September 24, 2023 ~ Guitarist, guitar teacher Barry Olivier passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Part of the Berkeley folk scene from the 1950s onward. Best known as founder and director of the Berkeley Folk Music Festival, an annual event that ran from 1958 through 1970. Over the years artists performing at the event would include Alan Lomax, Doc Watson, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Mance Lipscomb. Olivier has also worked as a guitar teacher and is reported to have given John Fogerty, who would later rise to fame as frontman of rock outfit Creedence Clearwater Revival, his first guitar lessons ~ Olivier was born in 1935
September 24, 2023 ~ Classical violinist Felix Ayo, full name Felix Ayo Losada, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Best known as founder of the Italian ensemble I Musici, formed in 1951 and known for their interpretations of Baroque works, particularly compositions by Antonio Vivaldi and Tomaso Albinoni. Founding member of the Quartetto Beethoven di Roma, with whom he toured extensively. An in-demand soloist, Ayo has also performed with numerous renowned orchestras, taught at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Rome, and frequently served as juror on international music competitions ~ Ayo was born in 1933
September 24, 2022 ~ Farrell Sanders, commonly known as free jazz, avant-garde jazz, world fusion saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with John Coltrane, first appearing on the 1965 Ascension album. Considered by some the heir of Coltrane. Known for his spiritual-themed style. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Karma, Journey To The One and Rejoice. Has collaborated with the likes of Leon Thomas, Alice Coltrane, Tisziji Muñoz, Michael Mantler, Carla Bley, Don Cherry, Benny Golson, Norman Connors, McCoy Tyner, Randy Weston, Sun Ra, Gary Bartz, Larry Young, and Sonny Sharrock ~ Sanders was born in 1940
September 24, 2022 ~ Sue Graham, commonly known as producer, band manager Sue Mingus, passed away ~ Widow of bassist, pianist, bandleader Charles Mingus, whom she met in 1964 and married two years later. Following his death in 1979, Graham would establish herself as band manager and producer of several Mingus tribute bands keeping the legacy alive. Managed and produced acts such as the Mingus Dynasty, the Mingus Big Band and the Mingus Orchestra, and published educational books, sheet music and her memoir recounting her life with Mingus ~ Graham was born in 1930
September 24, 2017 ~ TV producer, musical theater producer, record producer Jack Good passed away in Oxfordshire, UK ~ As a TV producer responsible for early popular music shows on British TV, including Six Five Special and Wham. As a music manager represented artists such as Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury, Jess Conrad, and Cliff Richard ~ Good was born in 1931
September 24, 2016 ~ Stanley Dural Jr, commonly known as R&B, zydeco singer, accordionist, organist Buckwheat Zydeco, passed away in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the few zydeco artists to achieve lasting mainstream success. Started in 1950s backing artists such as Joe Tex, Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Clifton Chenier. Known for collaborations with a wide array of artists including Eric Clapton, U2, the Boston Pops, Yo La Tengo, Warren Haynes, Sonny Landreth, Trombone Shorty, JJ Grey, and Steve Berlin ~ Dural was born in 1947
September 24, 2014 ~ Conductor, harpsichordist, author, musicologist Christopher Hogwood, full name Christopher Jarvis Haley Hogwood, passed away in Cambridge, UK ~ Leading figure in the early music revival of the late 20th century. Co-founded the Early Music Consort with David Munrow. Founded the Academy of Ancient Music, known for their performances of baroque and classical music using period instruments. Artistic director of the Handel And Haydn Society. Has also conducted renowned companies such as the Berlin State Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House ~ Hogwood was born in 1941
September 24, 2014 ~ Country singer Priscilla Mitchell passed away ~ 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 was born in 1941
