September 18, 2024 ~ Singer, guitarist Nick Gravenites, full name Nicholas George Gravenites, passed away ~ Somewhat overlooked guitarist, known best for his role in 1960s white blues and psychedelia. Over half a dozen records to his name as a solo artist, noted most for My Labors released in 1969. Closely associated with Paul Butterfield, wrote Born In Chicago and co-wrote East-West with Michael Bloomfield, both recorded by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Formed the Electric Flag, which also included Bloomfield. Worked with Quicksilver Messenger Service. Worked with the Kozmic Blues Band, Janis Joplin's first band, and served as co-lead singer of Big Brother & the Holding Company after Joplin's departure. Gravenites has also worked with Brewer & Shipley, for whom he produced the 1970 Billboard Hot 100 No.10 hit One Toke Over The Line, as well as with Otis Rush, and the Usual Suspects ~ Gravenites was born in 1938
September 18, 2022 ~ Actress, singer Diane Guérin, also known as Belgazou, passed away ~ As a singer known best for a string of 1980s recordings including Quitter Ton Ile, Entre Mozart Et Jagger and Talk About It. Duetted with her husband Christian Montmarquette under the moniker Diane & Christian ~ Guérin was born in 1948
September 18, 2017 ~ Blues-rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Mark Selby, full name Mark Otis Selby, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Muddy Waters, and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Released a number of solo rock, blues-rock albums, often working with producer Brent Maher. In-demand collaborator and session musician, present on recordings by Kenny Rogers, Johnny Reid, Keni Thomas, Jimmy Hall, Wynonna Judd, and his wife Tia Sillers. Co-wrote a number of songs for Kenny Wayne Shepherd, including Deja Voodoo, Blue On Black, Never Lookin' Back. Also wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by the Dixie Chicks, Sons Of The Desert, and Tammy Cochran ~ Selby was born in 1961
September 18, 2014 ~ Singer George Hamilton IV passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Teen idol turned country singer, gradually gravitating more towards folk-influenced country. Known for songs such as A Rose And A Baby Ruth, Why Don't They Understand, Before This Day Ends, Three Steps To The Phone, If You Don't Know I Ain't Gonna Tell You, and Abilene ~ Hamilton was born in 1937
September 18, 2014 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz trumpeter, hornist Kenny Wheeler, full name Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler, passed away in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Especially acclaimed for his mid-1980s streak, consisting of the albums Double Double You, Jumpin' In, and Rambler. Closely associated with John Taylor, including in Azimuth. Has also worked with Johnny Dankworth, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Anthony Braxton, Lee Konitz, Marc Copland, John Abercrombie, and others ~ Wheeler was born in 1930
September 18, 2014 ~ Margaret Hoffler, commonly known as R&B singer Margie Day, passed away in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Recorded as a solo artist as well as with the Four Bars & a Melody (Near You), the Griffin Brothers (Street Walking Daddy, Sadie Green, Pretty Baby), Paul Williams, and others ~ Hoffler was born in 1926
September 18, 2010 ~ Zouk singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Patrick Saint-Eloi passed away in Le Moule, Guadeloupe ~ Leading figure in the Zouk genre. Co-lead singer of Kassav. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the 1980s ~ Saint-Eloi was born in 1958
September 18, 2008 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Opal Courtney Jr passed away ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Courtney was born in 1936
September 18, 2005 ~ Double bassist Frank Fields, full name Frank Nomer Fields, passed away in Zachary, Louisiana, USA ~ Closely associated with Dave Bartholomew and Cosimo Matassa, becoming a first-call session musician for many New Orleans based acts including Fats Domino (The Fat Man), Professor Longhair, Little Richard (Tutti Frutti), Smiley Lewis, Shirley & Lee, Lloyd Price, Huey Piano Smith, Ray Charles, and others ~ Fields was born in 1914
September 18, 1997 ~ Jump blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the mid-1940s. In-demand singer worked with a host of artists including Teddy Weatherford, Jay McShann (notably on the 1949 recording of Ain't Nobody's Business), Jimmy Rowles, Earl Hines, Vernon Alley, Mel Lewis, Teddy Edwards, Gerald Wiggins, John Clayton, Paul Humphrey, Pepper Adams, Kenny Burrell, Harry Sweets Edison, Jimmy Smith, Long John Baldry, Junior Mance, Jimmy Woode, Kenny Clarke, Gerry Mulligan, Jim Mullen, Count Basie, Van Morrison, the Dutch Swing College Band, Gene GIlbeaux, Robben Ford, Russell Ferrante, Joe Sample, and others ~ Witherspoon was born in 1920
