September 20, 2023 ~ R&B singer Katherine Anderson passed away ~ Co-founding and constant member of the Marvelettes, one of the seminal 1960s girl groups known for the hits Please Mr Postman, Playboy, and Don't Mess With Bill, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Beechwood 4-5789, Someday Someway, Strange I Know, As Long As He's Mine, Too Many Fish In The Sea, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, When You're Young And In Love, and My Baby Must Be A Magician would all reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 Anderson retired from music ~ Anderson was born in 1944
September 20, 2023 ~ Bennett Kent Stacks, commonly known as punk rock, hardcore punk drummer Kent Stax passed away ~ Co-founding member of pioneering Virginia band Scream. The band is considered one of the most influential hardcore punk units to thrive during the 1980s, drawing from genres as diverse as reggea and metal, with Stacks as one of the fastest and most energetic drummers of the genre. Present on the albums Still Screaming, This Side Up, and Banging The Drum. Stacks departed the band by the late-1980s and would be replaced by a then-unknown teenage Dave Grohl. Stacks rejoined in 2009 and remained with the band until his death of cancer just one day after the band shared music from their upcoming DC Special album, the band's first full-length album since 1993 ~ Stacks was born ca.1962
September 20, 2023 ~ Conductor Yaacov Bergman passed away ~ Married to pianist Joan Behrens-Bergman. Well known for his associations with the Walla Walla Symphony, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra. Has also worked with the Colorado Springs Symphony, the New York Heritage Chamber Orchestra, the Osaka Symphonica, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra ~ Bergman was born in 1945
September 20, 2021 ~ Singer Claude Lombard passed away ~ Internationally best known for representing her native Belgium in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching joint 7th place with Quand Tu Reviendras. Lombard would relocate to France in the 1970s, finding succes as a voice actress for TV and film including [title-beauty-and-beast-film] and The Prince Of Egypt ~ Lombard was born in 1945
September 20, 2021 ~ Jazz drummer Colin Bailey, full name Colin James Bailey, passed away in Port Hueneme, California, USA ~ Worked with Winifred Atwell, Bryce Rohde, the Australian Jazz Quartet, Vince Guaraldi (Jazz Impressions Of Black Orpheus), Clare Fischer, Joe Pass, Miles Davis, Benny Goodman, George Shearing, Frank Sinatra, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Ed Shaughnessy, Richie Cole, Jimmy Rowles, Red Mitchell, Stefan Scaggiari, Ron Affiff, Weslia Whitfield, and others ~ Bailey was born in 1934
September 20, 2021 ~ Singer Sarah Dash passed away ~ Closely associated with Patti Labelle, as a member of both the Blue-belles and Labelle including on the 1974 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Lady Marmalade. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with the 1978 eponymous Sarah Dash which spawned the disco hit Sinner Man. Guested on recordings by the O'Jays, Nile Rodgers, the Marshall Tucker Band, David Johanson, and notably on the Rolling Stones' 1989 Steel Wheels as well as on Keith Richards' 1992 Main Offender solo album ~ Dash was born in 1945
September 20, 2018 ~ Producer, label executive Joseph Hoo Kim passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by noted producer Bunny Lee. Co-founded Channel One Studios and several affiliated labels with his brother Ernest Kim. The studio's houseband the Revolutionaries included noted musicians drummer Sly Dunbar, bassist Robbie Shakespeare and saxophonist Tommy McCook. Kim has produced tracks for numerous Jamaican acts including Black Uhuru, Horace Andy, Stranger & Gladdy (Don't Give Up The Fight), John Holt, Junior Byles, Alton Ellis (I Dig You), the Wailing Souls, Dillinger, Leroy Smart (Blackman), the Mighty Diamonds (The Right Time), and Delroy Wilson ~ Kim was born in 1942
September 20, 2014 ~ Nellie Paulina Burgin, commonly known as actress, singer Polly Bergen, passed away in Southburg, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably starring in the 1962 Cape Fear film. Also actively recording as a singer, best known for her 1950s albums Bergen Sings Morgan and The Party's Over ~ Burgin was born in 1930
September 20, 2008 ~ Napoleon Brown Goodson Culp, commonly known as R&B singer Nappy Brown, passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Among the first wave of African-American artists to appeal to white audiences. Known for songs such as Little By Little, Night Time Is The Right Time, It Don't Hurt No More and perhaps his best known Don't Be Angry ~ Culp was born in 1929
