September 25, 1995 ~ Mo Jammil Adenirn, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Mo Jamil, born in Warrington, UK ~ Winner of the 6th series of talent show The Voice UK aired on ITV in 2017, beating fellow finalists Into The Ark, Jamie Miller, and Michelle John. Following his success on the show, Adeniran released his full-length Evolve album in 2018, which reached top 40 on the British album charts
September 25, 1992 ~ Rosalia Vila Tobella, mononymously known as singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Rosalia, born in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Spain ~ Described as an “atypical pop star”, Rosalia is known for her genre-bending repertoire infusing pop music with flamenco, urbano, reggaeton, avant-garde and art-pop. Released her Los Angeles debut album in 2017. Has scored well over a dozen top 10 hits in her native Spain, including the charttoppers Di Mi Nombre, Con Altura, Yo X Ti (Tu X Mi), Despecha, and Beso. To international audiences, she is perhaps best known as an in-demand collaborator, having recorded songs with the likes of J Balvin, Ozuna, Travis Scott (TKN), Bad Bunny, the Weeknd (La Fama), and Wisin & Yandel
September 25, 1986 ~ Alternative rock drummer, percussionist, guitarist, singer Steve Forrest born in Modesto, California, USA ~ First gained attention as member of ambient rock outfit Evaline, with whom he had opened for Placebo. Forrest would join the latter in 2008, succeeding Steve Hewitt, and appear on the albums Battle For The Sun, B3, Loud Like Love, and A Place For Us To Dream before departing the band to focus on his own career with the London-based Planes. Shortly after departing Placebo though, Forrest disbanded his own band, as difficulties surrounding his UK visa forced him to return to America
September 25, 1985 ~ Singer Diana Ortiz born in San Fernando Valley, California, USA ~ Original member of teen girl group Dream. The band is best known for their 2001 It Was All A Dream debut album, which peaked at No.6 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts. The album's lead single He Loves U Not, released prior to the album's release, had reached top 40 in over half a dozen countries, including top 20 in Canada and the UK, and No.2 in their native America. The follow-up single This Is Me would do less, but still reach top 40 Billboard Hot 100. Following conflicts with their record label, the band's 2003 sophomore album Reality did not see a widespread release and failed to make much impact. After being dropped by the label, the group disbanded
September 25, 1985 ~ Willie Jackson, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Willie the Kid, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Baby brother of the Wu-Tang Clan affiliate MC, rapper La The Darkman. Founding member of rap, hip-hop group the Aphilliates, which also included DJ Drama and Don Cannon. Released his Absolute Greatness solo debut album in 2008. Also noted for the 2013 Masterpiece Theatre EP, a collaborative effort with the Alchemist
September 25, 1983 ~ Donald McKinley Glover Jr, commonly known as actor, singer, rapper, comedian Childish Gambino, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Released his debut album Camp in 2011. Best known for his 2018 Billboard No.1 hit This Is America. Has collaborated with Josh Osho, Leona Lewis, Jhené Aiko, Lion Babe, Selah Sue, Lloyd, and others
September 25, 1983 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Hayden Powell, full name Hayden James Richard Powell, born in UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Terje Rypdal, Kenny Wheeler, Eirik Hegdal, Vigleik Storaas, Nils-Olav Johansen, Ole Morten Vågan, Eyolf Dale, Stale Storløkken, and others
September 25, 1982 ~ Encarnita Garcia de Jesus, commonly known as singer, guitarist, cellist, songwriter Kany Garcia, born in Toa Baca, Puerto Rico ~ First gained attention as contestant on the talent show Objetivo Fama in 2004. Would release her full-length Cualquier Dia debut album in 2007, which spawned the Puerto Rican No.1 hits Hoy Ya Me Voy, Amigo En El Bano and Esta Soledad. Has recorded to commercial succes since
September 25, 1981 ~ Michael Alden Hadreas, commonly known as indie pop, chamber pop singer, pianist, songwriter Perfume Genius, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Released his Learning debut album in 2010 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Also well known for his 2014 Too Bright album, co-produced by Portishead's Adrian Utley. Has also worked with Sharon van Etten, Blake Mills, Shawn Everett, and others