September 18, 1994 ~ Zydeco accordionist John Delafose, full name John Irvin Delafose, passed away in Opelousas, Louisiana, USA ~ As a child would fashion fiddles and guitars out of old boards and cigar boxes. Eventually learned to play fiddle, harmonica and accordion. Earned his living farming and did not pursue a career in music until the early-1970s. Formed the Eunice Playboys in the mid-1970s, his backing unit until his death two decades later. Best known for the 1990s albums Joe Pete Got Two Women and Blues Stay Away From Me, bridging the gap between zydeco's roots and its contemporary sound ~ Delafose was born in 1939
September 18, 1992 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Amber Liu, full name Amber Josephine Liu, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of girl group fx, known for songs such as Nu Abo, Pinocchio (Danger), Electric Shock, and Rum Pum Pum Pum. First member of the band to release solo recordings, starting with the 2015 Beautiful EP in 2015 and has since recorded singles in Korean, English, and Mandarin. Liu has also collaborated with Danson Tang, Chad Future, Superfruit, and Gen Neo
September 18, 1992 ~ Keyboardist Earl Van Dyke passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as main keyboardist for Motown house band the Funk Brothers during the late-1960s and early-1970s, taking over for Joe Hunter. Can be heard on classic songs such as the Four Tops' Bernadette, Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine and the Temptations' Runaway Child Running Wild. Prior to his tenure with the Brothers Van Dyke worked as a jazz session organist with Blue Note Records artists such as Fred Jackson and Ike Quebec. Van Dyke is also known for his 1967 hit 6 By 6 ~ Van Dyke was born in 1930
September 18, 1991 ~ R&B, soul, gospel, jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Garry Glenn passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ While still in his teens toured with his sister, gospel singer Beverly Glenn. Released his eponymous solo debut album, Garry Glenn, in 1980. Best known as a songwriter, songs written or co-written by Glenn recorded by artists such as Dianne Quander, the Dramatics, Earth Wind & Fire (Share Your Love), the Emotions, Eddie Kendricks (Intimate Friends), Jean Carn, Anita Baker (Caught Up In The Rapture), Atlantic Starr (Armed & Dangerous), Santana, Natalie Cole (Gonna Make You Mine), and Pieces Of A Dream ~ Glenn was born in 1955
September 18, 1991 ~ Robert W Derminer, commonly known as proto-punk singer Rob Tyner, passed away in Berkley, Michigan, USA ~ Took his stage name in honor of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner. Lead singer of proto-punk outfit MC5, known best for Kick Out The Jams. Originally auditioned for the bass player spot ~ Derminer was born in 1944
September 18, 1987 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Luisa Sobral, full name Luisa Vilar Braamcamp Sobral, born in Lisbon ~ First gained attention reaching third place in the 2003 Portuguese edition of Idols talent show. Internationally best known for writing Amar Pelos Dois, the 2017 Eurovision Songfestival winner for Portugal, performed by her brother Salvador Sobral
September 18, 1984 ~ Dylan Kwabena Mills, commonly known as hip-hop, grime rapper, MC, songwriter Dizzee Rascal, born in London, UK ~ Pioneer of grime music, drawing from UK garage, hip-hop, R&B. Debuted in 2003 with the Boy In Da Corner, considered a classic in the genre. Best known for songs such as Dance Wiv Me featuring Calvin Harris & Chrome, Bonkers featuring Armand van Helden, You Got The Dirtee Love with Florence + the Machine, Goin' Crazy featuring Robbie Williams
September 18, 1983 ~ R&B, jump blues singer, drummer, bandleader Roy Milton passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the Solid Senders in 1933. Milton is best known for late-1940s, early-1950s R&B hits such as Hop Skip & Jump, Information Blues, Grooving With Joe, Best, and others ~ Milton was born in 1907
September 18, 1980 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader Dick Stabile, full name Richard Dominic Stabile, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Vincent Lopez, Ben Bernie, Bunny Berigan, Dave Barbour, Frank Signorelli, Paula Kelly, Burt Shaw, Dean Martin, Evelyn Oaks and with Gracie Barrie, eventually marrying the latter ~ Stabile was born in 1909
