September 2, 2022 ~ Angus Gaye, commonly known as reggae singer, drummer Drummie Zeb, passed away ~ Lead singer, co-founding and last remaining original member of Aswad, known best for their 1988 UK No.1 hit Don't Turn Around. Two subsequent singles, Give A Little Love and Shine, would also reach top 20 in the band's native UK ~ Gaye was born in 1959
September 2, 2021 ~ Singer Alemayehu Eshete passed away in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ~ Dubbed “the Ethiopian Elvis Presley” active since the early 1960s. Best known for his hit single Seul. Founded the Alem-Girma Band with Girma Bèyènè. Would gain international exposure after appearing on Buda Musique's Ethiopiques set of compilations, leading to a 2008 tour of the United States with the Either/Orchestra ~ Eshete was born ca.1941
September 2, 2021 ~ Panagiotis Peter Anastasopoulos, commonly known as rapper Mad Clip, passed away in Vouliagmeni, Greece ~ Of Greek descent found fame in Greece with songs such as Dealer, MAMA, Kotera and Sinthikes. Has collaborated with Eleni Foureira, Josephine, and others. Passed away age 34 after a traffic collision ~ Anastasopoulos was born in 1987
September 2, 2021 ~ Conductor, music director Michel Corboz passed away ~ Founded the Ensemble Vocal De Lausanne in 1961, with whom he toured extensively. Has also worked with the Gulbenkian Choir Of Lisbon ~ Corboz was born in 1934
September 2, 2021 ~ Michail Theodorakis, commonly known as composer, activist Mikis Theodorakis, passed away in Athens, Greece ~ One of Greece's most acclaimed composers, having scored over 1,000 works. Has scored music for films such as Zorba The Greek which included Sirtaki, Z and Serpico. Wrote The Mauthausen Trilogy, one of the most revered musical pieces written about the Holocaust. Also active as a politician, known for his leftist ideas, and having served in several positions including MP and minister ~ Theodorakis was born in 1925
September 2, 2020 ~ Classical double bassist Rinat Ibragimov passed away ~ Best known as principal bassist with the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Ibragimov was born in 1960
September 2, 2018 ~ Pianist Conway Savage passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as keyboardist, organist, backing singer of Nick Cave's backing unit the Bad Seeds from 1990 onwards including on the quintessential Cave albums Murder Ballads, The Boatman's Call and on No More Shall We Part. Previously a member of the Happy Ophans, the Scrap Museum, and of country band the Feral Dinosaurs. Also worked with Kim Salmon, Dave Graney, David McComb, Spencer P Jones, Robert Forster, Martyn P Casey, Mick Harvey, Suzy Higgi, Charlie Owen, and others ~ Savage was born in 1960
September 2, 2018 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Frank Lee Sprague passed away ~ Wrote both songs and concert pieces, totalling over a 1,000 works including string quartet, symphonies, chamber music and opera. To pop audiences best known for his 2004 Merseybeat album, an album of rock & roll songs featuring guest appearances from Big Jay McNeely and the Knack's Doug Fieger. Also formed the rock & roll duo the Sprague Brothers with his brother Chris Sprague ~ Sprague was born in 1958
September 2, 2017 ~ Guitarist Dave Hlubek passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Best known as founding member, lead guitarist, main songwriter of Molly Hatchet. Hlubek was replaced by Bobby Ingram in 1987. Rejoined in 2005 ~ Hlubek was born in 1951
September 2, 2017 ~ Composer, electronic pioneer Halim El-Dabh, full name Halim Abdul Messieh El-Dabh, passed away ~ Early pioneer of electronic music, experimenting with sound manipulation, or musique concrete, as early as the 1940s incorporating everyday sounds, reverberation, echo chambers and voltage controls in works such as The Expression Of Zaar ~ El-Dabh was born in 1921
September 2, 2015 ~ Folk, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Brianna Lea Pruett passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Tom Waits, Roberta Flack, Doc Watson, Emmylou Harris, Carole King, Iron & Wine, Pavement, Woody Guthrie, Charles Mingus. Best known for her 2011 The Stars The Moon The Owl The Cougar And You album ~ Pruett was born in 1983