September 25, 1980 ~ Jazz singer Christina Bjordal, full name Christina Elisabeth Nesse Bjordal, born in Haugesund, Norway ~ Debuted with the album Where Dreams Begin in 2003. Worked with Bugge Wesseltoft, Nils Petter Molvær, Mathias Eick, Bendik Hofseth, Nils-Olav Johansen, Karin Krog, and others
September 25, 1980 ~ Jazz, pop, rock, indie singer, songwriter Jeanne Added born in Reims, France ~ Active since the mid-2000s. Best known for her 2019 Radiate album, which reached top 20 in her native France. Has collaborated with Urban Sax, Christophe, Pierre de Bethmann, and John Greaves
September 25, 1980 ~ Clifford Joseph Harris Jr, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter TI, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ One of the all-time best-selling hip-hop artists. Along with Jeezy and Gucci Mane one of the main pioneers of trap music. Member of PSC. Released his full-length I'm Serious solo debut album in 2001 and has recorded to commercial succes since. Well known songs include Whatever You Like, Live Your Life featuring Rihanna, and Dead And Gone featuring Justin Timberlake. In-demand producer, songwriter, collaborator for the likes of Big Kuntry King, BoB, Iggy Azalea, Bow Wow, Dr Dre, Bun B, and Keyshia Cole
September 25, 1979 ~ Punk, indie rock, post-hardcore, emo singer, guitarist Vinnie Caruana born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Long Island-based melodic hardcore band the Movielife, with whom he recorded two albums through the early-2000s. Subsequently fronted post-hardcore unit I Am The Avalanche, and hardcore groups Peace'd Out and Constant Elevation. Caruana has also guested on recordings by Midtown, Bayside, Set Your Goals, Hostage Calm, and Koyo, and released his Survivor's Guilt debut album in 2016
September 25, 1976 ~ Chiara Siracusa, mononymously known as pop, a capella, soul singer Chiara, born in Senglea, Malta ~ Internationally best known for representing her native Malta at the Eurovision Songfestival three times. Chiara reached third place in 1998 with The One That I Love, second place in 2005 with Angel, and twentysecond place in 2009 with What If We in 2009. In 2010, Chiara's Believe (We Are One) would be adopted as the anthem for the Malta Gay Pride
September 25, 1976 ~ Santi White, commonly known as electronic, new wave, reggae fusion, alternative hip-hop singer, guitarist, drummer, keyboardist Santigold, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of Stiffed. Debuted as a solo artist with her eponymous Santigold album in 2008. Collaborated with Res, Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, Julian Casablancas, MIA, Nick Zinner, Basement Jaxx, Drake, Lil' Wayne, and others
September 25, 1974 ~ Post-punk revival, indie rock guitarist, singer Daniel Kessler, full name Daniel Alexander Kessler, born in London, UK ~ British-born American lead guitarist of Interpol, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. Universally acclaimed for their 2002 Turn On The Bright Lights debut album, the band is one of the best known to emerge from New York's late-1990s, early-2000s indie rock, post-punk scene. Drawing comparisons to Television, as well as typically British post-punk acts such as Joy Division, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Siouxsie & the Banshees, the band enjoys popularity especially in Europe and the UK, where they have played major festivals. Kessler also formed the side project Big Noble with Datach'i's Joseph Fraioli, known for the 2015 First Light album
September 25, 1973 ~ John Austin, commonly known as rapper Ras Kass, born in Watts, California, USA ~ Influenced by Ice Cube, Rakim, KRS One. Member of HRSMN alongside Canibus, Killah Priest and Kurupt. Member of the Golden State Warriors alongside Xzibit and Saafir. Released his solo debut album, Soul On Ice, in 1996
September 25, 1970 ~ Mickey Melchiondo, commonly known as guitarist, singer Dean Ween, born ~ Half of alternative rock duo Ween, the other half being Gene Ween, known for albums such as 1992's Push Th' Little Daisies and 1994's Chocolate And Cheese. Though never achieving much commercial success, the band's only two singles reaching the Billboard charts being Push Th' Little Daisies and Voodoo Lady, the band enjoyed a cult following and be critically acclaimed. Melchiondo also worked with the Moistboyz, Josh Homme, the Queens Of The Stone Age, Yoko Ono, the Rollins Band, Pigface and with his own band the Dean Ween Group