September 18, 1979 ~ Lincoln Barrett, commonly known as electronic music DJ, producer High Contrast, born in Penarth, UK ~ Son of Paul Legs Barrett, who managed singer Shakin' Stevens. Released his debut album, True Colours, in 2002 spawning the modest UK hits Return Of Forever and Global Love. Also known for a number of remixes, notably Ayumi Hamasaki's No Way To Say, Adele's Hometown Glory, Eric Prydz's Pjanoo and Jorja Smith's The One, the latter remix earning a Grammy Award-nomination in 2020
September 18, 1976 ~ Accordionist, drummer, pianist Jeremy Barnes born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA ~ Member of Neutral Milk Hotel, appearing on the band's 1998 In The Aeroplane Over The Sea sophomore album. Formed A Hawk & A Hacksaw in 2001, which also included singer, violinist Heather Trost whom he would later marry. Barnes and Trost also contributed to Beirut's 2005 Gulag Orkestar debut album
September 18, 1974 ~ Cellist, conductor, teacher Hideo Saito passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Not to be confused with his namesake composer Hideo Saito born in 1958. First gained attention in the mid-1920s as principal cellist and soloist with the New Symphony Orchestra. Well known for co-founding the Music School for Children, Tokyo, in 1948 which evolved into the the Toho Gakuen School of Music, Tokyo, a four-year college for further musical education. Saito would serve as professor of the college and chairman its string and conducting departments. Saito has toured USA, Soviet Union, and Europe with the school's the Toho Children's Orchestra, and had been preparing the orchestra for another major tour shortly before his death ~ Saito was born in 1902
September 18, 1974 ~ James Sontag, commonly known as electronic, house, UK garage producer, DJ Tiga, born in Montreal, Canada ~ First gained attention in the 2000s through a series of mixtapes and compilations, quickly becoming an acclaimed remixers with some dubbing him one of the world's best remixers. As a solo artist, producer, DJ released his full-length Sexor debut album in 2006. Has remixed songs for LCD Soundsystem, Cabaret Voltaire, Dannii Minogue, the Scissor Sisters, Märtini Brös, Mylo, Depeche Mode, Jamie Lidell, Iggy Azalea, and others
September 18, 1973 ~ J-pop, pop-rock, pop punk singer, guitarist, drummer Ami Onuki born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Half of PUFFY, the other half being Yumi Yoshimura
September 18, 1973 ~ Jamie Alexander Lidderdale, commonly known as soul, funk, electronic singer, songwriter Jamie Lidell, born in Huntingdon, UK ~ Formed the duo Super Collider with Cristian Vogel, with whom he recorded the albums Head On and Raw Digits. Actively recording as a solo artist since his Muddlin' Gear debut album released in 2000. Perhaps best known for Multiply, used in the TV show Grey's Anatomy
September 18, 1971 ~ Operatic soprano Anna Netrebko, full name Anna Yuryevna Netrebko, born in Krasdonar, Soviet Union ~ Discovered and mentored by Valery Gergiev. Has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera, and the San Francisco Opera. As of 2022 there has been a debate over her association with Russian president Vladimir Putin. At one time rumored to be romantically involved with Putin, which she denied. Her name also appeared on a list of some 500 celebrities endorsing Putin in the 2012 election, though she stated she never signed this declaration. Celebrated her 50th birthday in 2021 with a concert held in the Kremlin. Her public condemnation however of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted the Putin-controlled Russian parliament to denounce her a traitor. As of 2023 she is also sanctioned by the government of Ukraine
September 18, 1970 ~ Johnny Allen Hendrix, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Jimi Hendrix, passed away in London, UK ~ Hugely influential guitarist set the bar for generations to follow. One of the first to extensively use tone-altering effects such as fuzz distortion, wah-was, and uni-vibe. The first to use stereophonic phasing effects in recording. Despite recording only three albums during his lifetime, Are You Experienced, Axis (Bold As Love), and Electric Ladyland, Hendrix is regarded as one of the most important and influential guitarists, expanding the range of the instrument. Well known songs include All Along The Watchtower, Hey Joe, Purple Haze, The Wind Cries Mary, and Foxy Lady ~ Hendrix was born in 1942
September 18, 1970 ~ R&B saxophonist, arranger, producer Maxwell Davis passed away ~ Worked with Fletcher Henderson, Jay McShann, Jimmy Witherspoon, Percy Mayfield, Peppermint Harris, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, T-Bone Walker, BB King, with Amos Milburn, and others ~ Davis was born in 1916
