tubby Hayes and Jeff Clyne, played with Tony Oxley, Helen Merrill, Phil Woods, played as house pianist at the famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, played funk with George Gruntz's six-keyboard outfit the Piano Conclavo, free jazz with drummer John Stevens, was briefly a member of Nucleus, and also played with Allan Holdsworth, Henri Texier, Didier Lockwood, and others ~ Beck passed away in 2011
September 16, 1935 ~ Blues harpist Billy Boy Arnold born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Active since the 1950s. Backed Bo Diddley on I'm A Man. Also known for recording the original versions of I Wish You Would and I Ain't Got You, both later covered by the Yardbirds
September 16, 1934 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Richard Blandon born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of the Dubs, known best for their 1957 singles Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely and Could This Be Magic. Both songs were written by Blandon, the latter would become an all-time doo-wop classic ~ Blandon passed away in 1991
September 16, 1931 ~ Jazz pianist Jan Johansson born in Soderham, Sweden ~ Worked with Svend Asmussen, Georg Riedel, Arne Domnerus, Sture Nordin, Egil Johansen, William Schlopfe, Rupert Clemendore, Bjarne Nerem, Bosse Broberg, Lennart Åberg, Alice Babs, Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, and others. Father of drummer Anders Johansson and keyboardist Jens Johansson ~ Johansson passed away in 1968
September 16, 1931 ~ Willie Littlefield, commonly known as R&B, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Little Willie Littlefield, born in El Campo, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Albert Ammons, Charles Brown, Amos Milburn. Served as the bridge between boogie-woogie and rock & roll. Noted for his early-1950s recording especially It's Midnight and Little Willie's Boogie. Worked with Don Wilkerson, Maxwell Davis, Buddy Floyd, Chuck Norris, Johnny Moore, Al Wichard, Jesse Prick, Little Lora Wiggins, and others ~ Littlefield passed away in 2013
September 16, 1929 ~ Jazz trombonist, bandleader, composer Rod Levitt, full name Rodney Charles Levitt, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Ernie Wilkins, Kai Winding, Sy Oliver, Gil Evans, Miles Davis, Gerry Mulligan, Mundell Lowe, Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson, Chuck Israels, Cedar Walton, Blue Mitchell, and others ~ Levitt passed away in 2007
September 16, 1928 ~ Steel guitarist, songwriter Ralph Mooney born ~ Key player on the Bakersfield country scene. Has worked with Wynn Stewart, Buck Owens, and with Merle Haggard. Member of Waylon Jennings' backing band for two decades. Co-wrote Crazy Arms, Ray Price's first major hit topping the country chart in 1956. Especially known for his instrumental work, notably showcased on Corn Pickin' & Slick Slidin', a 1968 collaborative album with guitarist James Burton ~ Mooney passed away in 2011
September 16, 1925 ~ Singer, guitarist Riley B King, commonly known as BB King, born in Indianola, Mississippi, USA ~ Given the nickname “Beale Street Blues Boy” while working as a singer and radio DJ at WDIA, later shortened to “Blues Boy” and eventually to “BB”. Member of the Beale Streeters in the late 1940s, alongside Bobby Blue Bland, Johnny Ace and Earl Forest. Debuted in 1949 as a solo singer with the single Miss Martha King, which charted poorly, backed by Phineas Newborn Jr, Calvin Newborn, Tuff Green, Ben Branch and Thomas Branch. Would score his first major success in 1952 with the single 3 O'Clock Blues, reaching the top 5 of the R&B charts. An impressive string of hits soon followed including You Know I Love You, Woke Up This Morning, Everyday I Have The Blues, Sneaking Around, Sweet Little Angel, and Please Accept My Love. Would go on to become widely seen as one of the most influential and important blues musicians ~ King passed away in 2015
September 16, 1925 ~ Guitarist Charlie Byrd born in Chuckatuck, Virginia, USA ~ Admired fingerstyle guitarist. Best known for his collaboration with Stan Getz, bringing the bossa nova to mainstream American audiences, especially with the album Jazz Samba. Byrd also worked with Les McCann, Zoot Sims, Cal Tjader, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Buck Clayton, Helen Merrill, Joe Glazer, and others ~ Byrd passed away in 1999
September 16, 1925 ~ Earl Solomon Burroughs, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Jack Hammer, born in Fulton County, Georgia, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing Jerry Lee Lewis' Great Balls Of Fire, arguably one of the songs that defined rock & roll. Also wrote or co-wrote the Cadillacs' Peek-a-boo, Wanda Jackson's Fujiyama Mama, and Louis Jordan's Rock 'n Roll Call ~ Burroughs passed away in 2016
September 16, 1924 ~ Bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, producer, arranger Joe Reisman born in Dallas, Texas, 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 passed away in 1987
September 16, 1922 ~ Singer, actor Marcel Mouloudji, full name Marcel André Mouloudji, born ~ Interpreter of Boris Vian and of Jacques Prévert songs ~ Mouloudji passed away in 1994
September 16, 1921 ~ Jazz lyricist, singer Jon Hendricks born in Newark, Ohio, USA ~ Dubbed the “Poet Laureate of Jazz” by noted jazz critic Leonard Feather ~ Hendricks passed away in 2017
September 16, 1919 ~ Andrés Rábago, commonly known as Latin, traditional pop, easy listening singer, actor Andy Russell, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Popular 1940s balladeer known for songs such as Bésame Mucho, Amor and What A Diff'rence A Day Makes ~ Rábago passed away in 1992
September 16, 1915 ~ Jazz, pop pianist Cy Walter, full name Cyril Frank Walter, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Art Tatum of Park Avenue” praised for his improvisatory skill. Active since the late 1930s. Closely associated with Stan Freeman. Solo pianist, bandleader, accompanist for artists including Mabel Mercer, Greta Keller, Lee Wiley, and others ~ Walter passed away in 1968
September 16, 1915 ~ Ragtime composer Scott Hayden passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Remembered for co-writing a number of rags with Scott Joplin, notably Sunflower Sun Drag recorded by Joplin in 1901 ~ Hayden was born in 1882
September 16, 1903 ~ Giuseppe Venuti, commonly known as violinist, composer Joe Venuti born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Pioneered the use of the violin in jazz. Active since the late-1920s, often in partnership with guitarist and childhood friend Eddie Lang. Has also worked with Jean Goldkette, Red Nichols, Frankie Trumbauer, Benny Goodman, Adrian Rollini, Paul Whiteman, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, Jack Teagarden, Frank Signorelli, the Boswell Sisters, and others ~ Venuti passed away in 1978
September 16, 1898 ~ Charles Bullock, commonly known as jazz, dance band singer Chick Bullock, born in Montana, USA ~ Bullock rarely performed live because of a disfigurement due to an eye disease. Mostly active during the late 1920s and 1930s Bullock sang with artists such as Duke Ellington, Luis Russell, Cab Calloway, Bunny Berigan, Bill Coleman, Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, and others ~ Bullock passed away in 1981
September 16, 1887 ~ Composer, conductor, pianist, organist Nadia Boulanger, full name Juliette Nadia Boulangher, born in Paris, France ~ Performed sporadically yet hailed as teacher of many of the leading 20th century composers, including Burt Bacharach, Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, Quincy Jones, Astor Piazzolla, and others ~ Boulanger passed away in 1979