September 2, 2013 ~ Jaroslaw Smietana, commonly known as jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader Jarek Smietana, passed away in Krakow, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Henderson, Vladislav Sendecki, Joe Zawinul, Janusz Muniak, Gary Bartz, Carter Jefferson, Vince Mendoza, John Abercrombie, Hamiet Bluiett, Idris Muhammad, Ronnie Burrage, Harvie Swartz, Mike Stern, Jack Wilkins, Zbigniew Seifert, Cameron Brown, Andy McKee, Greg Brandy, David Gilmore, Nigel Kennedy, Didier Lockwood, Jerry Goodman, Eddie Henderson, John Abercrombie, John Purcell, and others ~ Smietana was born in 1951
September 2, 2012 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader, composer Branislav Lala Kovacev passed away in Hvar, Croatia ~ Leader and sideman. Key figure in Balkan Ethno jazz, merging traditional Balkan folk with jazz. Best known for his ensembles the European Jazz Consensus, the International Jazz Consensus and the Lala Kovacev Group. Has also worked with Chick Corea, Hans Koller, Janusz Muniak, Zbigniew Seifert, Albert Mangelsdorff, Wolfgang Dauner, Alan Skidmore, Michal Urbaniak, Dusko Gojkovic, Benny Bailey, and others ~ Kovacev was born in 1939
September 2, 2012 ~ Guitarist Mark Abrahamian passed away in Norfolk, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist of Starship from 2001 until his death in 2012 ~ Abrahamian was born in 1966
September 2, 2008 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Arne Domnerus passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the 1940s. Played with Charlie Parker, James Moody, Art Farmer, Clifford Brown, Bengt Hallberg, Lars Gullin, Rolf Ericson, Ake Persson, Quincy Jones, Harry Arnold, Benny Golson, Herbie Mann, and with Jimmy Witherspoon ~ Domnérus was born in 1924
September 2, 2006 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, bandleader Dewey Redman, full name Walter Dewey Redman, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Father of saxophonist Joshua Redman. Leader and sideman. Worked with Ornette Coleman, Keith Jarrett, Paul Motian, Pat Metheny, Old And New Dreams, Jon Ballantyne, Ed Blackwell, Cameron Brown, Jane Bunnett, Don Cherry, Anthony Cox, the Liberation Music Orchestra, Leroy Jenkins, Roswell Rudd, Randy Weston, Michel Benita, and others ~ Redman was born in 1931
September 2, 2006 ~ Sudney Francis Jenkins, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Pat Jenkins, passed away ~ Closely associated with Al Cooper and with Buddy Tate. Worked with the Savoy Sultans, Wynonie Harris, Big Joe Turner, Tab Smith, Jimmy Rushing, and others ~ Jenkins was born in 1914
September 2, 2004 ~ Keyboardist Michael Connor passed away ~ Member of Pure Prairie League from 1972 until the band's initial disbandement in 1988, also joining the reformed League in 1998. The band is best known for Amie of their 1975 Bustin' Out album and the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Let Me Love You Tonight featuring Vince Gill as lead vocalist of their 1980 Firin' Up album ~ Connor was born in 1949
September 2, 2004 ~ Luiz Antonio Ferreira Gonçalves, commonly known as guitarist, producer Tom Capone, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Passed away in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles only hours after leaving the Latin Grammy Awards show. His production of Maria Rita's eponymous Maria Rita debut album would win Grammy Awards including New Star, MPB song A Festa, and MPB Record of the Year ~ Ferreira was born in 1966
September 2, 2003 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist, singer Bruce Waibel, full name Bruce Kenneth Waibel, passed away in Florida, USA ~ Started as a roadie for Gregg Allman before becoming a full band member, first on guitar, later bass guitar. Has also worked with the Marshall Tucker Band, Captain Beyond, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Derringer, and was a member of rock band Firehouse from 2000 to 2003, present on the album O2 ~ Waibel was born in 1958
September 2, 2001 ~ Saxophonist Jay Migliori passed away in Mission Viejo, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Supersax, a tribute band to Charlie Parker. In-demand sideman and session musician, active since the early 1950s. Present on albums by Woody Herman, Jimmy Witherspoon, Lou Rawls (Black And Blue), the Righteous Brothers, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Richard Groove Holmes, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the Everly Brothers, Nat Adderley, Harry Nilsson, Loudon Wainwright III (Unrequited), Leonard Cohen, the Manhattan Transfer, and Frank Zappa ~ Migliori was born in 1930