September 25, 1969 ~ Ron Blumenthal, commonly known as guitarist Bumblefoot born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the mid-1990s. Influenced by artists as diverse as Kiss, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Frédéric Chopin, and Busta Rhymes. Member of Guns 'n Roses from 2006 through 2014. Has also worked with Art of Anarchy, Asia, Lita Ford, and Sons Of Apollo
September 25, 1968 ~ Actor, rapper, singer Will Smith born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Became a household name through his title role in the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air which aired from 1990 through 1996. Has since starred in numerous films. As a singer formed the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits Parents Just Don't Understand, A Nightmare On My Street, Summertime, Ring My Bell and Boom Shake The Room. As a solo artist best known for Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and Wild Wild West featuring Dru Hill and Kool Moe Dee, both of which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100
September 25, 1967 ~ Drummer Ashwin Sood born in Birmingham, UK ~ Best known for backing singer Sarah McLachlan, with whom he was married from 1997 through 2008. The couple have two daughters, India and Taja. Sood has also worked with Stevie Nicks, Rufus Wainwright, Mae Moore, and Greg Keelor
September 25, 1965 ~ Laouto player, singer Giorgos Xylouris born in Anogeia, Greece ~ Son of Antonis Xylouris, with whom he also worked from a young age. Formed the Xylouris Ensemble, acclaimed for the 1998 Antipodes and the 1999 Drakos albums. Has also collaborated with drummer Jim White under the moniker Xylouris-White
September 25, 1964 ~ Neoclassical metal, heavy metal guitarist Chris Impellitteri born in Connecticut, USA ~ Critically compared to Yngwie Malmsteen. Best known as lead guitarist, founder, eponym of Impellitteri, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Stand In Line released in 1988. Also worked with Vice, Animetal USA, Graham Bonnet, and with the House Of Lords
September 25, 1964 ~ Singer, actress Maria Doyle Kennedy, full name Maria Josephine Doyle Kennedy, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Considered one of Ireland's most prolific artists with a career spanning three decades. Best known as an actress for TV, such as in the sitcom Father Ted, and film, such as The Matchmaker and Byzantium. As a singer recorded two albums with the Black Velvet Band, which she co-founded in the late-1980s with future husband Kieran Kennedy, and has recorded over half a dozen solo albums starting with Charm released in 2001
September 25, 1958 ~ William Michael Payne, commonly known as funk keyboardist, singer Michael Clip Payne, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, appearing on several albums by Parliament and Funkadelic since 1977. Has also guested on recordings by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, MC Solaar, Jordy (Dur Dur D'Etre Bébé), and others
September 25, 1957 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Barbara Lahr born in Kaiserslautern, West Germany ~ Best known for her association with nu jazz outfit De-Phazz, with whom she has recorded about half a dozen albums since the 1990s including the acclaimed Natural Fake released in 2005. Previously Lahr had sung with the Spunks and Guru Guru. Lahr has also recorded several solo albums, starting with Lyrical Amusement in 1998, and has collaborated with Sanfte Liebe, and Klaus Doldinger
September 25, 1955 ~ Steven John Bailey, commonly known as post-punk, gothic rock, new wave bassist, keyboardist Steven Severin, born in London, UK ~ Constant member of Siouxsie & the Banshees, with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums from the late-1970s through the 1990s. The band has been acknowledged as widely influential on both contemporaries and later acts, and has once been described by The Times as “one of the most audacious and uncompromising musical adventurers of the post-punk era”. Well known songs include Hong Kong Garden, Happy House, Christine, Fireworks, Dear Prudence, Cities In Dust, and Peek-a-boo. Severin was also a member of supergroup Glove, known for their sole Blue Sunshine album released in 1983. Following the Banshees disbandement in the mid-1990s, Severin has recorded prolifically as a solo artist and composed several soundtracks