September 20, 1994 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton passed away in St Croix, Virgin Islands ~ Leader and sideman. Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the Swing Low Sweet Clarinet album released in 1960. Best known as a longtime associate of Duke Ellington, replacing Barney Bigard in Duke's orchestra in 1943 and remaining with Ellington for over two decades appearing on over 40 albums including pivotal albums such as Ellington At Newport, Such Sweet Thunder, Black Brown & Beige, and Afro-Bossa. Hamilton has also worked with Lucky Millinder, Jimmy Mundy, Bill Doggett, Teddy Wilson, Eddie Heywood Jr, Yank Porter, and the Clarinet Summit ~ Hamilton was born in 1917
September 20, 1994 ~ Julius Kerwin Stein, commonly known as songwriter, composer Jule Styne, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Best known for a series of Broadway musicals including Gypsy, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Funny Girl. Well known songs written or co-written by Styne include Let Me Entertain You (Sandra Church, Bob Crewe, Ann-Margret), I Don't Want To Walk Without You (Kate Smith, Guy Lombardo, Dinah Shore), It's You Or No One (Harry James, Doris Day, Sarah Vaughan), Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week (Frank Sinatra, Woody Herman, Cootie Williams), Everything's Coming Up Roses (Ethel Merman, Diahann Carroll, Johnny Mathis), Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (Carol Channing, Marilyn Monroe, Lena Horne), Don't Rain On My Parade (Barbra Streisand, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Darin), and Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow (Vaughn Monroe, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby) ~ Stein was born in 1905
September 20, 1990 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Phillip Phillips born in Albany, Georgia, USA ~ Winner of the 11th season of American Idol, 2012, with the performance of Home. Released his debut album, The World From The Side Of The Moon later the same year
September 20, 1989 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Charley Booker passed away in South Bend, Indiana, USA ~ Recorded a handful of singles in the early-1950s, most notably No Ridin' Blues in 1952. Worked with Willie Love, Elmore James, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Milton, Ike Turner, and Houston Boines ~ Booker was born in 1925
September 20, 1989 ~ Njie Efundem Daphné, commonly known as Afrobeats, R&B singer Daphné, born in Buea, Cameroon ~ Sometimes referred to as “the French Björk”, draws from trip-hop, pop and chanson. Influenced by artists as diverse as Henry Purcell, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Stevie Wonder. Best known for Rastafari of her 2016 Here To Stay album
September 20, 1988 ~ J-pop, electropop singer, dancer Ayano Omoto, also known as Nochi, born in Hiroshima, Japan ~ Member of electropop girl group Perfume, known for a string of hits starting in the mid-2000s including Love The World, One Room Disco, Voice, Spring Of Life, Relax In The City, and Tokyo Girl
September 20, 1988 ~ Jazz drummer Sam Woodyard passed away in Paris, France ~ Sideman. Worked with Paul Gayten, Joe Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Milt Buckner, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Rich, Claude Bolling, Teddy Wilson, Buddy Tate, Slam Stewart, Steve Lacy, Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry, Sonny Rollins, Rosemary Clooney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Quincy Jones, Cat Anderson, Larry Darnell, and others ~ Woodyard was born in 1925
September 20, 1987 ~ Drummer Jack Lawless born in New Jersey, USA ~ Touring drummer for the Jonas Brothers. Guested on Demi Lovato's 2008 Don't Forget debut album. Member of DNCE, known for their sole eponymous DNCE album released in 2016. Member of Ocean Grove
September 20, 1982 ~ Actress, singer Jessica Pimentel born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Married to extreme metal drummer Tomas Haake. Best known as an actress, noted for her role of Maria Ruiz in the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black. Pimentel is also the lead singer of metal outfit Alekhine's Gun and backing vocalist in Brujeria
September 20, 1980 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, You'll Accomp'ny Me by Bob Seger peaks at No.14 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Seger's Against The Wind had already spawned two top 10 singles, Fire Lake and the title track Against The Wind peaking respectively at No.6 and No.5. The album's third single, You'll Accomp'ny Me fell only shortly behind, reaching the top 20. Little Feat cofounder and in-demand session musician Bill Payne guested on the track, playing organ, synthesizer and piano
September 20, 1979 ~ Pop rock, indie singer, pianist, guitarist, drummer Daniel Victor born in Windsor, Canada ~ Best known for the collaborative project Neverending White Lights, providing all instrumentation and featuring guest vocalists such as Dallas Green, Nick Hexum, Melissa Auf Der Maur and Rob Dickinson