September 2, 1998 ~ Blues, R&B, rock & roll guitarist Willie Kizart passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Member of Ike Turner's the Kings Of Rhythm. Noted for his guitar work on Rocket '88, one of the first examples of electric guitar distortion ~ Kizart was born in 1932
September 2, 1989 ~ Antoni Zaslavski, commonly known as producer Zedd born in Kaiserlautern, Germany ~ First gained attention with the single Clarity, a Billboard top 10 single in 2012. Would released his debut album of the same, Clarity, later the same year. Would go on to score numerous hits working with artists such as Hayley Williams, Alessia Cara, Selena Gomez, Maren Morris, Grey, Ariana Grande, and others
September 2, 1988 ~ Twin sisters pianists Christina Naughton and Michelle Naughton born in Princeton, New Jersey, USA ~ Mentored by Joseph Kalichstein who once commented when the siblings play together they seem to have one mind and one body. As a duo the sister have worked with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Flemish Orchestra, and others. Especially acclaimed for their 2012 Piano Duets album
September 2, 1986 ~ Jazz bassist Billy Taylor, full name William Taylor Sr, passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Elmer Snowden, Willie Gant, Arthur Gibbs, Charlie Johnson, Duke Ellington, mcKinney's Cotton Pickers, Fats Waller, Fletcher Henderson, Jelly Roll Morton, Cootie Williams, Johnny Hodges, Coleman Hawkins, Red Allen, Joe Sullivan, Raymond Scott, Barney Bigard, Benny Morton, Cozy Cole, Al Hibbler, and others ~ Taylor was born in 1906
September 2, 1984 ~ Jazz trombonist Mike Riley passed away in Redondo Beach, California, USA ~ Best remembered for The Music Goes Round And Round, notably covered by by Tommy Dorsey ~ Riley was born ca.1904
September 2, 1980 ~ Drummer, songwriter Mark Giuliana born in Florham Park, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Leader of Beat Music, leader of Heernt. Also worked with Avishai Cohen, Brad Mehldau, David Bowie (Blackstar), Meshell Ndegeocello, Gretchen Parlato, Jason Lindner, Lionel Loueke, Dhafer Youssef, Tigran Hamasyan, Matisyahu, Phronesis, Matt Cameron, Tony Grey, Dave Douglas, Aaron Dugan, Janek Gwizdala, Dumpster Hunter, Donny McCaslin, Chris Morrissey, Brad Shepik, Daniel Zamir, the Young Astronauts Club, and others
September 2, 1979 ~ Natalie Nicole Alvarado, mononymously known as R&B, hip-hop singer, songwriter Natalie, born in Cleak Lake City, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her 2013 single Goin' Crazy. Has collaborated with Baby Bash (Bubbalicious), Chamillionaire, Poetic Thug, and others
September 2, 1978 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Jonas Kullhammar born in Nacka, Sweden ~ Regarded as one of Sweden's most foremost jazz musicians. Debuted as a solo artist with the Salut album in 2000. Credited as a sideman on reportedly over 150 records. Has worked with Carlos Garnett, Nicolai Dunger, the Fredrik Norén Band, the Tjorbörn Zetterberg Hot Five, Sonic Mechatronik Arkestra, Peanuts Hucko, Nino Ramsby, Goran Kajfes, Marcus Strickland, Eldkvarn, the Jupiter Trio, Mulatu Astatke, the Hives, Ted Curson, Chick Corea, Jason Moran, Rickie Lee Jones, Hegge, and others
September 2, 1976 ~ Experimental rock guitarist, bassist Dave Konopka born ~ Best known as bassist and guitarist in Battles. Previously a member of Lynx
September 2, 1976 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Eleanor Friedberger born in Oak Parks, Illinois, USA ~ Formed the indie rock duo the Fiery Furnaces with her brother Matthew Friedberger. Has released a number of solo albums since the band went on hiatus, starting with 2011's Last Summer
September 2, 1975 ~ Jill Janiszweski, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer Jill Janus, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Cited Ann Wilson and Freddie Mercury as major influences. Worked with Vexy Strut, Huntress, Amon Amarth, the Starbreakers, the Chelsea Girls, and others ~ Janus passed away in 2018
September 2, 1975 ~ Singer, songwriter Tony Thompson born in Waco, Texas ~ Best known as a member of Hi-Five best known for their eponymous debut, 1990's Hi-Five, which went platinum and spawned the hits I Like The Way (The Kissing Game), I Can't Wait Another Minute, and Just Another Girlfriend. Thompson released a sole solo album, Sensational, in 1995 ~ Thompson passed away in 2007