September 18, 1969 ~ Darryl Hill, commonly known as rapper Cappadonna, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Wu-Tang Clan, at times referred to as the “Unofficial 10th Member” and first appearing on the 1997 Wu-Tang Forever album. Also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Pillage released in 1998, as well as with Theodore Unit
September 18, 1967 ~ Ricardo Bell, commonly known as R&B, new jack swing singer, actoringer Ricky Bell, born in New Jersey, USA ~ Formed the duo Ricky & Ralph with close friend Ralph Tresvant. The pair would go on to co-found the highly successful R&B, new jack swing outfit New Edition, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Cool It Now, If It Isn't Love, Hit Me Off and I'm Still In Love With You. Bell would form Bell Biv DeVoe with bandmates Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe in 1990, known best for their multi-platinum Poison debut album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Poison and Do Me both considered landmark tracks in the new jack swing genre
September 18, 1967 ~ Neoclassical, experimental composer Robert William Witt passed away ~ Married to colorature soprano singer Eva Mondrut. Mentored by Vincent Persichetti. Well known for integrating old themes into new works. Best known for the works Divertimento For Three Woodwinds, Te Deum For Chorus And Brass Quintet and Sonatina No.1 ~ Witt was born in 1930
September 18, 1966 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Nigel Clark born in Redditch, UK ~ Best known for fronting Dodgy, rising to prominence during the 1990s Britpop wave scoring hits such as Staying Out For The Summer, If You're Thinking Of Me and their best known, the UK top 10 hit Good Enough
September 18, 1965 ~ Rock, hard rock, flamenco, jazz, blues guitarist, songwriter Dave Dunlop, full name John David Dunlop, born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Member of rock outfit the Full Nine, with whom he recorded two albums. Best known for his association with guitarist Rik Emmett, the duo working together in Triumph, the Rik Emmett Band, and notably as a duo in the Strung-Out Troubadours, the latter especially acclaimed for their eponymous 2006 Strung Out Troubadours album. Dunlop would release his long-awaited full-length Monarch Girl solo album in 2016, featuring backing from Emmett, Randy Cooke, David Blamires, Paul DeLong, and Don Breithaupt
September 18, 1965 ~ Pop, pop rock singer Monique Klemann born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Along with sister Suzanne Klemann key member of pop outfit Lois Lane, known for late-1980s, 1990s hits such as It's the First Time, Fortune Fairytales, Qualified and perhaps their best known Tonight. Also sang with Girls Wanna Have Fun
September 18, 1965 ~ Pop, rock, country singer, songwriter Tone Norum born in Varde, Norway ~ Baby sister of Europe-guitarist John Norum. Released her Joey Tempest-produced One Of A Kind debut album in 1986, which spawned the hit Can't You Stay. Her sophomore album, This Time released in 1988, would feature the Tommy Nilsson-duet Allt Som Jag Kånner as well as a guest appearance from virtuoso guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen on Point Of No Return
September 18, 1961 ~ Martin Philip Beedle, commonly known as pop, pop rock drummer, percussionist Frosty Beedle, born in North Ferriby, UK ~ Member of Cutting Crew from 1985 through 1993, present on songs such as I've Been In Love Before, One For The Mockingbird, Everything But My Pride and their best known (I Just) Died In Your Arms, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 1986. Has also worked with artists such as Boy George, Sinéad O'Connor, Midge Ure, Zucchero, Clannad, Kim Wilde, Lifesigns, ABC, and others
September 18, 1960 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Nils Petter Molvær born in Langevåg, Norway ~ Pioneer of future jazz, mixing jazz and electronic music. Worked with the Jazzponkensemblet, 1300 Oslo, Jon Eberson, Masqualero, Arild Andersen, Jon Christensen, Tore Brunborg, Sidsel Endresen, Django Bates, Robyn Schulkowsky, Moritz von Oswald, Martin France, Tim Harries, Jon Balke, Rita Marcotulli, Dhafer Youssef, Sienna, Manu Katché, Chat Noir, and others
September 18, 1959 ~ Rock singer, keyboardist, bassist Sérgio Britto, full name Sergio de Britto Alvares Alfonso, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Lead singer for rock outfit Titas, known for songs such as Marvin, Omem Primata, Comida, Misena and Epitano. Also fronted Kleiderman, known for their sole Con El Mundo A Mis Pies album. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with A Minha Cara released in 2000