September 20, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells, full name Daniel Giles Gillespie Sells born in London, UK ~ Influenced by Karen Carpenter, Freddie Mercury and Neil Young. Frontman, lead singer of the Feeling, known for the UK top 10 hits Sewn, Never Be Lonely and I Thought It Was Over. Guested on Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 2007 Trip The Light Fantastic album, co-writing the songs Only One and Love Is Here
September 20, 1977 ~ Singer, actress, producer, songwriter Namie Amuro born in Nana, Japan ~ Leading figure in J-Pop. Pop culture icon throughout Asia. Member of the Super Monkeys. As a solo artist known for songs such as Body Feels Exit, Can You Celebrate, Hide And Seek, A Walk In The Park, and I Have Never Seen
September 20, 1976 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, mandolinist, pianist, songwriter Ana Egge born in Estevan, Canada ~ Actively recording since the mid-1990s. Best known for her 2004 Out Past The Light album, notably featuring singer Ron Sexsmith, and for her 2011 Steve Earle-produced Bad Blood album. Has collaborated with the Sentimentals, Michael Jerome, Trish Klein, Joel Plaskett, Steve Addabbo, Iris DeMent, and Kelly Hogan
September 20, 1975 ~ Bandleader, actor, pianist Vincent Lopez passed away in North Miami, Florida, USA ~ Bandleader from the big band and swing eras who employed many noted musicians early in their career such as Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugat, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Mike Mosiello, Fred Lowery, Glenn Miller, and singers Betty Hutton and Marion Hutton. Later musicians such as Eddy Duchin and Liberace were influenced by Lopez's flamboyant style of piano playing ~ Lopez was born in 1895
September 20, 1973 ~ Saxophonist Ben Webster, full name Benjamin Francis Webster, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Influenced by Johnny Hodges. Spent the 1930s working with artists such as Blanche Calloway, Bennie Moten, Cab Calloway, Fletcher Henderson, and notably starting in 1940 Duke Ellington. Known for his instantly recognisable warm sound, Webster was considered one of the most influential and important swing tenor saxophonists, alongside Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. As a leader or co-leader, Webster has recorded prolifically, and is noted especially for the albums Ballads, Soulville, See You At The Fair, and For The Guv'nor (Tribute To Duke Ellington). Following his rise to fame as a leader, Webster continued to regularly appear as a sideman including on quintessential jazz albums such as Woody Herman's Songs For Hip Lovers, Billie Holiday's Body And Soul, Songs For Distingué Lovers, and All Or Nothing At All, Oliver Nelson's More Blues And The Abstract Truth, and Barney Kessel's Let's Cook. Webster used the same saxophone from 1938 until his death over three decades later. He left instructions that the horn was never to be played again. It is on display in the Institute Of Jazz Studies, Newark, New Jersey ~ Webster was born in 1909
September 20, 1973 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer, arranger, producerr Jack Marshall, full name Jack Wilton Marshall, passed away in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Staff producer at Capitol Records during the late 19500s and 1960s. Produced albums by Howard Roberts and Jack Sheldon. Composed for TV series such as The Munsters, penning the theme, and movies such as Thunder Road, The Giant Gila Monster and Kona Coast. Has guested on recordings by Laurindo Almeida, Benny Carter, Judy Henske, Harry James, Barney Kessel, Jody Miller, Marian Montgomery, Louis Prima, Shorty Rogers, and Jack Teagarden ~ Marshall was born in 1921
September 20, 1973 ~ Folk, rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Croce, full name James Joseph Croce, passed away in Natchitoches, Louisiana, USA ~ Released two unsuccessful albums before breaking through with You Don't Mess Around With Jim in 1972, which spawned the hit singles Time In A Bottle, That's Not The Way It Feels and the title track You Don't Mess Around With Jim. His follow-up album, 1973's Life And Times, would give him the hit Bad Bad Leroy Brown. Croce's career was cut short when he died at age 30 in a plane crash while on tour, the day before I Got A Name, lead single and title track of his fifth and final album, was set to be released ~ Croce was born in 1943
September 20, 1972 ~ Singer, guitarist Rodolfo Abrantes, full name Rodolfo Gonçalves Leite de Abrantes, born in Sobradinho, Brazil ~ Lead singer, guitarist for influential punk rock outfit Raimundos from 1987 through 2001. The punk rock outfit is hugely influenced by American rockers the Ramones and would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in Brazil, especially popular during the 1990s and especially acclaimed for their 1996 Lavô Tá Novo album