September 2, 1972 ~ Tstutomu Shimura, commonly known as Lyrics Born, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Half of the duo Latyrx, the other being Lateef the Truthspeaker. Member of Blackalicious
September 2, 1972 ~ Israel Perales Ortiz, commonly known as hip-hop, Latin hip-hop, reggaeton rapper Mexicano 777, born in Yabacuo, Puerto Rico ~ Latin hip-hop, reggaeton pioneer. Known for songs such as Desde De La Isla De La Muerte, No Mas Tregua featuring Fat Joe, El Boricia Poeta, and others ~ Perales passed away in 2015
September 2, 1969 ~ Cedric Renard Hailey, commonly known as singer K-Ci, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of Jodeci, including on the acclaimed albums Forever My Lady and Diary Of A Mad Band. Half of K-Ci & JoJo. Released his solo album, My Book, in 2006
September 2, 1966 ~ Clarinetist Darnell Howard passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Worked with WC Handy, Charlie Elgar, James P Johnson, the Singing Syncopators, Carroll Dickerson, King Oliver, Erskine Tate, Dave Peyton, Jerome Carrington, Earl Hines, Fletcher Henderson, Coleman Hawkins, Doc Evans, Muggsy Spanier, Bob Scobey, Don Ewell, Elmer Snowden, Burt Bales, and others ~ Howard was born in 1895
September 2, 1963 ~ Progressive rock, progressive metal singer, bassist, songwriter Mike Baker, full name Michael Allen Baker, born ~ Best known as lead singer of Shadow Gallery ~ Baker passed away in 2008
September 2, 1961 ~ Blues-rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Mark Selby, full name Mark Otis Selby, born in Enid, Oklahoma, 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 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, Tammy Cochran, and others ~ Selby passed away in 2017
September 2, 1960 ~ Rock, post-rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Arnaldo Antunes born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Co-founding member of rock band Titas, remaining with the band from 1982 through 1992. Has also worked with Marisa Monte, the Tribalistas, Carlinhos Brown, Tom Zé, João Donato, Chico Buarque, and others
September 2, 1960 ~ Singer Ruth Jacott born in Paramaribo, Suriname ~ Represented the Netherlands at the 1993 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Vrede, reaching 6th place. Would release her eponymous solo album, Ruth Jacott, shortly afterwards. Has worked with Paul de Leeuw (Blijf Bij Mij), Gerard Joling, René Froger, Oscar Harris, Humphrey Campbell, Fluitsma & van Tijn, the Toppers, Edsilia Rombley, and others
September 2, 1959 ~ Singer Esther Oosterbeek, full name Esther Rosita Oosterbeek, born in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of pop girl group the Dolly Dots. The band would score numerous top 10 hits in the Netherlands, starting in the late 1970s, including Tell It All About Boys, Hela-do-ladi-do, STOP, Do You Wanna Wanna, She's A Liar, Dreaming Of You, and What A Night. After the band disbanded Oosterbeek would semi-retire from an active music career, working as a fashion adviser, designer and make-up artist for other musicians
September 2, 1959 ~ Jazz drummer Masaaki Hiyama born ~ Worked with Guitarist Creek, Casiopea, Hidehiko Matsumoto, Henri Kenno, Mikio Masuda, and others-
September 2, 1958 ~ Carlos Enrique Estremera Colon, commonly known as salsa singer Cano Estremera, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico ~ Dubbed “the Golden Boy” and especially acclaimed for his talent to improvise lyrics. Closely associated with Bobby Valentín. As a solo artist best known for El Toro ~ Estremera passed away in 2020
September 2, 1958 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Fallin' at Metropolitan Studio, New York, New York ~ Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Produced by Morton Craft who also conducted. Released later the same year as a single, b/w Happy Days And Lonely Nights, it would reach top 30 on the pop charts, top 20 in the UK
September 2, 1958 ~ Pop keyboardist, singer, songwriter Fritz McIntyre born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founding member, keyboardist of Simply Red from 1985 through 1995, leaving the band after the completion of the Life album. Co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material, sang lead on Wonderland. Has recorded as a solo artist since leaving the band, including the Christian worship album First Fruits, but would fail to reach the same level of succes ~ McIntyre passed away in 2021