September 24, 2010 ~ Label founder, producer, concert promoter Dick Griffey, full name Richard Gilbert Griffey, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Talent coordinator on the famed Soul Train TV show. Co-founded Soul Train Records with Don Cornelius in 1974. After buying Cornelius out, the label would be renamed SOLAR Records. The company would play a major role in developing the funk-oriented R&B sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, enjoying succes with artists such as the Whispers, Lakeside, Midnight Starr, Calloway, and the Deele. The label would also launch the careers of singer Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, future music executive LA Reid, and producers, songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. From 1974 until his death in 2010, Griffey was married to singer Carrie Lucas, who also recorded for the label ~ Griffey was born in 1938
September 24, 2002 ~ Rock, folk, blues singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Tim Rose, full name Timothy Alan Patrick Rose, passed away in London, UK ~ Alongside Cass Elliott of future the Mamas & the Papas-fame and James Hendricks, Rose was a member of the Big 3, with whom he recorded the albums The Big 3 and The Big 3 Live At The Recording Studio. After Elliot and Hendricks secretly married, the trio folded and Rose set out on a promising solo career. Two gigs opening for the Grateful Dead and the Jefferson Airplane would land him a record deal, leading to his eponymous Tim Rose debut album released in 1967. The album contained what would become his best known, early renditions of Morning Dew and Hey Joe as well as his self-penned The Banjo Song. The latter would later serve as the basis for the Shocking Blue Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Venus. Though subsequent albums would be warmly received by critics, they sold poorly and Rose relocated to the UK where he spent a large portion of his career to limited success, aided by sidemen who would eventually become more famous than him including Felix Pappalardi, John Bonham, and John McVie. Rose would continue to record through the late-1970s, followed by stints working as a stockbroker and teacher, and return to music by the mid-1980s ~ Rose was born in 1940
September 24, 1991 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Peter Bellamy, full name Peter Franklyn Bellamy, passed away in Keighley, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Young Tradition with Royston Wood and Heather Wood, no relation. The trio recorded three albums through the late-1960s, The Young Tradition, So Cheerfully Round, and Galleries, and unlike other British folk outfits of the era are known for their traditional material and stripped down sound. The group would split in 1969 over artistic differences, with Bellamy wanting to pursue pure traditional music. Bellamy has since recorded as a solo artist, his Mainly Norfolk solo debut album released while still with the band, earning critical acclaim and enjoying a small yet devoted fanbase. Bellamy committed suicide at age 46, broke, unable to land gigs, and depressed with the state of his career, yet his death baffled many in the folk community. Bellamy is perhaps best remembered for his 1977 folk ballad opera The Transports, and has been acknowledged as a major influence by the likes of Damien Barber, Oli Steadman, and Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden ~ Bellamy was born in 1944
September 24, 1990 ~ British pop rock outfit the Beautiful South release A Little Time, lead single off their Choke sophomore album ~ The band's sole UK No.1 hit, also reaching top 20 in several other countries including Austria, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands. At the time of its release, the song was warmly received by critics, some pointing out the band's sardonic humour, while Music Week praised it as “a tale of a crumbling relationship”. The songwriters themselves have given different interpretations about the song's meaning, Paul Heaton has stated that A Little Time is about relationships in general, while David Rotheray characterized it as an unconvential love song
September 24, 1987 ~ Nicholaus Joseph Williams, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Trinidad James, born in Port Of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Influenced by Jay-Z, Cam'ron, TI, and Young Jeezy. As a recording artist, best known for his 2012 All Gold Everything single which reached top 40 Billboard Hot 100. Williams would go on to co-write songs for Mark Ronson (Uptown Funk), Bhad Babie, and Fifty Fifty, and guest on songs by Gucci Mane, A$AP Ferg, August Alsina (I Luv This Shit), Travis Porter, Earlly Mac, and David Banner