September 25, 1955 ~ Adelmo Fornacaria, commonly known as singer, songwriter Zucchero, born in Roncocesi, Italy ~ One of the best-selling Italian singers, with over an estimated 60 million records over a career spanning four decades. Internationally best known for songs such as Diamante, Il Colo (My Love), Baila (Sexy Thing), and Senza Una Donna (Without A Woman), the latter a duet with Paul Young. Fornaciari is an in-demand duet partner and collaborator who has worked with numerous Italian and international acts including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Brian May, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, BB King, Sting, Bono, Dolores O'Riordan, Peter Gabriel, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli
September 25, 1953 ~ Organist, harpsichordist Liuwe Tamminga born in Hemelum, the Netherlands ~ Acclaimed for his performances of Renaissance and Baroque music. Helped rediscovery of lesser-known composers such as Fiorenzo Maschera, Marco Antonio Cavazzoni and Jacques Buus ~ Tamminga passed away in 2021
September 25, 1953 ~ Flutist, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, conductor Richard Harvey born in Enfield, UK ~ First gained serious attention as co-founding member of Gryphon, one of the more unusual bands to emerge from UK's folk-rock drawing from a wide array of influences including medieval music. The band recorded close to half a dozen albums and is especially acclaimed for Red Queen To Gryphon Three, the band's third studio album. Following the band's disbandement in 1977, Harvey established himself primarily as a composer for film and TV, notably scoring the soundtracks to GBH, co-written with Elvis Costello, Luther, and The Da Vinci Code. Harvey also notably served as conductor for a series of 1980s albums, featuring classic rock songs interpreted by the London Symphony Orchestra, and is an in-demand collaborator appearing on an estimated 700 albums
September 25, 1949 ~ Americana, folk, blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric Taylor born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Acclaimed storyteller. After relocating to Texas, the Georgia native would find a following on the 1970s Houston folk, country scene alongside contemporaries such as Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Influential on artists such as Nanci Griffith, to whom he was married from 1976 through 1982, and Lyle Lovett, both of whom recorded his songs. Lovett would also guest on Taylor's eponymous Eric Taylor 1995 sophomore album, which along with its predecessor Shameless Love released over a decade earlier would be ranked among his best work. Taylor recorded throughout the 2010s, toured extensively throughout America and Europe, building a cult following, and has worked as a teacher, giving songwriting workshops ~ Taylor passed away in 2020
September 25, 1949 ~ Rock, jazz saxophonist Steve Mackay born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Briefly a member of the Stooges, appearing on some tracks of the 1970 Fun House album. In later years Mackay would recall being “somewhat grateful” for being fired by Iggy Pop after five months, as the band was deteriorating from drug abuse. Mackay would go on to work with a host of underground acts including Violent Femmes, Snakefinger, Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, Smegma, and the Mojo Boogie Band ~ Mackay passed away in 2015
September 25, 1948 ~ Jazz saxophonist Bill Pierce born in Hampton, Virginia, USA ~ Recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader from the mid-1980s through the late-1990s, especially acclaimed for his 1987 Give And Take sophomore effort. Previously, Pierce had notably recorded several albums with Art Blakey during the early-1980s including Straight Ahead and Album Of The Year. As a sideman, Pierce has also appeared on albums by James Williams (Alter Ego), Wynton Marsalis, Gary Burton, Makoto Ozone (After), Tony Williams, Geoffrey Keezer, Superblue, John Swana, Antonio Hart, Javon Jackson (Burnin'), Bill Mobley, and Jeff Palmer