September 18, 1958 ~ Singer, activist Rachid Taha born in French Algeria ~ Algerian singer and activist. Influenced by Nass El Ghiwane and the Clash. Started as club DJ mashing up Algerian rai with rock, Led Zeppelin, Bo Diddley, Kraftwerk. Co-founded Carte de Sejour. Has been releasing solo records since the late-1980s. Blends rock, electronic, punk and rai. ~ Taha passed away in 2018
September 18, 1957 ~ Jazz guitarist, songwriter Emily Remler born in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by both pop and rock guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter, and jazz guitarists including Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Herb Ellis, Pat Martino and Joe Pass. Worked in bands such as 4play, Little Queenie and the Percolators before embarking on a solo recording starting with 1981's critically acclaimed Firefly. Has since worked with Larry Coryell, Astrud Gilberto, Bob Moses, Ray Brown, David Benoit, and Susannah McCorkle. Remler was married to Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander from 1981 to 1984. Remler died at age 32, barring the scars of an on-and-off drug addiction and a rock & roll life on the road ~ Remler passed away in 1990
September 18, 1957 ~ Post-punk singer, guitarist Martin Bramah born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member and primary songwriter for the Fall, remaining with the band through 1979 and briefly rejoining about a decade later. Co-founded the Blue Orchids. Founding member of short-lived rock outfit Thirst
September 18, 1953 ~ Singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Carl Jackson, full name Carl Eugene Jackson, born in Louisville, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Virginia Boys, backing brothers Jim & Jesse for about five years starting in the late-1960s. Closely associated with Glen Campbell remaining with Campbell, who also recorded Jackson's Letter To Home, for over a decade. Also recorded as a solo artist starting in the early-1970s and has written or co-written songs recorded by Garth Brooks (Against The Grain), Alecia Nugent, Terri Clark, and Rhonda Vincent (I'm Not Over You)
September 18, 1951 ~ Douglas Glenn Colvin, commonly known as bassist Dee Dee Ramone, born in Fort Lee, Virginia, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member and bassist of punk rock band the Ramones. Initially also the lead singer but this role was quickly taken over by drummer Joey Ramone. Dee Dee was also the main lyricist, responsible for the majority of the band's lyrics including on Rockaway Beach, Poison Heart and Bonzo Goes To Bitburg ~ Colvin passed away in 2002
September 18, 1951 ~ Saxophonist Steve Slagle born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Machito, Ray Barretto, Steve Kuhn, Lionel Hampton, Carla Bley, Mike Stern, Jaco Pastorius, Milton Nascimento, the Mingus Big Band, Elvis Costello, the Beastie Boys, Dr John, and other
September 18, 1949 ~ Guitarist, songwriter, producer Greg Leisz, full name Gregory Brian Leisz, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ In-demand session and touring musician. Worked with the Kingston Trio's John Stewart, the Funky Kings, the Blasters' Dave Alvin, Matthew Sweet, the Forest Rangers, Works Progress Administration, Ray LaMontagne, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Aaron Neville, Alison Krauss, Bon Iver, Haim, Joe Cocker, Robert Plant, Sheryl Crow, the Bangles, the Jayhawks, Whiskeytown, the Black Crowes, Bruce Springsteen, Grant Lee Buffalo, John Fogerty, Lucinda Williams, Peter Case, Meshell Ndegeocello, Vampire Weekend, and others
September 18, 1947 ~ Lyricist Bert Kalmar passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Kalmar worked as a magician, comedian and dancer before a knee injury ended his vaudeville career. Turning to songwriting Kalmar, often partnering up with Harry Ruby, scored numerous Broadway and Hollywood musicals, notably for the Marx Brothers (Animal Crackers, Horse Feathers). Well known songs co-written by Kalmar include Who's Sorry Now, I Wanna Be Loved By You, and Nevertheless ~ Kalmar was born in 1884
September 18, 1945 ~ Alan Charles King, also known as singer, guitarist Alan Bam King, born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of 1960s outfit the Action. After being dropped by their label the band would evolve into Mighty Baby, with King moving on to lead vocals. Co-founding member of Ace, known for their debut single How Long which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Subsequently worked with Juice On The Loose, with whom he recorded two albums
