September 17, 2024 ~ John David Souther, commonly known as rock, country, country-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter JD Souther, passed away in Sandia Park, New Mexico, USA ~ Best known for co-writing several hits for the Eagles, including The Best Of My Love, New Kid In Town, Victim Of Love and Heartache Tonight. Others who have recorded his songs include Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt (Faithless Love), Nicolette Larson, Kenny Rogers, and Don Henley. Souther was also a member of Longbranch Pennywhistle, the Souther Hillman Furay Band, and recorded as a solo artist, notably You're Only Lonely and Her Town Too, the latter a duet with longtime friend James Taylor ~ Souther was born in 1945
September 17, 2023 ~ Rock, garage rock bassist, rhythm guitarist Lies Adji Rachman passed away ~ Member of Indonesian all-female outfit Dara Puspita, which also included her elder sister Titiek Adji Rachman on lead guitar. The band endured pressure from the Sukarno regime, which saw rock music as an unwanted Western influence. Following the regime's collapse the band would release four albums, starting with Jang Pertama in 1965. Despite remaining popular the band would disband in 1972, in part caused by the strains of relentless touring ~ Rachman was born ca.1948
September 17, 2022 ~ R&B singer, actress Marva Hicks passed away ~ Best known for Never Been In Love Before of her 1991 eponymous Marva Hicks album, the single reaching top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Other charting singles included One Good Reason and I Got You Where I Want. Would go on to become an in-demand backing singer for acts such as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. As the 90s progressed Hicks would focus on her acting career, portraying roles in action movies and TV series such as LA Law and Star Trek Voyager, voicing over animated characters often including singing, and performing in the theatre in musical plays including productions of The Lion King, Motown The Musical and The Wiz both off and on Broadway ~ Hicks was born in 1975
September 17, 2019 ~ Hard bop, post-bop, soul jazz pianist, composer Harold Mabern passed away ~ Described as one of the great post-bop pianists, Mabern has recorded over 20 albums as a leader, starting with A Few Miles From Memphis released in 1968. Initially started on drums. Self-taught on piano by emulating Charles Thomas and Phineas Newborn Jr. In the mid-1950s Mabern played in Chicago with artists such as Walter Baby Sweet Perkins and others. Moved to New York in 1959 and replaced Tommy Flanagan in trumpeter Harry Sweets Edison's backing band. Backed Jimmy Forrest for a recording that resulted in the albums All The Gin Is Gone and Black Forrest. Mabern continued to perform, tour and record as a sideman with artists such as Lionel Hampton, the Jazztet, Betty Carter, Johnny Hartman, Arthur Prysock, Donald Byrd, Roy Haynes, Miles Davis, JJ Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughan, and Joe Williams ~ Mabern was born in 1936
September 17, 2013 ~ Alexandra Sandøy, commonly known as pop, rock, funk, disco singer Alex Naumik, passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Known for her versatile singing voice, spanning four octaves. Exiled to Siberia with her family during the Stalinist era. Collaborated with Agnieszka Osiecka and Adam Slawinski while living in Poland. Resumed her music career in the 1970s, by now living in Norway. Eponym and frontwoman of Alex, acclaimed for their 1976 eponymous Alex debut album, regarded as the first Norwegian funk-rock album. Has also worked with David Foster, Andráe Crouch, the Police's Andy Summers, Glen Matlock ~ Sandøy was born in 1949
September 17, 2013 ~ Marvin Karlton Rainwater, commonly known as country, pop, rockabilly singer, songwriter Marvin Rainwater, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for a number of late-1950s hits, notably Gonna Find Me A Bluebird, Whole Lotta Woman and Nothin' Needs Nothin' (Like I Need You). UK guitarist Hank Marvin chose his stage name in honor of Rainwater ~ Rainwater was born in 1925
