This Day In Music: September 26
September 25 ~ Birthdays/All ~ September 27
 
September 26, 1992 ~ TV personality, singer Megan McKenna born in Essex, UK ~ First gained attention on several TV reality shows from the mid-2010s onward. As a singer released her The Story Of Me debut album in 2018, which spawned the modest uk hits High-heeled Shoes and Far Cry From Love
 
September 26, 1988 ~ James Blake Litherland, commonly known as electronic, post-dubstep, pop singer, keyboardist, songwriter James Blake, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention in the early 2010s with a series of EPs, releasing his full-length eponymous James Blake debut album to critical acclaim which spawned the modest UK hit Limit To Your Love. Has collaborated with artists such as Mount Kimbie and Bon Iver. Has produced or co-produced tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Vince Staples, Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, and others
 
September 26, 1986 ~ Drummer Jake Davison born ~ Best known as drummer of Aiden from 2003 to 2011, a band which he co-founded with Angel Ibarra. Davison recorded five albums with the band, including the acclaimed Nightmare Anatomy, before leaving the band amicably, later citing financial security as the main reason for his departure
 
September 26, 1985 ~ Matthieu Total, commonly known as singer, songwriter Matt Pokora, born ~ French of Polish descent, Tota was one of three males to win the 2003 edition of French talent show Popstars, which teamed up winners to form a boy- or girl band. The resulting Linkup had initial success but eventually disbanded due to poor sales. In 2004 Tota decided on the stage name Pokora, Polish for “humility”, and released his solo debut album M Pokora. He continues to record to this day
 
September 26, 1981 ~ Christina Flores, commonly known as R&B, dance, hip-hop singer, actress Christina Milian born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Signed with Murder Inc at 19. Released her debut album, Christina Milian, in 2001. It spawned the modest hits AM To PM and When You Look At Me. Has recorded steadily since. Also known for subsequent hits such as Say I, Us Against The World, and perhaps her best-known the Billboard top 10 hit Whatever U Want
 
September 26, 1977 ~ Rock, alternative rock guitarist, bassist, singer Kerem Özyegen, full name Mazhar Kerem Özyegen, born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Best known as lead guitarist for Mor Ve Otesi. Has also worked with punk rock outfit Spark and with jazz-rock group Crusiana
 
September 26, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Eric Roberson born in Rahway, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jak Beula, and others
 
September 26, 1974 ~ Rapper, producer Watkin Tudor Jones born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Member of the Original Evergreen, appearing on the single Puff The Magik. The song would be banned for its controversial lyrics about marijuana usage. Achieved international fame as member of Die Antwoord. Has also fronted hip hop act Max Normal, recorded as a solo artist starting with the album Memoirs Of A Clone in 2001, and ventured into acting
 
September 26, 1973 ~ Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald, commonly known as producer, songwriter, singer Dr Luke born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ As a producer, songwriter first gained attention with Kelly Clarkson's 2004 hit Since U Been Gone. Would go on to produce, write numerous hit records, often collaborating with Max Martin, for artists such as Kelly Osbourne, the Backstreet Boys, P!nk (Who Knew), Kelis, Avril Lavigne (Girlfriend), the Sugababes, Katy Perry (I Kissed A Girl), Britney Spears, Flo Rida, Ciara, Ke$ha (Tik Tok), Taio Cruz, BoB (Magic), Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, TI, Flo Rida, Miley Cyrus (Party In The USA), Weezer, One Direction, will.i.am, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5 (Sugar), Usher, Jessie J, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Kim Petras, Ne-Yo, Pitbull, Doja Cat, Kygo, Lil' Wayne, and others
September 26, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, post-grunge, hard rock singer, guitarist Marty Casey, full name Martin Xavier Casey, born ~ Influenced by Guns 'n Roses, AC/DC, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker. Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter for Lovehammers, merging pop-punk with grunge influences and best known for their 2006 Marty Casey & the Lovehammers album. The year before Casey had participated in the reality show Rock Star INXS, in search of a new lead singer for INXS, and although he did not win his band was asked to open for them on the INXS Switched On Tour
 
September 26, 1972 ~ Singer Shawn Stockman, full name Shawn Patrick, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of Boyz II Men, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Motownphilly, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, End Of The Road, In The Still Of The Nite (I'll Remember), I'll Make Love To You, Water Runs Dry, 4 Seasons Of Loneliness and A Song For Mama. The band has also collaborated with Mariah Carey (One Sweet Day), LL Cool J, Bell Biv DeVoe, Charlie Puth and others
 