September 2, 1958 ~ Pianist, accordionist Radoslav Lorkovic born in Zagreb, Croatia ~ Revered solo artist, member of the original line-up of the Lost Gonzo Band and an in-demand collaborator. Worked with Odetta, Jimmy Lafave, Shawn Mullins, Greg Brown, Richard Shindell, Ellis Paul, Susan Werner, Ronny Cox, Andy White, Bo Ramsey, and others
September 2, 1957 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Steve Porcaro, full name Steven Maxwell Porcaro, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Brother of drummer Jeff Porcaro and bassist Mike Porcaro, both bandmates in Toto. The band's song Rosanna was inspired by Porcaro's then-girlfriend actress Rosanna Arquette. In-demand session musician for a wide range of artists, present on albums by Bette Midler, Brothers Johnson, the Alessi Brothers, the Pointer Sisters, Leo Sayer, Earth Wind & Fire (I Am), Michael Jackson (Off The Wall), Boz Scaggs, Herb Alpert, Donna Summer, James Ingram, Al Jarreau (Jarreau), Don Henley (Building The Perfect Beast), Chaka Khan, Kenny Loggins, and Ry Cooder
September 2, 1956 ~ William G Evans, commonly known as bluegrass banjo player Bill Evans, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Cloud Valley, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Due West, Bluegrass Intentions, Fletcher Bright, Alan Munde, Kathy Kallick, Chad Manning, Jim Nunally, Tony Trischka, Jody Stecher, and others
September 2, 1956 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Too Much at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Lee Rosenberg and Bernard Weinman. Released, paired with Playing For Keeps on the flipside, the following January
September 2, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Steve Masakowski born ~ Leader and sideman. Father of bassist Martin Masakowski and singer Sasha Maskowski. Worked with Johnny Adams, Mose Allison, Dave Liebman, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Carl Fontana, Rick Margitza, Bobby McFerrin, Nicholas Payton, Dianne Reeves, Sam Rivers, Woody Shaw, Alvin Tyler, Bennie Wallace, the Astral Project, Randy Brecker, Tom Harrell, Art Baron, Larry Sieberth, James Singleton, Brian Blade, Earl Tubinto, Jason Marsalis, Damon Short, Harry Sheppard, Tony Dagradi, Denise Mangiardi, Johnny Vidacovich, Harold Battiste, Dr John, Mary Jane Ewing, Kaya Martinez, Clarence Johnson III, Irvin Mayfield, and others
September 2, 1952 ~ Guitarist Adrian Fisher born in London, UK ~ Member of Free-spin off Toby. Member of Sparks, appearing on the albums Kimono My House and Propaganda. Member of Boxer ~ Fisher passed away in 2000
September 2, 1949 ~ Albertus Westelaken, commonly known as singer Albert West, born in Den Bosch, the Netherlands ~ Fronted the Shuffles from 1963 to 1973. Went on to a successful career as mainstream pop singer, sporting a warm voice ~ Westelaken passed away in 2015
September 2, 1947 ~ Drummer Richard Couglan born in Herne Bay, UK ~ Joined progressive rock band Wilde Flowers in 1966 and stayed with the band after the name change to Caravan in 1968 ~ Coughlan passed away in 2013
September 2, 1946 ~ Drummer, lyricist, author Aldir Blanc, full nme Aldir Blanc Mendes, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Former psychiatrist would eventually quit medical practice to focus on music. Best known for his association with singer, songwriter João Bosco. Others who have recorded his songs include Elis Regina, Guinga, Milton Nascimento, and notably Nana Caymmi who recorded his Respost Ao Tempo ~ Mendes passed away in 2020
September 2, 1946 ~ Keyboardist, organist, singer, songwriter Billy Preston born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as That's The Way God Planned It, Outa-space, Will It Go Round In Circles, Space Race, Nothing From Nothing, and duetting with Syreeta Wright, With You I'm Born Again. As a session and touring musician Preston backed artists such as Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, James Cleveland, the Beatles, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones ~ Preston passed away in 2006