September 18, 1945 ~ Gospel blues singer, guitarist, evangelist Blind Willie Johnson passed away in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Known for a handful of late-1920s landmark recordings, considered influential on slide guitarists and gospel blues players. Best known for the hymn Dark Was The Night (Cold Was The Ground). Other well known songs include Nobody's Fault But Mine and John The Revelator. Johnsons songs would be rediscovered in the 1960s, finding a new audience with blues and rock artists. Bob Dylan covered Johnson's Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed retitled to Make Up My Dying Bed on his debut album. Others who covered his work would include the Soul Stirrers, the Staple Singers, Fairport Convention, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Tom Waits and Lucinda Williams ~ Johnson was born in 1897
September 18, 1945 ~ Philip Gary Schlein, commonly known as pop, rock singer, songwriter PF Sloan, born in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand session musician and member of the Wrecking Crew. Honored in songwriter Jimmy Webb's song titled PF Sloan. Enjoyed his greatest succes as a songwriter writing or co-writing hits, mostly with Steve Barri, for Round Robin, Barry McGuire (Eve Of Destruction), the Searchers, Jan & Dean, Herman's Hermits (Must To Avoid), Johnny Rivers (Secret Agent Man), the Grass Roots (Things I Should Have Said), the Turtles, the Mamas & the Papas, Ann-Margret, Shelley Fabares, Terry Black, the 5th Dimension, and others ~ Sloan passed away in 2015
September 18, 1944 ~ Maria Del Rocío Trinidad Mohedano Jurado, commonly known as singer, actress Rocío Jurado, born in Chiplona, Spain ~ One of the all-time best-selling Spanish female singers with over 16 million records sold. Best known for songs such as Como Una Ola, Como Yo Te Amo, Ese Hombre, Se Nos Rompio El Amor and Vibro ~ Jurado passed away in 2006
September 18, 1943 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Issak Tavior born in Haifa, Israel ~ Best known for his 2004 Vision Of The Valley Of Dry Bones composition. Has worked with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Haifa Symphony Orchestra, the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, and others
September 18, 1943 ~ Sharon Finkelstein, commonly known as blue-eyed soul singer Sharon Tandy, born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Critically compared to Dusty Springfield, Julie Driscoll and Christine McVie, enjoying some modest succes in 1960s UK wave of blue-eyed soul, Tandy drawing from R&B, British pop and mod-psychedelia. Known for songs such as Hold On, Daughter Of The Sun, Border Town and Toe Hold. Due to the lack of commercial succes Tandy mostly retired from music by the 1970s, recording only sporadically ~ Finkelstein passed away in 2015
September 18, 1942 ~ Progressive rock, jam band drummer, keyboardist Andy Farag born in South Bend, Indiana, USA ~ Member of Umphreys McGee, joining the band in 1998 shortly after the release of their Greatest Hits Vol III debut album
September 18, 1941 ~ Singer Frank Tardogno born ~ Original member of doo-wop outfit the Elegants, alongside Arthur Venosa, Carmen Romano, Vito Picone and James Moschello, known for Little Star, a million-seller in 1958
September 18, 1941 ~ Country singer Priscilla Mitchell born in Marietta, Georgia, USA ~ Active since the 1950s, initially a rock & roll backing singer for NRC Records. Married to guitarist, singer Jerry Reed from 1959 until his death. As a solo artist best known for her 1965 Love's Eternal Triangle duet album with country singer Roy Drusky, which spawned the Billboard Country No.1 single Yes Mr Peters. The follow-up album, Together Again released the next year, would be less successful and produce no hit singles. Mitchell would cut a few more solo singles through the end of the decade ~ Mitchell passed away in 2014
September 18, 1940 ~ Francis Thomas Avallone, commonly known as singer, actor Frankie Avalon born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Actor, singer, teen idol with over 30 charting singles from the late-1950s through the early-1960s, best known for the US No.1 hits Venus and Why. Other hits included Just Ask Your Heart, Ginger Bread, Bobby Sox To Stockings and A Boy Without A Girl
September 18, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Powell St John, full name Rayward Powell St John, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of local trio the Waller Creek Boys, which also included Lannie Wiggins and a then-unknown Janis Joplin. Founding member of Mother Earth, present on the band's first two albums. Also remembered as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Big Brother & the Holding Company (Bye Bye Baby), the 13th Floor Elevators (You Don't Know How Young You Are), Boz Scaggs (I'll Forever Sing), and Roky Erickson (Right Track Now) ~ St John passed away in 2021