September 26, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Paul Draper born in Liverpool, UK ~ Influenced by the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Prince. Fronted Mansun, which he co-founded with Stove King and Dominic Chad. Co-wrote, co-produced Alone In My Room, a 2005 solo single by Skunk Anansie's Skin. Released his full-length Spooky Action solo debut album in 2017
 
September 26, 1967 ~ Timothy Brown, commonly known as rapper Father MC, born ~ Best known for a string of early 1990s hits including Treat Them Like They Want To Be Treated, I'll Do 4 U featuring Mary J Blige as backing vocalist, Lisa Baby, I've Been Watching You, Everything's Gonna Be Alright, and others
September 26, 1967 ~ Guitarist, singer Shannon Hoon born in Lafayette, Indiana, USA ~ Influenced by the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, John Lennon, Bob Dylan. Best known for fronting Blind Melon from 1990 to this death in 1995. Worked with Styff Kyen, Michael Kelsey, Man Rage, Dave Lank, Darren Mickler, and others ~ Hoon passed away in 1995
 
September 26, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Murray born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as member of late 1980s, early 1990s ska outfit King Apparatus. Has also worked as a solo artist, with Da Whole Thing and with the Slackers, notably on the 2005 collaborative Slackness album
September 26, 1966 ~ Christo Vlahakis, commonly known as rock, laiko singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Christos Dantis, born in Kaisariana, Greece ~ Co-wrote Helena Paparizou's My Number One with Natalia Germanou, winning Eurovision Songfestival song of 2005
 
September 26, 1965 ~ Horn player Scott Spillane born ~ Member of the Gerbils. Also worked with Neutral Milk Hotel, the Olivia Tremor Control, Of Montreal, and with Elf Power
 
September 26, 1964 ~ Dance, dance-pop, pop singer Nicki French, full name Nicola Sharon French, born in Cumbria, UK ~ Best known for her 1995 Bonnie Tyler-cover Total Eclipse Of The Heart which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Represented the UK in the 2000 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 16th place with Don't Play That Song
 
September 26, 1960 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Doug Supernaw, full name Douglas Anderson Supernaw, born in Bryan, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by George Jones and Gene Watson. Recorded four albums starting with Red And Rio Grande released in 1993. The album spawned the Billboard Country No.1 hit I Don't Call Him Daddy, previously recorded by Kenny Rogers. Besides his sole No.1, the singles Reno, What'll You Do About Me and Not Enough Hours In The Night, would also reach top 20 Billboard Country ~ Supernaw passed away in 2020
 
September 26, 1958 ~ Jan Paul Breahm, commonly known as singer Darby Crash, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded punk rock outfit the Germs with Pat Smear. Drummer Belinda Carlisle was briefly an early member of the band but never played a show with them, she would go on to world fame as lead vocalist of all-female outfit the Go-Go's and achieve major stardom in the 1980s as a solo artist. Breahm committed suicide by way of intentional overdose, his death overshadowed by John Lennon's murder the very next day ~ Breahm passed away in 1980
 
September 26, 1956 ~ Jazz violinist, composer Randy Sabien born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Béla Fleck, Emery Christiansen, Free Hot Lunch, Greg Brown, Jim Post, Jan Marra, Peter Buffett, Catfish Keith, Jim Kansas, John Altenburgh, Michael Sterling, Peter Mulvey, Garrison Keillor, David Levin, Corky Siegel, Kevin Bowe, and others
 
September 26, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Carlene Carter born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of singer June Carter and Carter's first husband singer Carl Smith. Debuted with the eponymous Carlene Carter album in 1978 and has recorded steadily since. Best known for songs such as I Fell In Love, Come On Back and perhaps her best known Every Little Thing. Co-wrote, with Susanna Clark, Easy From Now On for Emmylou Harris's acclaimed 1978 album Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town. Has collaborated with Robert Ellis Orrall, Southern Pacific, Elizabeth Cook, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Kris Kristofferson, several family members including her mother, sisters Anita Carter and Helen Carter, with her stepfather Johnny Cash, and released a full-length collaborative album with John Mellencamp, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies, in 2017. Married to Nick Lowe from 1979 to 1990. Also romantically invlved wit the late bass player Howie Epstein in the late 1990s
 
September 26, 1954 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Cesar Rosas born in Hermisollo Sonora, Mexico ~ Longtime member of Los Lobos, present since the band's 1973 Los Lobos Del Este De Los Angeles (Just Another Band From East LA) debut album. Has also worked with supergroup Los Super Seven. Released a solo album, Soul Digsuise, in 1999
September 26, 1954 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Craig Chaquico born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist for Jefferson Starship, first appearing on the 1974 Dragon Fly album, and its successor Starship including on the Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers We Built This City, Sara and Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. Formed Big Bad Wolf, known for their eponymous 1998 Big Bad Wolf album. Has also worked with Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, Gregg Rolie, 3rd Force, Joan Burton, Cusco, Russ Freeman, and others
 