September 25, 1948 ~ Singer Kathi McDonald, full name Kathryn Marie McDonald, born in Anacortes, Washington, USA ~ Without even trying, McDonald landed a spot in Ike & Tina Turner's backing choir the Ikettes as Turner noticed her singing in the audience. McDonald would subsequently succeed Janis Joplin as lead singer of Big Brother & the Holding Company, with whom she recorded the albums Can't Go Home Again, How Hard It Is, and Be A Brother. McDonald has also recorded as a solo artist, noted particularly for her 1974 Insane Asylum album, and sung backup for Don Nix, Leon Russell (Leon Russell And The Shelter People), Joe Cocker, Freddie King, Dave Mason, the Rolling Stones (Exile On Main St), Betty Davis, Grin, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Nicky Hopkins, and Long John Baldry. Prior to becoming a professional singer, McDonald had never received any formal musical training ~ McDonald passed away in 2012
September 25, 1947 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, keyboardist Cecil Womack, full name Cecil Dale Womack, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for songs such as Lookin' For A Love, It's All Over Now and I Found A True Love. Their songs would be covered by the Rolling Stones, the J Geils Band, Wilson Pickett, and Solomon Burke. Going by the moniker Womack & Womack, Cecil and his wife Linda Womack would enjoy popularity in the 1980s in Europe. Songs such as Love Wars, Celebrate The World, and their best known Teardrops, would all reach top 20 in the UK ~ Womack passed away in 2013
September 25, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, drummer John Fiddler born in Moxley, UK ~ Founded Medicine Head with guitarist Peter Hope-Evans, initially performing as a duo and later aided by various session musicians. The duo was hailed by radio DJ John Peel, who would sign the band to his Dandelion Records label. The band recorded about half a dozen albums through the end of the 1970s, including the acclaimed Pop History Vol.25 and Thru A Five. Fiddler has also notably worked with the British Lions, which evolved from glamrock outfit Mott The Hoople, founded 1980s group Box Of Frogs, recorded as a solo artist, and on occasion revived the Medicine Head name with varying line-ups
September 25, 1946 ~ Psychedelic rock, folk rock, garage rock, baroque pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bryan MacLean, full name Bryan Andrew MacLean, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of architect to the stars, MacLean grew up among Hollywood elite. Recognised by neighbour songwriter as a “melodic genius” at a young age. His first girlfriend was Liza Minnelli. Best known as lead singer, primary songwriter of Love, with whom he recorded three critically acclaimed albums during the mid-1960s, Love, Da Capo, and Forever Changes. Following the band's disbandement, MacLean long disappeared from public view releasing a number of solo albums decades later ~ MacLean passed away in 1998
September 25, 1945 ~ Owen McIntyre, commonly known as singer, guitarist Onnie McIntyre born in Lennox Town, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Average White Band, remaining with the band through 1983 and rejoining in later years. Present on most of the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Pick Up The Pieces and its follow-up Cut The Cake which also reached top 10
September 25, 1944 ~ Country, bluegrass bassist Charles Leet born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Member of traditional bluegrass outfit Dry Branch Fire Squad, named for the small birthtown of the band's frontman and sole constant member Ron Thomason, the unincorporated community of Dry Branch in Pulaski County, Virginia. Leet has been with the band since the early-1990s and has appeared on critically acclaimed albums such as Long Journey, Memories That Bless And Burn, and Hand Hewn. The band is also known as a regular at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, having performed at every edition of the internationally renowned annually held festival since its start in 1979
September 25, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist Gary Jules Alexander born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA ~ Founding member, lead guitarist of the Association, a 1960s sunshine pop band known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Along Comes Mary, Cherish, Windy, Never My Love, and Everything That Touches You. The band is also noted for opening the Monterey International Pop Festival, a three-day festival held in Monterey, California, in 1967