September 2, 1945 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, horn player, saxophonist, producer, arranger Marty Grebb, full name Marty Joseph Grebb, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Buckinghams. Also worked with Peter Cetera, Bill Payne, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Etta James, the Exceptions, Leon Russell, Dick Campbell, Lovecraft, Olivia Newton-John, Bernie Taupin, Joe Vitale, the Knack, Maria Muldaur, JJ Cale, Alien Ant Farm, and others
September 2, 1944 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger Pablo Ziegler born in Argentina ~ Worked with artists such as Astor Piazzolla, Milva, Plácido Domingo, Gary Burton, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, Emanuel Ax, Regina Carter, Branford Marsalis, Paquito d'Rivera, Kenny Garrett, Stefon Harris, Joe Lovano, Christopher O'Riley, Quique Sinesi, Walter Castro, Nestor Torres, Joe Locke, Randy Brecker, David Sánchez, Miguel Zenon, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, het Metropole Orkest, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, Denyce Graves, Julio Botti, and others
September 2, 1943 ~ Pop rock songwriter Dorde Novkovic born in Vladimirci, Serbia ~ Father of singer Boris Novkovic. One of the most prolific Croatian songwriters with over an estimated 2500 songs to his name. First gained attention in the late 1960s when Miso Kovac scored a hit with Vise Se Neces Vratiti. Others who have recorded songs written by Novkovic include Neda Ukraden, Tomislav Ivcic, Gabi Novak, and Zanamari Percic ~ Novkovic passed away in 2007
September 2, 1943 ~ Soul, R&B singer Joe Simon born in Simmesport, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit the Golden West Singers. Dubbed “the mouth of the South” for his distinctive voice, critically compared to Otis Redding and Jackie Wilson. As a solo artist known for a two decade career, charting with R&B singles such as The Chokin' Kind, The Power Of Love and perhaps his best-known Get Down Get Down Get On The Floor. Was backed by Sly Stone and Larry Graham on his first major hit My Adorable One ~ Simon passed away in 2021
September 2, 1943 ~ Singer Rosalind Ashford born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Original member of Martha & the Vandellas. Also worked with the Del-fi's, later renamed to Vels, known among soul afficionados for a number of uncharted 1960s singles such as Camel Walk and There He Is At My Door, but best-known as backing singers for Marvin Gaye on songs such as Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
September 2, 1942 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader Barbara Donald, full name Barbara Kay Donald, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Worked with John Coltrane, Stanley Cowell, Richard Davis, Dexter Gordon, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons, Rahn Burton, and others ~ Donald passed away in 2013
September 2, 1940 ~ Horst Nussbaum, commonly known as pop, schlager, disco singer, producer, songwriter Jack White born in Cologne, Germany ~ Best known for his association with several 1980s, 1990 artists, serving as producer, songwriter for the likes of Laura Branigan (Control), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora (When The Rain Begins To Fall), David Hasselhoff, Barry Manilow, Hazell Dean, and Audrey Landers
September 2, 1940 ~ Jazz pianist Mick Pyne born in Thornton Dale, UK ~ Younger brother of trombonist Chris Pyne. Worked with John Stevens, Phil Seamen, Tubby Hayes, Stan Getz, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Lee Konitz, Hank Mobley, Joe Williams, Ronnie Scott, Humphrey Lyttelton, John Eardley, Cecil Payne, Georgie Fame, Adelaide Hall, Keith Smith, Charlie Watts, and others ~ Pyne passed away in 1995
September 2, 1939 ~ Robert Dickey, singer, commonly known as Bobby Purify born away in Tallahassee, Florida, USA ~ Best known as half of vocal duo James & Bobby Purify, the other being his cousin James Purify, known for songs such as I'm Your Puppet, Let Love Come Between Us, Shake A Tail Feather, and others. Dickey would retire from music in the early 1970s for health reasons. James would initially continue to perform as a solo singer, and team up with singer Ben Moore in the mid-1970s using the old James & Bobby monniker ~ Dickey passed away in 2011