September 20, 1971 ~ Sebastian Roth, commonly known as Eurodance singer, songwriter Sin With Sebastian, born in Neustadt-an-der-Weinstrasse, West Germany ~ Best known for Shut Up (And Sleep With Me) off his 1995 Golden Boy debut album. The single would be a hit across continental Europe, reaching top 10 in most countries, including topping the charts in Austria, Finland, and Spain. The single would also be praised by critics, Billboard describing the song as “a novelty number for the Europop twirler in all of us, the vocals are utter camp, (…) and the groove is springy and fun”. Roth has released several more recordings, but would be unable to repeat the success of Shut Up (And Sleep With Me)
September 20, 1970 ~ Uilleann piper Leo Rowsome passed away ~ First uillean piper to perform on Irish National Radio in the 1920s. First Irish artist to perform on BBC radio. Formed the Pipes Quartet in the mid-1930s, remaining popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s ~ Rowsome was born in 1903
September 20, 1968 ~ Bassist Ben Shepherd, full name Hunter Benedict Shepherd, born in Okinawa, Japan ~ Best known as bassist for Soundgarden, joining in 1990 as replacement for Hiro Yamamoto and staying with the band through 2019. Shepherd has recorded over half a dozen albums with the band including the acclaimed Badmotorfinger and Superunknown. Shepherd wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs such as Slaves & Bulldozers, Half, Head Down, Zero Chance, and Switch Opens. Shepherd has also recorded with Hater, Wellwater Conspiracy, Mark Lanegan, and Ten Commandos
September 20, 1967 ~ Twin brothers Gunnar Nelson and Matthew Nelson born ~ Twin brothers, sons of singer Ricky Nelson. Formed the glam rock duo Nelson known for their 1990 album After The Rain spawning the hit (Can't Live Without Your) Love And Affection
September 20, 1966 ~ Stephen Austin, commonly known as drum and bass, jungle, hip hop MC Stevie Hyper D, born in London, UK ~ Considered a pioneering drum and bass MC, the first to use the “double time” technique, where he would double the speed of the flow but still remain with the bars of the music. Has released a number of singles starting in the early-1990s, including Teknoragga, Boomshakalack, and All I Wanna Do. Austin's sole full-length album, The Next Step, was released posthumously in 1999. Austin passed away at age 31 of a heart condition ~ Austin passed away in 1998
September 20, 1964 ~ Punk bass guitarist Randy Bradbury born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Bassist for Pennywise, joining the band in 1996 initially as a temporary replacement for Jason Thirsk. Thirsk would take a leave of absence to enter a rehab program, yet committed suicide the same year. Bradbury had previously played with Falling Idols, appeared on Tender Fury's 1991 If Anger Were Soul I'd Be James Brown album, and was an original member of One Hit Wonder, appearing on the band's 1994 Where's The World debut EP and 1996's Clusterphukastuff
September 20, 1962 ~ Violinist, singer Fionnula Sherry born in Naas, Ireland ~ Half of the Secret Garden, the other half being keyboardist, songwriter Rolf Løvland, known for winning the 1995 Eurovision Songfestival with their performance of Nocturne representing Norway
September 20, 1960 ~ Pop, rock drummer, singer Dave Hemingway, full name David Robert Hemingway, born in Hull, UK ~ Member of the Housemartins, appearing on the band's sophomore album People Who Grinned Themselves To Death. Co-founding member, lead male vocalist of the Beautiful South, known for hits such as A Song For Whoever, A Little Time and Perfect 10, remaining with the band until its disbandement in 2007
September 20, 1959 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal guitarist Sergey Popov, full name Sergey Sergeevich Popov, born in Moscow, USSR ~ Member of Master from 1987 through the late-1980s rejoining in later years as a session musician, present on the band's million-seller albums Master and S Petlyoy Na Sheye. Best known as a member of Aria with whom he recorded well over two dozen albums since the early-2000s
September 20, 1958 ~ Radio DJ Steve Walsh born ~ Key figure in London's soul scene. As a radio DJ known for his shows on pirate stations such as Radio Invicta and JFM, as well as on prominent regional stations such as BBC Radio Kent and BBC London. Perhaps best known for his live work in nightclubs, and notably known for his 1987 remix version of the Fatback Band's I Found Lovin' which would reach top 10 on the UK singles charts ~ Walsh passed away in 1988