September 25, 1943 ~ James Joseph Paulsen, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Joe Sun, born in Rochester, Minnesota, USA ~ About a dozen albums to his name, Sun would enjoy popularity through the mid-1980s. He is perhaps best known for first recording Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You, penned by Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert. Issued as his debut single in 1978, Sun's original reached No.14 on the Billboard Country charts, and became a country classic later covered by Dolly Parton, the Osborne Brothers, and Foster & Allen. Sun scored several more top 30 Billboard Country hits through the early-1980s, most notably High And Dry, I'd Rather Go On Hurtin', and Bombed Boozed & Busted, the latter also a significant country hit in Canada. Sun also played the minor role of Tommy Fratter in the 1985 Marie biographical movie starring Sissy Spacek, Jeff Daniels, and Morgan Freeman, and recorded national radio spots for Budweiser and Timberline Boots ~ Paulsen passed away in 2019
September 25, 1943 ~ Hard rock, rock keyboardist John Locke, full name John Tilden Locke, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded Spirit with guitarist Randy California. Guested on the 1970 Tom Rush album The Wrong End Of The Rainbow. Worked with Nazareth in the early-1980s, appearing on the albums The Fool Circle, Snaz and 2XS. Guested on the Stray Cats album Gonna Ball, released in 1981 ~ Locke passed away in 2006
September 25, 1942 ~ Antonio Salas, commonly known as drummer Billy Mundi, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Former Hells Angel. Timpanist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic before moving into studio work. Worked with Skip Battin's Skip & Flip, Tim Buckley, Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention (Freak Out), Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mastin & Brewer, Earth Opera, and Rhinoceros ~ Mundi passed away in 2014
September 25, 1942 ~ Delia Juanita Warwick, commonly known as singer Dee Dee Warwick, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of the Sweet Inspirations. Member of vocal trio the Gospelaires, along with her sister of Dionne Warwick and aunt Cissy Houston. One of the music industry's first openly lesbian artists. Recorded solo records since the early-1960s, including what is reportedly the earliest version of You're No Good in 1963 (later recorded by Betty Everett, Linda Ronstadt, and others) and for the 1966 single I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (later made famous as a duet between the Supremes and the Temptations). Also known for songs such as I Want To Be With You, Foolish Fool, and She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking) ~ Warwick passed away in 2008
September 25, 1942 ~ Pianist John Taylor born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founded Azimuth, teaming up with Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler. Also worked with Jan Garbarek, Enrico Rava, Gil Evans, Lee Konitz, Charlie Mariano, Tony Coe, Steve Argüelles, Maria Pia de Vito, Ralph Towner, Joey Baron, Marc Johnson, Stan Sulzmann, John Surman, Chris Pyne, Chris Laurence, Mick Hutton, Palle Danielsson, Martin France, Arild Andersen, Stan Tracey, Tore Brunborg, Hayden Chisholm, Graham Collier, Paolo Fresu, Mike Gibbs, Evan Parker, Cleo Laine, Johnny Dankworth, Frank Ricotti, Ronnie Scott, Alan Skidmore, Joe Lovano, Louis Stewart, Barre Phillips, Steve Swallow, Eric Vloeimans, Miroslav Vitous, and others ~ Taylor passed away in 2015
September 25, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Hugo Blanco born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Best known for songs such as El Burrito Sabanero, Sierra Nevada, Luces De Caracas, Mananita Zuliana, and perhaps most notably Moliendo Cafe. CLosely associated with Simon Diaz and Joselo Diaz. Founded Cuatro Monedas, considered the first Venezuelan ska group. Founded Hijos de na Carmen ~ Blanco passed away in 2015
September 25, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Horace Arnold, full name Horace Emmanuel Arnold, born in Wayland, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with David Baker, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Charles Mingus, Cecil McBee, Kirk Lightsey, Hasan Ibn-Ali, Henry Grimes, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Ralph Towner, Sam Rivers, Karl Berger, Joe Farrell, Robin Kenyatta, Return To Forever, Stan Getz, Archie Shepp, Billy Harper, Freddie Waits, Kenny Burrell, David Friedman, Anthony Cox, and others