September 17, 2006 ~ Rock guitarist Al Casey, full name Alvin Wayne Casey, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ First gained attention playing guitar on the mid-1950s Sanford Clark hit The Fool, which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Has worked with Duane Eddy from the mid-1950s through the end of the decade, for whom he also wrote Ramrod. Closely associated with Johnny Cash, appearing on well over a dozen of Cash's albums including the acclaimed I Walk The Line released in 1964. Also guested on albums by Lee Hazlewood, Nancy Sinatra, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), the Monkees, and Elvis Presley (Elvis '68 Comeback Special) ~ Casey was born in 1936
September 17, 2005 ~ Songwriter Joel Hirschhorn passed away in Thousand Oaks, California, USA ~ Closely associated with songwriting partner Al Kasha, with whom he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song twice, namely with The Morning After from The Poseidon Adventure in 1972 and We May Never Love Like This Again from The Towering Inferno in 1975. Has also written for artists such Elvis Presley (Your Time Hasn't Come Yet Baby), Roy Orbison, Helen Reddy (Candle On The Water), and others ~ Hirschhorn was born in 1937
September 17, 2002 ~ Michael Marmarosa, commonly known as jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger Dodo Marmarosa, passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the mid-1940s. Started in big bands orchestras under the direction of leaders such as Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, and Artie Shaw. Recorded with smaller groups in the bebop and swing idioms, including with artists such as Howard McGhee, Charlie Parker, and with Lester Young. Led his own bands. By the end of the 1940s Marmarosa had mostly dropped out of the music business due to health reasons. He would however record and perform sporadically throughout the early-1970s ~ Marmarosa was born in 1925
September 17, 2002 ~ Following her win on the first edition of the talent contest American Idol aired on Fox, singer Kelly Clarkson releases her A Moment Like This debut single ~ Written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid, intended to be released by whoever would win American Idol. Clarkson's fellow finalists Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbin and Tamyra Gray had each also recorded a version in case they won. As Clarkson won her version would be released, which reached No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in its third week on the charts, up from No.52 the previous week. Clarkson included the song the following year on her full-length Thankful debut album. Clarkson would go on to score numerous hits, including the No.1 singles My Life Would Suck Without You in 2009 and Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) in 2012. In the UK, where Clarkson's original A Moment Like This wasn't that big of a hit, the song would be notably covered by another talent contest winner, singer Leona Lewis taking her rendition to the top of the UK charts in the Christmas week of 2006, outselling the rest of that week's top 40 combined, after she had won the third season of The X-Factor aired on ITV
September 17, 1999 ~ Frank Ableson, commonly known as singer Frankie Vaughan, passed away in Oxford, UK ~ English easy listening singer actively recording since the early-1950s. Known as “Mr Moonlight” after one of his early hits, Give Me The Moonlight (Give Me The Girl). Best known for his covers of American hit songs by Perry Como, Jimmie Rodgers, Guy Mitchell, Jim Lowe, Boyd Bennet, and the Fleetwoods ~ Abelson was born in 1928
September 17, 1994 ~ Salah Abdi Abdulle, commonly known as hip hop rapper, songwriter Dree Low, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Catapulted to national fame with his 2019 No Hasta Manana debut album and has recorded to commercial success since. Well-known songs include Min Niva featuring Einár, Pippi, XO featuring Yasin, and Ice Cream featuring Greekazo
September 17, 1985 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, songwriter Zacardi Cortez, full name Zacardi Renye Louis Cortez, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Mentored and influenced by John P Kee. Backed James Fortune on the 2007 The Transformation album. As a solo artist known for the 2012 The Introduction and its 2014 follow-up Reloaded, both of which would reach top on the Billboard Gospel charts