September 20, 1957 ~ Singer, saxophonist, percussionist Alannah Currie, full name Alannah Joy Currie, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Co-founding member of Thompson Twins, known for songs such as Doctor Doctor, Hold Me Now and You Take Me Up. Co-wrote Debbie Harry's 1989 single I Want That Man with Twins bandmate Tom Bailey. Formed Babble in 1992 with Bailey
September 20, 1955 ~ Guitarist Carlton Moody born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as member of sibling outfit Moody Brothers alongside Dave Moody and Trent Moody. Also a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers-spinoff Burrito Deluxe from 2002 through 2009
September 20, 1954 ~ Rock, glam metal drummer Tony Destra born ~ Member of Enforcer, which also included future Tangier-frontman Bill Matson. Subsequently worked with Cinderella including on the tracks Shake Me and Somebody Save Me. Departed the band in 1985 to join Britny Fox, present on their 1986 demo In America. Destra died the following year in a car accident ~ Destra passed away in 1987
September 20, 1953 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Jeff Jones, full name Jeffrey Robin Jones, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Original member of Rush, replaced by Geddy Lee prior to their second performance. Gained serious attention as a member of gospel rock band Ocean, known best for their 1971 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Put Your Hand In The Hand. Member of Red Rider, including on their 1981 hit Lunatic Fringe. Member of Stingaree
September 20, 1953 ~ Singer Ricci Martin born in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Son of singer Dean Martin. Fronted the Pack. Collaborated with the Beach Boys singer Carl Wilson. One third of Ricci Desi & Billy, the other two being Desi Arnaz Jr and Billy Hinsche who had previously worked with Martin's late brother Dean Paul Martin under the moniker Dino Desi & Billy ~ Martin passed away in 2016
September 20, 1952 ~ Harvey William James Harrop, commonly known as guitarist Harvey James, born in Sheffield, UK ~ Member of Mississippi, notably present on the hit Will I. Member of Sherbet, present on the band's biggest hit Howzat and co-writing several other hits including Rock Me Gently, Beg Steal & Borrow and Angela. Has also worked with Ariel and with the Party Boys ~ Harrop passed away in 2011
September 20, 1947 ~ Violinist, composer Billy Bang born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Co-founded String Trio Of New York, teaming up with guitarist James Emery and double bassist John Lindberg. Also worked with Sun Ra, William Hooker, John Lindberg, William Parker, the World Saxophone Quartet, and Ahmed Abdullah ~ Bang passed away in 2011
September 20, 1947 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Göran Lagerberg, full name Göran Bertil Lagerberg, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Sole constant member, primary songwriter for beat unit Tages, considered one of the premier 1960s Swedish bands and especially acclaimed for their 1967 Studio album. Member of 1970s progressive rock band Kebnekajse, present on the albums Kebnekajse II and Kebnekajse III. Member of supergroup Grymlings alongside Magnus Lindberg, Pugh Rogefeldt, and Mikael Rickfors
September 20, 1947 ~ Domenica Rita Adriana Bertè, commonly known as singer, songwriter Mia Martini, born in Bagnara Calabra, Italy ~ Widely regarded as one of the all-time leading voices of Italian music, with some twenty albums to her name from the turn of the 1970s until her death of cardiac arrest at age 47. Prior to her rise to fame as Martini, she has recorded a number of singles under the moniker Mimi Bertè. Best known for the hit songs Piccolo Uomo and Almeno Tu Nell' Universo, originally issued respectively in 1972 and 1989, both of which have also been translated and covered into other languages. Martini has represented her native Italy twice at the Eurovision Songfestival, reaching thirteenth place in 1977 wth Libera, 4th place in 1992 with Per Amarti. In 2019, the biopic Io Sono Mia was released, narrating Martini's life, including her artistic career, tumultuous relationships, and the discrimination she endured by the music system and her colleagues ~ Bertè passed away in 1995
September 20, 1944 ~ Country singer Tex Ritter records Jealous Heart ~ Written and originally recorded by Jenny Lou Carson. Released as a single, b/w We Live In Two Different Worlds, Ritter's version would reach top 10 on the Billboard Country charts. In later years the song would be covered by a wide array of artists including Ivory Joe Hunter, Ernest Tubb, Tab Hunter, and Connie Francis