September 24, 1984 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Taylor Eigsti born in California, USA ~ Child prodigy and faculty staff member at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Stanford, California, since age 15. Recorded over half a dozen albums since the late-1990s, especially acclaimed for his Grammy Award-winning Tree Falls released in 2023. In addition to his impressive jazz resume, Eigsti has orchestrated and composed for symphony orchestras, and performed with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra. As a sideman and collaborator, Eigsti has appeared on albums by Erin Boheme, Anton Schwartz (Radiant Blue), David Benoit, Herbie Hancock, Ben Wendel (Simple Song), Eric Harland, Stix Hooper, Gretchen Parlato (The Lost And Found), Sara Leib, Dayna Stephens (That Nepenthetic Place), and Chris Botti
September 24, 1981 ~ Miguel Angel Durán Jr, commonly known as merengue, bachata, urban, R&B, Latin trap singer, songwriter Fuego, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Influenced by Latin singers such as Frankie Ruiz, Juan Luis Guerra, and Héctor Lavoe, as well as American rap acts such as Tupac Shakur, the Notorious BIG, and Bone Thugs 'n Harmony. Has released several mixtapes during the late-2000, leading up to his full-length La Musica Del Futuro debut album in 2010, and has recorded to commercial success since. Well known songs include Que Buena Tu Ta, Ya Te Olvide, and Cuanda Suena El Bling, the latter a reworking of Drake's Hotline Bling hit
September 24, 1980 ~ Art rock, art pop, indie pop, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Anna Calvi, full name Anna Margaret Michelle Calvi, born in London, UK ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Nina Simone, Maria Callas, the Smiths, the Rolling Stones, Nick Cave, Scott Walker, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel. Released her eponymous Anna Calvi debut album to critical acclaim in 2011. Has worked with Brian Eno, John Congleton, Jherek Bischoff, Amanda Palmer, Nick Launay, Martyn P Casey, and Adrian Utley
September 24, 1980 ~ Pop, R&B, hip-hop keyboardist, drummer, producer, film composer Sidney Miller born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of Malbec. Keyboardist of hip-hop outfit the Knux. As a producer known under the moniker Speakerbomb and a frequent collaborator of Alex Jacke and Jesse McCartney. Has worked with LA Riot Music, Freddie Gibbs, Lupe Fiasco, Missy Elliott, Jonathan Davis, and Jully Black
September 24, 1978 ~ Singer, actress Ruth Etting passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ~ Dubbed “America's sweetheart of song”, Etting enjoyed popularity especially during the 1920s and 1930s working in stage, radio, and film. Best known for the signature songs Shine On Harvest Moon, Ten Cents A Dance, and Love Me Or Leave Me. Other well known songs include Back In Your Own Backyard, Button Up Your Overcoat, Mean To Me, and Exactly Like You. Etting never took formal voice lessons, and said she had patterned her styling after Marion Harris, but created her own style by alternating tempos. Etting's life was the basis for the 1955 fictionalized film Love Me Or Leave Me starring Doris Day as Etting. Shortly before her death, Etting said she thought the screen portrayal of her was too tough and that Jane Powell would have been a better choice for the lead ~ Etting was born in 1896
September 24, 1976 ~ Yevgeny Leonidovich Dishel, commonly known as anti-folk, indie pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Jack Dishel, born in Russia ~ Frontman of indie folk outfit the Moldy Peaches, best known for the track Anyone Else But You which gained notoriety after being used in the soundtrack of the 2007 coming-of-age comedy-drama film Juno. Dishel has also recorded a number of solo albums under the moniker the Only Son, starting with The Drop To The Top released in 2006
September 24, 1970 ~ Avant-garde jazz, free jazz saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock born in Stadtlohn, Germany ~ Closely associated with Brazilian singer Monica Vasconcelos, with whom she has recorded several albums starting with Nóis released in 1994, and co-founded As Meninas. Laubrock has also appeared on albums by Tito Lopez, F-IRE Collective, David Axelrod, Tom Rainey, Paradoxical Frog, Mary Halvorson, Kris Davis (Capricorn Climber), Andrew Drury, Johnathon Crompton, Nate Wooley, Satoko Fuji, and Myra Melford (For The Love Of Fire And Water). As a leader, Laubrock is especially acclaimed for her Roulette Of The Cradle album released in 2015