September 2, 1938 ~ Singer Jimmy Clanton born in Cut Offs, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the few white singers to come out of the late 1950s New Orleans R&B, rock & roll soung. Best known for Just A Dream, a milion-seller and a 1958 American top 10 hit released under the moniker Jimmy Clanton & his Rockets. Also known for Go Jimmy Go, Venus In Blue Jeans, Don't Look At Me and Because I Do
September 2, 1936 ~ Composer David Blake born in London, UK ~ Wrote operas, chamber orchestra and orchestral works, most notably the three-act opera Toussaint first performed by the English National Opera in 1977
September 2, 1935 ~ Folk singer Liam Clancy was born in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland ~ Youngest member of sibling outfit the Clancy Brothers, regarded as Ireland's first pop stars. Sang lead on Brothers songs such as The Leaving Of Liverpool, The Wild Rover, The Shoals Of Herring, Port Lairge, Juice Of The Barley, The Patriot Game, Gallant Forty Twa and Peggy Gordon. Duetted with Tommy Makem in Makem & Clancy, known for their 1976 hit single And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda ~ Clancy passed away in 2009
September 2, 1934 ~ Jazz clarinetist Alcide Nunez, full name Alcide Patrick Nunez, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the first New Orleans jazz musicians to make recordings. Declared the world's greatest jazz clarinetist by Pee Wee Russell. Worked with Papa Jack Laine, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Nick LaRocca, Bert Kelly, the Louisiana Five, Harry Yerkes, and others ~ Nunez was born in 1884
September 2, 1934 ~ Ruggerio Eugenio di Rodolfo Colombo, commonly known as baritone singer, violinist, songwriter, actor Russ Columbo, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Prisoner Of Love, Too Beautiful For Words and perhaps his best known You Call It Madness But I Call It Love ~ Columbo was born in 1908
September 2, 1934 ~ R&B singer Sam Gooden born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA ~ Original and longtime member of the Impressions. Sang notable lead on a number of classics including Aware Of Love and I Want To Be Around ~ Gooden passed away in 2022
September 2, 1933 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Richard Lewis born ~ Tenor singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit ~ Lewis passed away in 2005
September 2, 1932 ~ Emilio Joseph Radocchia, commonly known as jazz, classical, rock vibraphonist Emil Richard, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Lionel Hampton. Active since the early 1950s, beginning his career in music working with artists such as Toshiko Akiyoshi, Charles Mingus, Ed Thigpen and appearing on recordings by Perry Como, Ray Charles, Mitchell Ayres. Played bongos on the original version of the Mission Impossible theme composed and performed by Lalo Schifrin. Would continue to work well into the 2010s, notable collaborations including Frank Capp, Paul Horn, Louie Bellson, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, George Shearing, Maria Muldaur, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, Marvin Gaye (Let's Get It On), Herb Alpert, the Bee Gees (Saturday Night Fever), Ry Cooder, Donovan, Blondie (Autoamerican, Tom Waits, Queen Latifah, Gregory Porter, Josh Groban, and numerous others ~ Radocchia passed away in 2019
September 2, 1932 ~ Hard bop, bebop pianist Walter Davis Jr born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Babs Gonzales, Max Roach, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Donald Byrd, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Kenny Clarke, Sonny Criss, Jackie McLean, Pierre Michelot, Archie Shepp, Nick Brignola, Slide Hampton, Etta Jones, Charlie Rouse, Art Taylor, Hank Mobley, Philly Joe Jones, and others ~ Davis passed away in 1990
September 2, 1931 ~ Clifford Laconia Jordan, commonly known as tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Horace Silver, JJ Johnson, Kenny Dorham, Charles Mingus, Randy Weston, Cedar Walton, Paul Chambers, Sonny Clark, Richard Davis, Eric Dolphy, Art Farmer, Dizzy Gillespie, Slide Hampton, John Hicks, Elise Wood, Andrew Hill, Charles McPherson, Carmen McRae, Lee Morgan, Pony Poindexter, Freddie Redd, Dizzy Reece, Sahib Shihab, Charles Tolliver, Mal Waldron, and Joe Zawinul ~ Jordan passed away in 1993
September 2, 1931 ~ Producer Dr George Butler born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Producer for famed Blue Note label ~ Butler passed away in 2008