September 17, 1982 ~ British pop group Wham release Young Guns (Go For It), lifted off their Fantastic debut album ~ While the duo's debut single, Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do), initially flopped, Young Guns (Go For It) issued as the band's sophomore single did reach the top 10 in their native UK, peaking at No.3. Following its success, a reissue of Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do) would also reach top 10, as did the following two singles, Bad Boys and Club Tropicana. According to biographer Rob Jovanovic the song is about “death by matrimony”, written from experience, describing old school friends marrying and settling down, while George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were still having fun. This was rather presumptious, as the two were not yet 20 years old when it was released
September 17, 1981 ~ Stephen Kawaleet, commonly known as alternative hip-hop rapper Arabesque, born in Toronto, Canada ~ As a solo artist best known for his 2002 Choked Up single. Has toured with Sean Paul and collaborated with Rah Digga
September 17, 1978 ~ Actor, singer Nick Cordero, full name Nicholas Eduardo Albert Cordero, born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Best known for his roles in the 2014 production of Bullets Over Broadway, portraying the role of Cheech earning a Tony Award nomination. Has also acted in non-musical roles for TV and film ~ Cordero passed away in 2020
September 17, 1975 ~ Robert Alan Diaz, commonly known as freestyle rapper Pumpkinhead, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Redman, Leaders Of The New School, Doug E Fresh, Tupac Shakur. Guested on recordings by Immortal Technique and Jean Grae. Debuted with a full-length album, The Old Testament, in 2001 ~ Diaz passed away in 2015
September 17, 1974 ~ Apani N Smith, commonly known as MC, rapper Apani B, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Worked with Organized Konfusion, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and MF Doom. As a solo artist debuted with the album Rhyme Related in 1999
September 17, 1973 ~ Pop, soft rock duo the Carpenters release Top Of The World, lifted off their A Song For You album ~ The siblings initially intended the song solely as an album cut, yet after country singer Lynn Anderson successfuly covered the song, reaching No.2 Billboard Country, the Carpenters decided to release the track as a single, well over a year after its parent album A Song For You hit the stores. The siblings' version, written by Richard Carpenter and regular collaborator John Bettis, would be the second of three Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers for the Carpenters, preceded by (They Long To Be) Close To You) and followed by the Marvelettes-cover Please Mr Postman
September 17, 1973 ~ Easy listening orchestra leader, composer Hugo Winterhalter passed away in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA ~ Active since the mid-1930s. Sideman and arranger for Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Raymond Scott, Claude Thornhill. Conducted for Dinah Shore and Billy Eckstine. Best known for his work at RCA-Victor starting in the 1950s, arranging and conducting on recordings by Perry Como, Harry Belafonte, Eddie Fisher, Jaye P Morgan, and the Ames Brothers. Winterhalter is also known for penning the main theme for the 1962 film Diamond Head ~ Winterhalter was born in 1909
September 17, 1969 ~ Warren Sabir McGlone, commonly known as hip-hop MC Steady B, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Among the first wave of Philadelphia-area emcees to gain notoriety in the mid-1980s. Known for songs such as Take Your Radio, Fly Shanté featuring Roxanne Shanté, and Just Call Us Def. Formed hardcore hip-hop outfit CEB with Cool C and Ultimate Eaze in the early-1990s. Currently serving a life sentence for his role in a botched armed robbery and second-degree murder of polive officer Lauretha Vaird. The crime would inspire the G Love & Special Sauce song Slipped Away (The Ballad Of Lauretha Vaird) of the 1997 Yeah It's That Easy album
September 17, 1968 ~ Shon Adams, commonly known as hyphy, hip-hop producer, rapper E-A-Ski, born ~ Has released a number of EPs in the 1990s, his full-length The Resume solo debut album as late as 2010. Best known as producer for Spice 1, including the 1993 187 He Wrote album, and for Luniz, the hip hop duo's 1995 Operation Stackola album reaching Platinum certification. Has also worked with the likes of Master P, Ice-T, Ice Cube, B-Legit, Messy Marv, Too $hort, and MC Ren