September 24, 1969 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal percussionist, drummer, singer, songwriter Shawn Crahan, full name Michael Shawn Crahan, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Sole constant member of Slipknot, with whom he has recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed eponymous Slipknot sophomore album released in 1999. The band is said to have influenced acts such as Demon Hunter, Of Mice & Men, and Asking Alexandria, and is best known for songs such as Duality, Vermillion and Dead Memories. Crahan has also recorded with his side projects To My Surprise and Dirty Little Rabbits, and directed the 2016 action thriller Officer Downe based on the comic series of the same title
September 24, 1966 ~ Alternative rock singer Carrie Akre born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ One of the few female lead singers in early-1990s male-dominated grunge, known for her thunderous vocals. Fronted Hammerbox, with whom she recorded the albums Hammerbox and Numb. Subsequently fronted Goodness, with whom she recorded three more albums including their 1995 eponymous Goodness, which featured a guest performance from Pearl Jam-guitarist Mike McCready on the track Electricity Electricity. Akre would later team up again with McCready in the Rockfords, known for their 2000 The Rockfords album. Akre has also released several albums as a solo artist
September 24, 1965 ~ Drummer, producer, engineer Janet Weiss, full name Janet Lee Weiss, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the duo Quasi with Sam Coomes, later expanded to a trio with Joanna Bolme. Best known for her association with Sleater-Kinney, remaining with the band through 2019. Has also notably worked with Stephen Malkmus including on the 2011 Mirror Traffic album, the Shins, and with all-female supergroup Wild Flag alongside Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony and Rebecca Cole. Other credits include the Furies, Bright Eyes, the Go-Betweens, Sarah Dougher, and Elliott Smith
September 24, 1965 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Njal Olnes born in Sogndal, Norway ~ Worked with the Dingobats, Trygve Seim, Håvard Lund, Eirik Hegdal, Thomas Dahl, Mats Eilertsen, Sverre Gjørvad, the African Pepperbirds, Bjorn Ole Solberg, Vigleik Storaas, Erlend Slettevol, Matthis Kleppen, Tor Haugerud, Kenneth Kapstad, Michael Francis Duch, Kjetil Moster, and BMX
September 24, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Get Off Of My Cloud b/w I'm Free as a stand-alone single ~ The band have said that Get Off Of My Cloud is a reaction to their suddenly greatly enhanced popularity and deals with their aversion to people's expectations of them after the success of I Can't Get No Satisfaction, which was the band's first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit. Get Off Of My Cloud would be their second. The band's guitarist Keith Richards would later comment: “I never dug it as a record. The chorus was a nice idea, but we rushed it as the follow-up. We were in Los Angeles, and it was time for another single”
September 24, 1965 ~ Singer Wanda Jackson records The Box It Came In in Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Vic McAlpin. Produced by Ken Nelson. Included on the 1966 album Reckless Love Affair and released as a single, featuring Look Out Heart on the B-side, in January 1966. It would be the first major hit for Jackson since 1961 and start a string of Billboard Country charting singles through 1971
September 24, 1963 ~ Rock, pop rock drummer Norman Bonink, full name Norman Johannes Stephanus Bonink, born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands ~ Worked with acts such as Excalibur, Rapalje, Marcus, Bananafish and notably Frank Boeijen Groep before joining BLØF in 2001 as replacement for Chris Götte after the latter's death. First appeared on the 2002 Blauwe Ruis album
September 24, 1961 ~ Jazz saxophonist Art Christmas passed away in Blind River, Canada ~ Plays trumpet, piano, percussion, xylophone. Regarded as one of the leading and most influential saxophonists in the Britain jazz and dance band scenes from the 1920 through the 1940s. Has worked with Paul Specht, the Savoy Orpheans, Billy Mason, Roy Fox, and Jack Payne ~ Christmas was born in 1905
September 24, 1961 ~ Hard rock, melodic hard rock guitarist Helge Engelke born in Hanover, West Germany ~ Influenced by Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker. Member of Fair Warning, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting in the early-1990s. Following the band's initial disbandement in 2000 formed Dreamtide. Engelke has also guested on albums by Zeno, Mind Odyssey, and Thomsen ~ Engelke passed away in 2023