September 20, 1943 ~ Singer, actor, composer, producer Ted Neeley, full name Teddie Joe Neeley, born in Ranger, Texas, USA ~ Known and praised for his wide vocal range and rock screams. Played the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar, for which he was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. Originally auditioned for the role of Judas in the Broadway production of the musical but as the part went to Ben Vereen he was chosen as the understudy for Jesus in the stage production and later as lead actor in the film. Following its succes Neeley released his sophomore solo album, 1974 AD released in 1974. Neeley would continue to work in stage productions, films including non-musical roles and cameos, and record, often reprising the role of Jesus in productions of Superstar
September 20, 1941 ~ Jazz cornetist Jim Cullum, full name Jim Cullum Jr, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Son of clarinetist Jim Cullum Sr. Took over leadership of his father's band, the Happy Feet Jazz Band, eventually renaming the band to the Jim Cullum Jazz Band. At times the band would also include artists such as pianist John Sheridan and reed players Evan Christopher, Brian Ogilvie and Allan Vaché ~ Cullum passed away in 2019
September 20, 1938 ~ Guitarist Eric Gale born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Not to be confused with blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales aka Raw Dawg. Majored in chemistry but pursued a career in music. Starting as a session musician in the 1960s Gale reportedly appears on some 500 albums. Has worked with artists such as Maxine Brown, the Drifters, Jesse Belvin, Mose Allison, Aretha Franklin, Bob James, Paul Simon (One Trick Pony, Hearts And Bones), Lena Horne, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Peter Tosh, Grover Washington Jr, Herbie Mann, Esther Phillips, Joe Cocker, Carly Simon, Van Morrison (TB Sheets), Al Jarreau, Dave Grusin, Lee Scratch Perry, Paul Douglas, Billy Joel, Ashford & Simpson, Patti Austin, George Benson, Hank Crawford, Roberta Flack (including on the quintessential 1972 Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway album), Freddie Hubbard, Billy Joel (on 52nd Street and Innocent Man), Al Kooper, Yusef Lateef, Jerome Richardson, Diana Ross (The Boss, Why Do Fools Fall In Love), Lalo Schifrin, Shirley Scott, Stanley Turrentine, Michael Franks, Michael Jackson (Bad), Herbie Hancock, Chico Hamilton, Red Holloway, Kenny Loggins, and others. Has also been releasing solo albums to critical acclaim since the early-1970s ~ Gale passed away in 1994
September 20, 1938 ~ Concert, opera soprano Jane Manning, full name Jane Marian Manning, born in Norwich, UK ~ Mentored by Susan Bradshaw. Married to composer Anthony Payne, with whom she also founded Jane's Minstrels known for performing works by Henry Purcell, Edward Elgar, Percy Grainger, and Arnold Schoenberg, notably the latter's Pierrot Lunaire. Manning had several pieces written especially for her including Judith Weir's King Harald's Saga, Richard Rodney Bennett's Spells, and Matthew King's The Snow Queen ~ Manning passed away in 2021
September 20, 1937 ~ Baroque pop, sunshine pop, jazz singer, pianist, arranger, songwriter Margo Guryan born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a songwiter. Penned Sunday Morning, a Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit for Spanky & Our Gang in 1968. The song would also be recorded by the Baja Marimba Band, Oliver, Richard Groove Holmes, Sue Raney, by Guryan herself on her 1969 Take A Picture album, and by others. Songs written or co-written by Guryan have also been recorded by Chris Connor (Lonely Woman), Freda Payne, Nancy Harrow, Harry Belafonte (On My Way To Saturday), Alice Babs, Jackie DeShannon (Think Of Rain), Carmen McRae, Julie London (Come To Me Slowly), and others. Married to trombonist, pianist Bob Brookmeyer for a number of years ~ Guryan passed away in 2021
September 20, 1937 ~ Eva Monica Nilsson, commonly known as vocal jazz singer, actress Monica Zetterlund, born in Hagfors, Sweden ~ Best known collaborating with Bill Evans on the acclaimed 1964 album Waltz For Debby. Known in Sweden as a fine interpreter of Evert Taube, Olle Adolphson, Povel Ramel. Known internationally for her collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Stan Getz, Steve Kuhn, Quincy Jones, and others ~ Nilsson passed away in 2005
September 20, 1931 ~ Actress, opera singer Yam Bing-yee born in Nanhai County, China ~ First performed as a singer in her early teens. Would go on to star in over an estimated 150 films, often playing co-lead roles in Cantonese opera films. Has also starred in stage productions, including notably the Hong Kong premiere of The Flower Princess with the Sin Fung Ming Opera Company in 1957 ~ Bing-yee passed away in 2022