September 17, 1966 ~ Douglas Davis, commonly known as rapper and human beatbox Doug E Fresh, born in Barbados ~ Known as the “Human Beatbox” Davis was a pioneer of beatboxing, mimicking drums and various special effects solely using mouth, lips, throat and a microphone. As a member of the Fresh Crew he appeared on two songs, The Show and La-di-da-di, which launched Davis into stardom. Both songs, especially the 12" versions, are now considered early hip-hop classics
September 17, 1965 ~ Guitarist, singer Guy Picciotto, full name Guy Charles Picciotto, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Best known as guitarist and singer in Fugazi and the Rites Of Sping. Has also collaborated with Mats Gustafsson, Vic Chesnutt, Gossip, Blonde Redhead, the Blood Brothers, the Downtown Boys, Xylouris-White, and others
September 17, 1964 ~ Country singer, songwriter Marty Dodson born in Apple Valley, California, USA ~ Had his songs recorded by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney (Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven), George Strait, the Oak Ridge Boys, Plain White T's, Saving Jane, Rascal Flatts, Lonestar, Billy Currington (Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right), Craig Morgan, Joe Cocker, and others
September 17, 1963 ~ Jazz drummer Jeff Ballard born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Fly, Ray Charles, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Reid Anderson, Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Miguel Zenón, Eli Degibri, Joshua Redman, the Electric Band, Larry Grenadier, Avishai Cohen, Ted Nash, and others
September 17, 1962 ~ Mark Anthony Luhrmann, commonly known as film director, writer, music producer, singer Baz Luhrmann born in Sydney, Australia ~ Most active as a film director, the commercially most successful Australian director. Serves as music producer on all of his films soundtracks and as writer on some individual tracks. Also known for 1997 single Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen which would chart in over a dozen countries, reaching the No.1 spot in several including the UK and Ireland
September 17, 1962 ~ Benjamin Winans, commonly known as gospel, R&B singer BeBe Winans, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Comes from the musical Winans family of which many members are noted gospel artists. BeBe is best known as half of Bebe & CeCe Winans, the other half being his sister CeCe Winans, known for songs such as Heaven, Addictive Love, and It's OK
September 17, 1961 ~ Progressive metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Ty Tabor born in Pearl, Mississippi, USA ~ Lead guitarist, co-lead singer for progressive metal outfit King's X, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums since the early-1980s. The band is known for their expansive heavy metal sound, drawing from funk, soul, gospel, and progressive rock, and especially acclaimed for their 1989 Gretchen Goes To Nebraska album . Tabor has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist, starting with Naomi's Solar Pumpkin released in 1997, and collaborated with the likes of Carmine Appice, Neal Casal, Gregg Bissonette, Platypus, Jughead, Lillian Axe, and Queensrÿche
September 17, 1959 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Omer Simeon, full name Omer Victor Simeon, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most technically skilled reed players to come out of New Orleans, Louisiana. First gained attention in the mid-1920s working with Jelly Roll Morton, including on classic tracks such as Black Bottom Stomp, The Chant, Doctor Jazz, and notably playing the bass clarinet solo on Someday Sweetheart. Simeon would go on to work with King Oliver, Luis Russell, Erskine Tate, extensively with Earl Hines for most of the 1930s, as well as briefer stints with Horace Henderson, Walter Fuller, Coleman Hawkins, Jimmie Lunceford, Kid Ory, and Wilbur de Paris ~ Simeon was born in 1902
September 17, 1959 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter, producer Will Gregory, full name William Owen Gregory, born in Bristol, UK ~ Best known as lead keyboardist, producer of electronic music duo Goldfrapp, the other half being Alison Goldfrapp. Also worked with Peter Gabriel, the Cure, Portishead, Tori Amos, Paula Rae Gibson, the London Sinfonietta, Tears For Fears, the Loggerheads, Gas Giants, and others
September 17, 1958 ~ Herbert Bernfield, commonly known as saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader Herbie Fields, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his rendition of Dardanella. Worked with Raymond Scott, Lionel Hampton, Neal Hefti, Bill Evans, Eddie Bert, Bernie Glow, Manny Albam, Al Klink, Marty Napoleon, Serge Chaloff, Frank Rosolino, Jim Aton, Tiny Kahn, and others ~ Bernfield was born in 1919