September 24, 1959 ~ Angus Gaye, commonly known as reggae singer, drummer Drummie Zeb, born ~ 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 passed away in 2022
September 24, 1959 ~ Christian baritone singer Steve French born in Mascot, Tennessee, USA ~ Founded Southern gospel quartet the Kingdom Heirs with his brother Kreis French. Committed suicide with his girlfriend by jumping of the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County, West Virginia. Both had outstanding capias warrants for their arrests ~ French passed away in 2016
September 24, 1957 ~ Classical, opera, jazz, traditional singer Sibongile Khumalo born in Soweto, South Africa ~ Active since the early-1990s until her death, about half a dozen albums to her name. Noted for singing at the 75th birthday of Nelson Mandela in 1993 and his Presidential inauguration the following year. Has worked with the Bach Choir, Jack DeJohnette, and Hugh Masekela ~ Khumalo passed away in 2021
September 24, 1957 ~ José Abelardo Gutiérrez Alanya, commonly known as cumbia, chicha, parody singer Tongo, born in El Tambo, Peru ~ Active since the 1980s as a cumbia singer. Would rise to fame in the 2000s on the surprise succes of La Pituca, featuring purposely goofy English. Its succes would mark a shift for Gutiérrez, going on to score a string of hits with intentionally comedic cover versions of well known pop rock songs originally by Justin Bieber, PSY, System Of A Down, the Beatles (Lady Bi), Eminem, Michael Jackson (Bili Yin), and the Eagles ~ Gutiérrez passed away in 2023
September 24, 1954 ~ Dave Pat Arthur, commonly known as folk singer, guitarit, banjoist, mandolinist Davey Arthur, born in County Donegal, Ireland ~ Best known for his association with the Fureys, joining the sibling outfit in 1977 and remaining through 1992. Present on the band's best known, When You Were Sweet Sixteen which reached UK top 20 in 1981
September 24, 1954 ~ Jazz vibraphonist Jay Hoggard born in Washington DC, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Anthony Davis, Wadada Leo Smith, Chico Freeman, Sam Rivers, Cecil Taylor, James Newton, Kenny Burrell, Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Tito Puente, Bobby Hutcherson, Billy Taylor, Hilton Ruiz, and Oliver Lake
September 24, 1954 ~ Jazz singer Lisa Sokolov born in Manhassett, New York, USA ~ Praised for her improvisatonial style and wide vocal range. Influenced by Betty Carter and Meredith Monk. Closely associated with William Parker, John Zorn, Wayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Elliott Sharp, Dave Sewelson. Released her critically acclaimed Angel Rodeo debut album in 1993
September 24, 1952 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, jazz rock, experimental rock singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Mark Sandman born in Newton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of 1980s blues-rock outfit Treat Her Right, and its successor alternative rock outfit Morphine. Especially through his role as lead singer, bassist with the latter, Sandman became an icon of the indie rock movement, beloved by critics and peers. Due to his distinctive style on the bass, described by some as “slow and murky”, he would be cited as a major influence by artists such as Les Claypool of Primus, Mike Watt of the Minutemen, and Josh Homme of the Queens Of The Stone Age. Morphine infused alternative rock with elements from blues and jazz, and is especially known for the albums Cure For Pain released in 1993 and its follow-up Yes two years later. Sandman passed away at age 46, after suffering a heart attack on stage ~ Sandman passed away in 1999
September 24, 1949 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion guitarist Bill Connors born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to fame playing the electric guitar in Chick Corea's jazz fusion outfit Return To Forever, with whom he recorded the landmark album Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy released in 1973. Despite Corea being his musical hero, Connors was put off by Corea's Scientology-influenced leadership and departed the group the following year to return to the acoustic guitar. Connors has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, notably 1979's Swimming With A Hole In My Body, and has appeared on albums by Paul Bley, Lee Konitz, Jan Garbarek, Jimmy Giuffre, and Stanley Clarke