September 20, 1930 ~ Edwin Joseph Bocage, commonly known as pianist, singer, Eddie Bo, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ New Orleans R&B veteran schooled in jazz, known for his blues, soul and funk recordings. Has released more records than anyone else in New Orleans, not counting Fats Domino. Member of the Hoodoo Kings. Formed the the Spider Bocage Orchestra, known for backing artists such as Big Joe Turner, Earl King, Guitar Slim, Johnny Adams, Lloyd Price, Ruth Brown, Smiley Lewis, and the Platters. Debuted as a recording artist in 1955 with the single Baby. Bocage's 1956 single I'm Wise was later covered by Little Richard as Slippin' & Slidin'. His 1957 My Dearest Darling would become a national hit Etta James. Also worked as a producer for Irma Thomas, Chris Kenner, Art Neville, Chuck Carbo, Mary Jane Hooper, Robert Parker, and the Explosions. Bocage never broke through nationally, safe for his 1969 single Hook & Sling (Parts 1 & 2) reaching No.73 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was held in the highest regard in Louisiana ~ Bocage passed away in 2009
September 20, 1929 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joe Temperley born in Cowdenbeath, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tommy Sampson, Humphrey Lyttelton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Joe Henderson, Duke Pearson, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Clark Terry, Brian Lemon, Jimmy Knepper, Jimmy Deuchar, Dave McKenna, Kenny Davern, Harry Allen, Benny Carter, Aaron Diehl, Odonel Levy, Wynton Marsalis, and others ~ Temperley passed away in 2016
September 20, 1928 ~ Elvira Redd, commonly known as jazz, bebop, hard bop, post bop saxophonist, singer Vi Redd, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of drummer Alton Redd. Worked with Count Basie, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Linda Hopkins, Marian McPartland, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Perkins, Jennell Hawkins, Barney Kessel, Leroy Vinnegar, Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ben Tucker, Dave Bailey, and others
September 20, 1927 ~ John Phillip Dankworth, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Johnny Dankworth, born in Woodford, UK ~ Worked with Jimmy Deuchar, Eddie Harvey, Don Rendell, Bill Le Sage, Eric Dawson, Tony Kinsey, Frank Holder, Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Lucky Thompson, Tony Coe, Mike Gibbs, Peter King, Dudley Moore, George Tyndale, Daryl Runswick, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, John McLaughlin, Tubby Hayes, Dick Morrisey, Dizzy Gillespie, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, George Shearing, Toots Thielemans, Benny Goodman, Herbie Hancock, Hank Jones, Tadd Dameron, Slam Stewart, Oscar Peterson, Alec Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Jimmy Witherspoon, the London Symphony Orchestra, Al Hirt, Jacquie Dankworth, and others ~ Dankworth passed away in 2010
September 20, 1927 ~ Keith Moore Mitchell, commonly known as bassist Red Mitchell, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Started on piano, switching to bass while a member of the Army Band stationed in Germany. Has recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s. Especially acclaimed for Presenting Red Mitchell, One Long String, and Chocolate Cadillac. A highly versatile and valued sideman, Mitchell has appeared on albums by Hampton Hawes, Red Callender (Red Callender Speaks Low), Lennie Niehaus, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Barney Kessel (Kessel Plays Standards), Jon Eardley (From Hollywood To New York), Herbie Harper, Bobby Troup, Bill Perkins, Stuff Smith (Violins No End), Russ Freeman, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Billie Holiday, Frances Faye, André Previn (Pal Joey), Jim Hall (Jazz Guitar), Chet Baker, Henry Mancini (The Music From Peter Gunn), Ella Fitzgerald, Zoot Sims (Choice), Mose Allison, and Joe Sample. In the late-1960s, Mitchell relocated to Sweden where he continued to perform and record. Mitchell's brother Whitey Mitchell is also a professional jazz bassist ~ Mitchell passed away in 1992
September 20, 1925 ~ Doo-wop singer Bobby Nunn, full name Ulysses B Nunn, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Robins, known for first recording Riot In Cell Block No.9. Member of the Coasters, known for Young Blood. Member of the Dukes, known for the late-1950s singles Looking For You and I Love You ~ Nunn passed away in 1986
September 20, 1924 ~ Helen Greco, commonly known as traditional pop singer, actress Helen Grayco, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Best known for her appearances on the The Spike Jones Show in the 1950s and 1960s alongside her husband bandleader Spike Jones. Prior to teaming up with Jones Grayco sang with Bing Crosby, Chuck Cabot, Red Nichols. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing the album After Midnight in 1957 and The Lady In Red the following year. Grayco was married to Jones from 1949 until his death in 1965, the couple have three children ~ Greco passed away in 2022