September 2, 1929 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, drummer Claude Guilhot born in Toulouse, France ~ Worked with Charles Barrie, Jacques Gauthe, Mezz Mezzrow, Michel Roques, Don Byas, Buck Clayton, Bill Coleman, Sonny Grey, Lucky Thompson, Kenny Clarke, Alix Combelle, Champion Jack Dupree, Pierre Dutour, Jimmy Gourley, Henri Renaud, Hal Cornbread Singer, George Arvanitas, Sylvain Beuf, Stephane Belmondo, and others ~ Guilhot passed away in 1990
September 2, 1928 ~ Pianist Horace Silver born in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA ~ Influenced by Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Art Tatum, and Teddy Wilson. Critically acclaimed for a number of 1960s albums, especially Song For My Father. Known for recordings such as Doodlin', Peace, Sister Sadie. Worked with Stan Getz, Art Blakey, the Jazz Messengers, Art Farmer, Lou Donaldson, Gene Ramey, Art Taylor, Sonny Stitt, Howard McGhee, Al Cohn, Miles Davis, Milt Jackson, Hank Mobley, Kenny Dorham, Doug Watkins, Sonny Rollins, Junior Cook, Blue Mitchell, Gene Taylor, Joe Henderson, Bennie Maupin, Randy Brecker, John Williams, Billy Cobham, Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman, Tom Harrell, Bill Cosby, Dave Douglas, Vincent Herring, Coleman Hawkins, Phil Urso, Clark Terry, Terry Pollard, JJ Johnson, Nat Adderley, Gigi Gryce, Paul Chambers, Donald Byrd, JR Monterose, Clifford Jordan, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and others ~ Silver passed away in 2014
September 2, 1925 ~ Orchestra leader, composer, arranger Hugo Montenegro born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as film composer. Composed the musical score for the 1969 western Charro featuring Elvis Presley ~ Montenegro passed away in 1981
September 2, 1923 ~ Radio personality Victor Lundberg born ~ Newscaster. Scored a novelty hit with Open Letter To My Teenage Son, a spoken word letter over the melody of The Battle Hymn Of The Republic, hitting the charts in 1967 ~ Lundberg passed away in 1990
September 2, 1921 ~ Stanley Theodore Wisser, commonly known as harmonica player, composer Stan Harper, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with Eddie Shu, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, Hal David, Werner Klemperer, Sam Wanamaker, Leon Kirchner, and others ~ Wisser passed away in 2016
September 2, 1917 ~ Pianist, conductor, film composer Armando Trovajoli born ~ Best known as a prolific film composer with over 300 credits to his name, including for Anna scoring the international hit El Negro Zumbon. Also wrote the music for a number of musicals, notably 1962's Rugantino and 1974's Aggiungi Un Post A Tavola ~ Trovajoli passed away in 2013
September 2, 1917 ~ Guitarist, composer Laurindo Almeida born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Leader and sideman. Along with Bud Shank considered a pioneer in bossa nova music. The first guitarist to receive Grammy awards for both classical and jazz performances. Member of the LA 4 ~ Almeida passed away in 1995
September 2, 1915 ~ Jazz bassist Grachan Moncur II born ~ Father of Grachan Moncur III. Half-brother of saxophonist Al Cooper. Member of the Savoy Sultans ~ Moncur passed away in 1996
September 2, 1914 ~ Lawrence Laury, commonly known as boogie-woogie, blues, gospel, jazz pianist, singer Booker T Laury, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by Roosevelt Sykes, Sunnyland Slim, and Speckled Red ~ Laury passed away in 1995
September 2, 1901 ~ Filipino Napoli, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Phil Napoleon, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ First performed on-stage at age 5. Co-founded the Original Memphis Five with pianist Frank Signorelli, known for their 1927 hit Clarinet Marmelade. Has also worked with the Cotton Pickers, the Charleston Chasers, Leona Williams, Alberta Hunter, and with Jimmy Dorsey ~ Napoli passed away in 1990
September 2, 1896 ~ Edith Goodall, commonly known as blues singer, vaudeville performer Edith Wilson, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with Johnny Dunn, Fletcher Henderson, Florence Mills, Hot Chocolates, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Bill Robinson, Duke Ellington, Alberta Hunter, Cab Calloway, Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Little Brother Montgomery, Terry Waldo, and others ~ Goodall passed away in 1981