September 17, 1957 ~ Conductor, music director Michael Morgan, full name Michael DeVard Morgan, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Started playing the piano at age 8. Was conducting two orchestras by age 12, one at his church and one in high school. Best known for his association with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, signing on as music director in 1991 and remaining until his death. Has guest conducted the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Symphony, the Washington National Opera, and others ~ Morgan passed away in 2021
September 17, 1956 ~ Power pop, alternative rock drummer, guitarist, singer Gil Ray, full name George Gilbert Ray, born ~ Member of Game Theory from 1985 through 1989. Member of Loud Family. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Happy Eggs, Fade To Black, Shiny Wet Parts, and with the Rain Parade ~ Ray passed away in 2017
September 17, 1956 ~ Roots rock, alternative country singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Tom Stevens, full name Thomas Howard Stevens, born ~ Member of the Long Ryders, joining the band shortly after the release of their 10-5-60 debut EP replacing original member Des Brewer. Though the band never became a household name they would prove to be influential on later cowpunk, blending a punk attitude with late-1960s country rock. Stevens would also work with Danny & Dusty, the Byrds-singer Gene Clark, Junk Yard Love, and record about half a dozen solo albums and EPs ~ Stevens passed away in 2021
September 17, 1953 ~ Andrew MacDonald, commonly known as heavy metal guitarist Duck MacDonald, born in Auburn, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Blue Cheer from 1989 through 1992 appearing on the albums Blitzkrieg Over Nuremberg and Highlights And Lowlives. Also co-founded Bible Black with Gary Driscoll and Craig Gruber. Worked with the Rods, Kim Simmonds, Playground, Thrasher, Lone Rager, and others
September 17, 1953 ~ Rock drummer Steve Williams born in UK ~ Joined Welsh rockers Budgie in the mid-1970s, first appearing on the 1975 Bandolier and has remained with the band since. Also worked with Lowlife and with covers band Mr Hate
September 17, 1952 ~ Country guitarist, keyboardist, mandolinist, banjoist, singer Steve Sanders born in Richland, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as member of the Oak Ridge Boys, joining the band in 1987 replacing William Lee Golden and remaining through 1995. Present on songs such Gonna Take A Lot Of River, Bridges And Walls, Beyond Those Years and Lucky Moon ~ Sanders passed away in 1998
September 17, 1951 ~ R&B, soul singer Theryl Declouet born ~ Lead singer of Galactic, present on the band's first four studio albums until leaving the band in 2004 for health reasons. Previously, Declouet has recorded as a solo artist using the moniker House Man in the late-1980s ~ DeClouet passed away in 2018
September 17, 1950 ~ John Waldo Waybill, commonly known as singer, producer Fee Waybill, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and songwriter of the Tubes. Released a solo debut, Read My Lips, in 1984. Also worked, mainly as producer and sometimes as collaborator, with artists such as Toto, Richard Marx, Billy Sherwood, and Bryan Adams
September 17, 1948 ~ Bassist, singer Julien Tarquin born in Marigot, Martinique ~ Member of pop unit La Compagnie Créole, founded in 1975. The band originally sang in Creole but quickly adopted French as their main language. Known for their feel-good, happy-go-lucky vibe they have recorded about two dozen albums and would enjoy popularity in the Francophone world and beyond especially in the 1980s, reportedly selling over 60 million records over the course of their career. Well-known songs include Vive Le Douanier Rousseau, C'est Bon Pour Le Moral, Le Bal Masqué, Ça Fait Rire Les Oiseaux, and Ma Première Biguine-Partie
September 17, 1944 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Les Emmerson, full name Robert Leslie Emmerson, born ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist of Five Man Electrical Band, known for songs such as Absolutely Right and I'm A Stranger Here, and its predecessor the Staccatos. Wrote Signs, one of the band's best known, later notably covered by Tesla. As a solo artist known for Cry Your Eyes Out, Watching The World Go By, and Control Of Me ~ Emmerson passed away in 2021