September 24, 1946 ~ Pianist César Pedroso, full name César de las Mercedes Pedroso Fernández, born in Havana, Cuba ~ First gained attention as member of the Orquesta Revé. Founding member of Los Van Van, for whom he wrote several of the band's best known including Calla Calla, Tranquillo Mota, Seis Semanas and El Bueagente. Subsequently founded Pupy y Lo Que Son Son
September 24, 1946 ~ Guitarist Jerry Donahue born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of big band saxophonist Sam Donahue. After relocating to the UK, Donahue became a respected member of the burgeoning British folk rock scene. Perhaps best known as a member of the short-lived Fotheringay, known for their sole eponymous Fotheringay album released in 1970, and subsequently of Fairport Convention. Donahue has also recorded as a solo artist, and guested on albums by a wide array of artists including Stefan Grossman, Mick Softley, Sandy Denny, Mick Greenwood, Heads Hands & Feet, Françoise Hardy, Ralph McTell (Streets), Joan Armatrading, Gerry Rafferty (City To City), Chris Rea, Eliza Gilkyson, the Proclaimers, and Linda Thompson. In the 1990s, Donahue was a member of the Hellecasters with whom he recorded several instrumental albums and toured frequently throughout the early-2000s. Donahue remained active until suffering a paralyzing stroke in the mid-2010s, which left him unable to play the guitar
September 24, 1942 ~ Gerard Marsden, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Gerry Marsden born in Liverpool, UK ~ Lead singer, frontman of Merseybeat outfit Gerry & the Pacemakers, alongside Les Chadwick, Arthur McMahon and his brother Freddie Marsden, known for a string of 1960s UK hits such as How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, I'm The One, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey ~ Marsden passed away in 2021
September 24, 1942 ~ Michael Hubert Bourne, commonly known as singer, actor Mike Berry, born in Northampton, UK ~ As a singer best known for two UK top 10 hits nearly 20 years apart, 1963's Don't You Think It's Time and 1980's The Sunshine Of Your Smile. Ventured into acting in the 1970s, long serving as Mr Spooner in the sitcom Are You Being Served
September 24, 1941 ~ Leroy Calliste, commonly known as calypso singer Black Stalin, born in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Given his stage name by fellow Calypso singer Lord Blakie. Known for his lyrics against European colonial oppression. Well known songs include Caribbean Man, Play One, Ism Schism, and Mr Panmaker ~ Calliste passed away in 2022
September 24, 1940 ~ Tango singer Amelita Baltar born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Best known for her association with Astor Piazzolla and Horacio Ferrer
September 24, 1939 ~ R&B singer Sonny Turner born ~ Mentored by Jackie Wilson. Member of the Metrotones. Lead singer of the Platters from 1960, replacing Tony Williams, through 1970. Present on songs such as I Love You 1,000 Times, With This Ring and Washed Ashore ~ Turner passed away in 2022
September 24, 1939 ~ Soul jazz, hard bop trombonist Wayne Henderson born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Co-founded soul jazz group the Jazz Crusaders, remaining with the band through its name change to the Crusaders and departing the band in 1976. Has also served as producer for Wilton Felder (Bullitt), Monk Montgomery (It's Never Too Late), Ronnie Laws (Pressure Sensitive), Caldera (Caldera), Pleasure (Accept No Substitutes), and Gábor Szabó (Faces) ~ Henderson passed away in 2014
September 24, 1938 ~ Steven Douglas Kreisman, commonly known as saxophonist Steve Douglas, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand session musician, present on recordings by Duane Eddy (Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel), the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan (Street Legal), the Ramones, and Leonard Cohen. Douglas has also served as producer, notably producing the acclaimed Willy DeVille-album Le Chat Bleu released in 1980 ~ Kreisman passed away in 1993
September 24, 1933 ~ Drummer Mel Taylor born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Backed Bobby Pickett and Herb Alpert prior to joining the Ventures in 1962, initially as a temporary fill-in for an injured Howie Johnson. Taylor harder-edged rock style so impressed the rest of the band they asked him to become a permanent member. Taylor remained with the group until his death over three decades later. The band is known for songs such as Walk Don't Run, Slaughter On Tenth Avenue, Secret Agent Man, and Hawaii Five-O. Taylor's baby brother is Canned Heat-bassist Larry Taylor ~ Taylor passed away in 1996