September 25, 1937 ~ Jazz conductor, trombonist, keyboardist, composer, arranger Michael Gibbs born in Harare, Rhodesia ~ Best known for his association with vibraphonist Gary Burton. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with the eponymous Michael Gibbs released in 1970. Musical director for the BBC during the early-1970s. Film composer, conductor. In-demand producer, arranger for artists such as Jaco Pastorius, Michael Mantler, Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Whitney Houston, Peter Gabriel, John Scofield, and others
September 25, 1935 ~ Post-bop jazz saxophonist Roland Alexander born ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with artists such as Sabby Lewis, Preston Sandiford, Richie Lowery, Jaki Byard, Joe Gordon, Wajid Lateef, Gordon Wooly, John Coltrane, Howard McGhee, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, Blue Mitchell, Sam Rivers, Archie Shepp, Mal Waldron, Charlie Persip, and others ~ Alexander passed away in 2006
September 25, 1933 ~ Singer Erik Darling born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Influential figure in the late-1950s, early-1960s folk scene. As a solo artist best known for his 1961 True Religion sophomore album. Founded the Tarriers, known for their 1956 rendition of The Banana Boat Song. Worked with the Kossy Sisters on their 1956 Bowling Green. Joined the Weavers in 1958, replacing Pete Seeger. Member of the Rooftop Singers ~ Darling passed away in 2008
September 25, 1933 ~ Folk, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ian Tyson, full name Ian Dawson Tyson, born in Victoria, Canada ~ Formed the husband-wife duo Ian & Sylvia with Sylvia Tyson, known for originals such as Four Strong Winds, You Were On My Mind and Someday Soon. The latter would become a country classic recorded by numerous artists including Judy Collins, the Kingston Trio, Lynn Anderson, Glen Campbell, Chris LeDoux, Crystal Gayle, Moe Bandy, and Fred Eaglesmith ~ Tyson passed away in 2022
September 25, 1932 ~ Glenn Herbert Gold, commonly known as classical pianist Glenn Gould, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Praised for his technical proficiency, Gould would become one of the 20th century's most celebrated classical pianists. Especially known as the premier interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, Gould rejected most of the Romantic piano literature by Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Gould has recorded prolifically since the mid-1950s, his Bach (The Goldberg Variations) considered the definitive interpretation, has transcribed works by Richard Wagner, Maurice Ravel, Franz Schubert, and Anton Bruckner, served as conductor, and made numerous television and radio programs. In 1997, the Royal Conservatory of Music Professional School in Toronto, Canada, adopted the name the Glenn Gould School in honor of its most famous alumnus ~ Gould passed away in 1982
September 25, 1932 ~ Jesús Arturo Garcia Peña, commonly known as cumbia singer, songwriter Mario Gareña, born in Barranquilla, Colombia ~ Active since the early-1950s. Member of the Orquestra Sonolux. As a solo singer known best for Yo Me Llamo Cumbia and Te Dejo La Ciudad Sin Mi. Has also ventured into acting, notably on the telenovela Oro in the 1980s. Ran in the 1990 Colombian presidential election, receiving only some 2,400 votes, after which he retired from music ~ Peña passed away in 2021
September 25, 1930 ~ Singer, author, poet, cartoonist, playwright, songwriter Shel Silverstein, full name Sheldon Allan Silverstein, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ To music audiences best known for writing or co-writing a number of quintessential pop, rock, country songs including Dr Hook's The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan and The Cover Of The Rolling Stone, Johnny Cash's 25 Minutes To Go, Loretta Lynn's One's On The Way and Hey Loretta, and Tompall Glaser's Put Another Log On The Fire ~ Silverstein passed away in 1999
September 25, 1927 ~ Singer Royce Kendall born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Formed the country duo the Kendalls with his daughter Jeannie Kendall, known for a string of late-1970s to mid-1980s recordings including the Billboard Country No.1 hits Heaven's Just A Sin Away, Sweet Desire and Thank God For The Radio ~ Kuykendall passed away in 1998
September 25, 1926 ~ Conductor, arranger, songwriter, producer Joe Sherman, full name Joseph Daniel Sherman, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Ramblin' Rose with his brother Noel Sherman. The song would be first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1962, and has become a standard covered by over a hundred artists including Bobby Vinton, Ferlin Husky, Paul Anka, Pat Boone, Chuck Berry, and Eddy Arnold. Other songs co-written by Sherman have been recorded by the likes of Dolores Hawkins, Denise Lor, Billy May, George Duning, and Georgia Gibbs ~ Sherman passed away in 2017