September 20, 1924 ~ Singer Jackie Paris born in Nutley, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1940s and 1950s recordings, most notably Skylark and Round Midnight. Declined an offer to join Duke Ellington. Did collaborate with artists such as Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Bobby Scott, Charlie Shavers, Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Donald Byrd, Eddie Costa, Gigi Gryce, Hank Jones, Joe Wilder, Johnny Mandel, Lee Konitz, Max Roach, Neal Hefti, Oscar Pettiford, Ralph Burns, Terry Gibbs, Tony Scott, and Wynton Kelly ~ Paris passed away in 2004
September 20, 1921 ~ Foreststorn Hamilton, commonly known as jazz drummer Chico Hamilton, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Recorded prolifically as a leader since the mid-1950s, especially acclaimed for Gong's East, The Chico Hamilton Special, and Man From Two Worlds. Over the course of his career Hamilton has recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Eric Dolphy, Tony Bennett (I Wanna Be Around), Yank Lawson, Slim Gaillard, Gábor Szabó, Arnie Lawrence, Joe Houston (Rockin 'n Boppin), Chet Baker, Wardell Gray, and Roots Radics ~ Hamilton passed away in 2013
September 20, 1913 ~ Jazz guitarist John Collins, full name John Elbert Collins, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known as member of the Nat King Cole Trio. Also worked with Art Tatum, Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Slam Stewart, Kenny Clarke, Ike Quebec, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Erroll Garner, Billy Taylor, Tadd Dameron, Coleman Hawkins, Artie Shaw, Vic Dickenson, Patti Page, Bobby Troup, Ray Brown, Carmen McRae, Snooky Young, Ruth Brown, Illinois Jacquet, and others ~ Collins passed away in 2001
September 20, 1911 ~ Bandleader, arranger, composer Frank Devol born in Moundsville, West Virginia, USA ~ Began composing music at age 12. Played violin in his father's orchestra. Worked as arranger for Horace Heidt. Toured with Alvino Rey orchestra. Went on to arrange for a host of artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Dinah Shore, Doris Day, Vic Damone, Jaye P Morgan, and others. Arranged string and piano for Nat King Cole's Nature Boy. Composed numerous film scores. Nominated for Academy Awards four times from the late-1950s through the mid-1960s, for Pillow Talk, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, Cat Ballou and Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. Devol has also worked extensively for a number of TV shows ~ DeVol passed away in 1999
September 20, 1895 ~ Pianist, singer, bandleader, A&R executive, songwriter Bob Miller born in Ansonia, Connecticut, USA ~ Orphaned at a young age, Miller has claimed he ran away in his early teens to New Orleans to pursue a career in music, eventually ending up in Memphis before the 1920s where he would gain regional recognition, serving as bandleader on the Idlewild steamship and local radio. After relocating to New York in the late-1920s, Miller began writing country songs under a variety of aliases, later also working as an A&R executive and a music publisher for both his own songs and for other artists. Miller has claimed to have written some 7,000 songs over the course of his career. Well known songs include Rockin' Alone (In An Old Rockin' Chair) (Tex Owens, Ferlin Husky, the Everly Brothers), Chime Bells (Britt & Ford, Rex Allen, Slim Whitman), and Driftwood On The River (Elton Britt, Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, Don Gibson). Others who recorded his songs include Cliff Carlisle, Odis Elder, Ray Whitley, Roy Acuff, Curley Williams, Pat Boone (There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere), and Wynn Stewart ~ Miller passed away in 1955
September 20, 1895 ~ Songwriter, pianist Harry Brooks born in Homestead, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Noted songwriter, oft in collaboration with lyricist Andy Razaff, most active from the 1920s through the early-1950s. Best known for scoring Broadway shows such as Connie's Hot Chocolates and jazz standards such as Ain't Misbehaving ~ Brooks passed away in 1970
September 20, 1895 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Paul Howard born in Steubensville, Ohio, USA ~ Sideman and leader. Active from the 1910s onwards. Played with Wood Wilson, Satchel McVea, Harry Southard, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Sonny Clay, George Orendorff, Lionel Hampton, Lawrence Brown, Charlie Lawrence, Ed Garland, Freddie Washington, Eddie Barefield, and Charlie Echols ~ Howard passed away in 1980
September 20, 1869 ~ George Edward Wade, commonly known as music hall comedian, singer, actor George Robey, born in London, UK ~ One of the most popular music hall performers of the late 19th and early 20th century. Perhaps best known for starring in the 1916 revue The Bing Boys Are Here, notably duetting with Violet Loraine on the song If You Were The Only Girl (In The World) ~ Wade passed away in 1954