September 18, 1939 ~ Gospel singer, TV and radio personality Bobby Jones born in Henry, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a TV and radio host sometimes referred to as “the Ed Sullivan of Gospel”. Hosted the TV show Bobby Jones Gospel on BET for over three decades, starting in 1980. The show has been incremental to the careers of Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, and Smokie Norful
September 18, 1939 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Steve Marcus, also known as Steve the Count Marcus, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Well over half a dozen albums as a leader, noted specifically for Count's Rock Album released in 1969. Marcus was considered a pioneering force behind what eventually would become known as fusion. Marcus first gained attention in the early-1960s, initially only temporarily filling in for Charlie Mariano in Stan Kenton's band and later given the gig full-time. Other notable associations include Woody Herman, Gary Burton, Herbie Mann, Larry Coryell, Sonny Sharrock, and drummer Buddy Rich, backing the latter from 1975 until his death over a decade later ~ Marcus passed away in 2005
September 18, 1933 ~ Singer, actor Jimmie Rodgers, full name James Frederick Rodgers, born in Camas, Washington, USA ~ Best known for his 1957 Honeycomb hit single, penned by Bob Merrill and previously recorded by Georgie Shaw. Would go on to have a successful run throughout the 1960s with country-pop and crossover songs including Kisses Sweeter Than Wine, Oh-oh I'm Falling In Love Again, Secretly and Are You Really Mine ~ Rodgers passed away in 2021
September 18, 1932 ~ Maureen Theresa Lehane Wishart, commonly known as mezzo-soprano Maureen Lehane, born in London, UK ~ Married to composer Peter Wishart from 1966 until his death in 1984. Perhaps best known for performing in a 1974 production of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante with the Handel Opera Society. Lehane's repertoire over the years also included Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, and Richard Wagner ~ Lehane passed away in 2010
September 18, 1929 ~ Theodora King, commonly known as jazz, pop singer Teddi King, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1950s singles including Married I Can Always Get, Say It Isn't So and perhaps her best known Mr Wonderful, the latter making the top 20 in 1956. Worked with Nat Pierce, Beryl Booker, and George Shearing ~ King passed away in 1977
September 18, 1926 ~ Producer Jim Vienneau, full name James Francis Vienneau, born in Albany, New York, USA ~ Best known for producing It's Only Make Believe for Conway Twitty. It would be Conway's breakout hit, reaching No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in 1958, and has become a classic of the genre recorded by over a hundred artists including Johnny Burnette, Paul Anka, Glen Campbell, Lynn Anderson, and Ronnie McDowell. Twitty would re-record the song as a duet with Loretta Lynn in 1971. Other well known songs produced by Vienneau include Vacation for Connie Francis, Teen Angel for Mark Dinning, and Whole Lotta Woman for Marvin Rainwater. Vienneau has also worked with Hank Williams Jr, Roy Orbison, Bob Gallion, Mel Tillis, and Billy Thunderkloud ~ Vienneau passed away in 2023
September 18, 1923 ~ Jazz saxophonist, oboist Frank Socolow born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the early-1940s. Has worked with artists such as Buddy Rich, Chubby Jackson, Artie Shaw, Johnny Bothwell, Charlie Ventura, Sal Salvador, Maynard Ferguson, Terry Gibbs, Phil Woods, Cecil Payne, Manny Albam, Hal McKusick, Johnny Richards, Bill Russo, Joe Morello, Bobby Scott, Gene Krupa, and Terry Gibbs ~ Socolow passed away in 1981
September 18, 1900 ~ Violinist, composer, teacher Willis James, full name Willis Laurence James, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as a teacher, serving as a member of the faculty staff of Spelman College for more than three decades starting in the early-1930s. Studied with Sidney Woodward. Protégé of Kemper Harreld. Member of the Morehouse Quartet. Co-founded the Fort Valley State College Folk Festival which ran anually from 1940 through 1955 ~ James passed away in 1966
September 18, 1894 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Willard Robison born in Shelbina, Missouri, USA ~ Best remembered for penning or co-penning songs such as Cottage For Sale (the Revelers, Guy Lombardo, Ruth Etting), Old Folks (Larry Clinton, Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey), and A Woman Alone With The Blues (Lee Wiley, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day) ~ Robison passed away in 1968