September 24, 1931 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Anthony Newley born in London, UK ~ Co-authored Feelin' Good with songwriting partner Leslie Bricusse, made famous by Nina Simone and covered by many others. Also with Bricusse, Newley scored the soundtrack to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory which earned them an Oscar nomination. Newley also wrote or co-wrote songs such as Goldfinger recorded by John Barry for the James Bond film of the same name, and The Candy Man recorded by Sammy Davis Jr ~ Newley passed away in 1999
September 24, 1930 ~ Singer Carl Feaster born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Chords, best known for their 1954 doo-wop classic Sh-boom, co-written by Feaster. Canadian vocal quartet the Crew Cuts would successfuly cover the song the same year ~ Feaster passed away in 1981
September 24, 1929 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist John Carter, full name John Wallace Carter, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Early on in his career Carter backed artists such as Bobby Bradford, Hampton Hawes, and Harold Land. Recorded over a dozen albums as a leader, co-leader or solo artist. Especially acclaimed for Roots And Folklores (Episodes In The Development Of American Folk Music), a suite of albums heralded as some of the best 1980s jazz releases. Also well known for his work with the Clarinet Summit ~ Carter passed away in 1991
September 24, 1926 ~ Constantina Allen, commonly known as singer Connie Allen, born ~ Best known for her 1951 recording Rocket '69, backed by Todd Rhodes and his Orchestra. Other well known songs include Your Daddy's Doggin' Around, Sugar In My Bowl and You'll Never Change Me ~ Allen passed away in 1991
September 24, 1923 ~ Singer, guitarist Allen Bunn born ~ Original member of vocal group the Larks, known for early 1950s songs such as When I Leave These Prison Walls, Eyesight To The Blind and Little Side Car ~ Bunn passed away in 1977
September 24, 1923 ~ Theodore Navarro, commonly known as jazz, bebop trumpeter Fats Navarro, born in Key West, Florida, USA ~ Pioneering bebop improviser. Influential on players such as Clifford Brown and JJ Johnson. Worked with Snookum Russell, Charlie Parker, Andy Kirk, Billy Eckstine, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Clarke, Tadd Dameron, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Howard McGhee, Bud Powell, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis ~ Navarro passed away in 1950
September 24, 1919 ~ Percussionist, bongos player Jack Costanzo born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with the Lecuona Cuban Boys, Desi Arnaz, René Touzet, Nat King Cole, Billy May, Peggy Lee, Danny Kaye, Pérez Prado, Charlie Barnet, Pete Rugolo, Betty Grable, Harry James, Judy Garland, Patti Page, Jane Powell, Ray Anthony, Frances Faye, Dinah Shore, Xavier Cugat, Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis, and Eddie Fisher ~ Costanzo passed away in 2018
September 24, 1893 ~ Singer, songwriter Blind Lemon Jefferson born in Couchman, Texas, USA ~ Called “the Father of the Texas Blues” and one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s. Known for songs such as See That My Grave Is Kept Clean, covered by Bob Dylan, BB King, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Phish, and One Kind Favor, covered by Canned Heat, the Grateful Dead, Pat Donohue, and by Peter Paul & Mary ~ Jefferson passed away in 1929
September 24, 1889 ~ Arthur B Fields, commonly known as songwriter Buddy Fields, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing, together with Al Sherman and Al Lewis, You Gotta Be A Football Hero. The song is one of the most widely recorded and performed American footballs anthem. It was the subject of a 1935 Popeye The Sailor cartoon and has been recorded by Fred Waring, Ben Bernie, Tuxedo Junction, the Crew Cuts, Ralph Flanagan, and Dick Haymes ~ Fields passed away in 1965
September 24, 1871 ~ Jazz cornetist, hornist Isidore Barbarin born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Mostly active in New Orleans's early days of jazz around the turn of the 20th century. Played with the Onward Brass Band, the Excelsior Brass Band, Papa Celestin, and later with Bunk Johnson. Barbarin was the father of drummers Paul Barbarin and Louis Barbarin ~ Barbarin passed away in 1960