September 17, 1939 ~ Singer Shelby Flint born in North Hollywood, California, USA ~ Best remembered for the 1960s singles Angel On My Shoulder and Cast Your Fate To The Wind. Has also sung for a number of soundtracks, notably Do You Remember Me (Lila's Theme) for Snoopy Come Home and Someone's Waiting For You for the Disney animated feature film The Rescuers. Singer Joni Mitchell once proclaimed that early in her career she wanted to sound just like Flint
September 17, 1929 ~ Jazz, R&B, hard bop saxophonist Curtis Peagler born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Louis Jordan. Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, most notably I'll Be Around released in 1986. Perhaps best known for his association with the Modern Jazz Disciples, appearing on the albums Modern Jazz Disciples and Right Down Front. Other notable collaborations include Count Basie, Teresa Brewer, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Smith, Wynonie Harris, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles ~ Peagler passed away in 1992
September 17, 1929 ~ Sylvester Austin, commonly known as saxophonist Sil Austin, born in Dunnellon, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Cites Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Sonny Stitt as major influences. Active since the 1940s. Has worked with Roy Eldridge, Cootie Williams and Tiny Bradshaw before setting out on his own, scoring jazzified hits of pop tunes such as Danny Boy, Slow Walk and My Mother's Eyes ~ Austin passed away in 2002
September 17, 1927 ~ Jazz bassist Earl May, full name Earl Charles Barrington May, born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most prolific jazz bassists of the postwar era, known for his rich, round sound. Active on the New York club circuit since the early-1950s, backing artists such as Lester Young, Billy Taylor, Gloria Lynne, and Charles Mingus, to become one of the busiests bassists by the end of the decade. Notably present on key albums by Chet Baker, John Coltrane (Lush Life), and Buddy Rich (Driver). Ventured into soul-jazz by the 1960s, gracing albums by Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, and Lou Donaldson. May continued to perform well into the 2000s, passing away at age 80 of a heart attack just days after his last performance ~ May passed away in 2008
September 17, 1926 ~ William Patton Black Jr, commonly known as bassist Bill Black, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as bassist backing Elvis Presley in Presley's early years. Black later formed Bill Black's Combo with whom he achieved moderate succes with songs such as White Silver Sands, Blue Tango, and Hearts Of Stone. The combo at one time or another included musicians such as Reggie Young, Chips Moman, Tommy Cogbill and William Martin Willis ~ Black passed away in 1965
September 17, 1926 ~ Eugene McDuff, commonly known as keyboardist, organist, bassist Jack McDuff, born in Champaign, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Acclaimed for early-1960s albums such as Brother Jack, The Honeydripper and Brother Jack Meets The Boss. Employed a young George Benson early on in the latter's career. Also worked with Joe Farrell, Willis Jackson, Red Holloway, Joe Dukes, Jimmy Witherspoon, Leo Wright, Kenny Burrell, Pat Martino, David Fathead Newman, Cecil Bridgewater, Houston Person, and others ~ McDuff passed away in 2001
September 17, 1923 ~ Singer, songwriter Hank Williams born in Georgianna, Alabama, USA ~ Despite a relatively short career, ended abruptly by his untimely death, one of the most important and influential singers and songwriters of the 20th century. Known for classics such as Hey Good Looking, Your Cheatin' Heart, and I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. Williams never learned to read music ~ Williams passed away in 1953
September 17, 1901 ~ Songwriter Stuart Gorrell, full name Stuart Graham Steven Gorrell, born in Knox, Indiana, USA ~ Remembered for co-writing Georgia On My Mind, composed and first recorded by Hoagy Carmichael. The song has become a standard recorded by numerous artists, notably Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Willie Nelson. Gorrell wrote the lyrics in a single night after hearing Carmichael play the new composition at a party and never wrote another lyric in his life ~ Gorrell passed away in 1963