September 25, 1925 ~ Radio DJ, TV personality, actor Pete Murray, full name Peter Murray James, born in London, UK ~ Radio DJ for the BBC, with shows on Radio 1, Radio 2, and Radio 4. One of Britain's first pop music TV presenters, known for hosting Six Five Special in the 1950s and regularly appearing on Juke Box Jury during the 1960s
September 25, 1923 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, pianist, songwriter Sam Rivers, full name Samuel Carthorne Rivers, born in El Reno, Oklahoma, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Inluential and prominent, especially in the idiom of avant-garde and free jazz. Worked with Miles Davis, Jaki Byard, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Andrew Hill, Larry Young, Lester Young, Dave Holland, Mario Schiano, Noël Akchoté, Anthony Braxton, Quincy Jones, Cecil Taylor, Julian Priester, Barry Altschul, Bobby Hutcherson, Franklin Kiermeyer, Jason Moran, the Music Revelation Ensemble, and others ~ Rivers passed away in 2011
September 25, 1921 ~ Jazz saxophonist George Barrow born ~ Active since the 1950s, notably backing Charles Mingus on the quintessential albums The Moods Of Mingus, Mingus At The Bohemia, and Jazz Composers Workshop. An in-demand sideman, Barrow would go on to appear on albums by the likes of Kenny Clarke, Teddy Charles (The Teddy Charles Tentet), Mary Ann McCall, Big Maybelle, Eddie Lockjaw Davis (Trane Whistle), Oliver Nelson (The Blues And The Abstract Truth), Jimmy Forrest, Gene Ammons, Frank Wess, Clark Terry (Mellow Moods), Etta Jones, Sam Cooke (Sam Cooke At The Copa), Clifford Thornton, and David Amram ~ Barrow passed away in 2013
September 25, 1919 ~ Rossiere Wilson, commonly known as jazz, swing drummer Shadow Wilson, born in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ Worked with Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Tiny Bradshaw, Lionel Hampton, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Illinois Jacquet, Erroll Garner, Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Newman, Lee Konitz, Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods, Gene Quill, Tadd Dameron, Gil Melle, Fats Navarro, Tony Scott, and others ~ Wilson passed away in 1959
September 25, 1899 ~ Jazz drummer Alex Bigard born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of clarinetist Barney Bigard. Worked with the Excelsior Brass Band, the Maple Leaf Orchestra, Peter DuConge, Buddy Petit, Chris Kelly, Sidney Desvigne, Kid Shots Madison, John Robichaux, Kid Rena, the Mighty Four, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Harold Dejan, Kid Howard, Punch Miller, and De De Pierce ~ Bigard passed away in 1978
September 25, 1894 ~ Label executive, producer J Mayo Williams, full name Jay Mayo Williams, born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA ~ Pioneering blues, gospel, jazz producer. Discovered Ma Rainey and Papa Charlie Jackson. Also worked with Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tampa Red, Reverend Thomas A Dorsey, Ida Cox, Jimmy Blythe, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Freddie Keppard, Tiny Parham, Mahalia Jackson, Alberta Hunter, Blind Boy Fuller, Roosevelt Sykes, Sleepy John Estes, Kokomo Arnold, Peetie Wheatstraw, Bill Gaither, Bumble Bee Slim, Georgia White, Trixie Smith, Monette Moore, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marie Knight, Tab Smith, the Harlem Hamfats, and others ~ Williams passed away in 1980
September 25, 1872 ~ Charles Blake Cochran, commonly known as theatrical manager, impresario Charles B Cochran, born in Sussex, UK ~ Manager, agent, producer responsible for some of the most successful revues and musicals of the 1920s and 1930s, manager of the renowned the Royal Albert Hall. Introduced or promoted talents such as Beatrice Lillie, Gertrude Lawrence, Noël Coward, Jessie Matthews, Yvonne Printemps, Lizbeth Webb, Anna Neagle, Florence Desmond, and the Dolly Sisters ~ Cochran passed away in 1951
September 25, 1683 ~ Composer, harpsichordist Jean-Philippe Rameau born in Dijon, France ~ Considered one of the most important French composers of the 18th century and leading composer of the harpsichord alongside François Couperin. Best known for his Hippolyte Et Aricie opera premiered in 1733 ~ Rameau passed away in 1764