September 26, 1953 ~ Folk singer Dolores Keane born in Sylan, Ireland ~ Sister of Sean Keane. Founding member of De Dannan. Married to John Faulkner from 1977 to 1988, with whom she also worked. Debuted as a solo artist in 1978 with the album There Was A Maid. Has also collaborated with Rita Eriksen, John Prine, and others
September 26, 1953 ~ Victor Edward Jurusz Jr, commonly known as jazz guitarist Vic Juris, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Active since the mid-1970s. Rooted in hard bop, with a knack for avant-garde and jazz fusion. As a leader or co-leader recorded about two dozen albums, especially noted for Steeplechase released in 1994. Closely associated with Richie Cole, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums, and with Dave Liebman, appearing on well over a dozen of the saxophonist's albums. Other notable associations include Eric Kloss, Barry Miles, Don Patterson (Movin' Up), Brian Torff, Lenore Raphael, Lee Konitz, Biréli Lagrène, Jeanie Bryson, and Stephanie Nakasian ~ Jurusz passed away in 2019
 
September 26, 1951 ~ Pop rock, progressive rock drummer Stuart Tosh, full name Stuart McBeath Tosh, born in Aberdeen, UK ~ Active mostly during the 1970s and 1980s recording and touring with the likes of Pilot, the Alan Parsons Project, 10cc and Camel
September 26, 1951 ~ Bassist, singer Tony Fox Sales born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Elder brother of drummer Hunt Sales with whom he also worked, including in the Todd Rundgren-led outfit Runt known for the 1970 Billboard top 20 hit We Gotta Get You A Woman. Also worked with Tony & the Tigers, scoring a handful local hits in the Detroit area, with Chequered Past, David Bowie's Tin Machine, Bob Welch, Free's Andy Fraser, and others
 
September 26, 1949 ~ Blues, soul, jazz singer Wendy Saddington, full name Wendy June Saddington, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Member of Chain, Copperwing, and the James Taylor Move, and eponym of the Wendy Saddington Band. As a solo artist best known for her 1972 Looking Through A Window single. Portrayed the role of the Nurse in a 1970s production of the rock opera Tommy. Took the name Gandharvika Dasi after adopting Krishna consciousness in the 1970s ~ Saddington passed away in 2013
 
September 26, 1948 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Olivia Newton-John born in Cambridge, UK ~ Starred in the 1978 Grease musical film alongside John Travolta, lead singer on Hopelessly Devoted To You and dueting on You're The One That I Want and Summer Nights. As a solo artist well over two dozen albums to her name, focusing on pop and country-pop, starting with If Not For You released in 1971. Well known songs include Let Me Be There, If You Love Me Let Me Know, I Honestly Love You, Have You Never Been Mellow, A Little More Love, Magic, Physical and Xanadu, the latter a collaborative effort with the Electric Light Orchestra ~ Newton-John passed away in 2022
 
September 26, 1947 ~ Dennis Leigh, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist John Foxx, born in Chorley, UK ~ Founding member, original frontman of Ultravox, remaining with the band from 1976 through 1979. Present on 1977's Ultravox, 1977's Ha Ha Ha and 1978's Systems Of Romance
September 26, 1947 ~ Singer Lynn Anderson, full name Lynn Rene Anderson, was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA ~ Daughter of songwriters Casey Anderon and Liz Anderson. Best known for her 1970 hit Rose Garden. First female country artist to, in 1974, sell out Madison Square Garden. Also known for songs such as If I Kiss You Will You Go Away, Promises Promises, Cry, Listen To A Country Song, What A Man My Man Is, and others ~ Anderson passed away in 2015
 
September 26, 1945 ~ Singer Bryan Ferry born in Washington, UK ~ Suave gentleman art-rock, pop-rock singer. Best known as co-founder and frontman of Roxy Music, known for hits such as Virginia Plain, Street Life, Love Is The Drug, Dance Away, Angel Eyes, Over You, the John Lennon-cover Jealous Guy, Avalon and More Than This. Started a parallel solo career in 1973, debuting with the album These Foolish Things, while still a bandmember, drawing from showtunes, jazz, folk, pop and rock. Ferry would disband the band after their best-selling album, 1982's Avalon, to focus on his solo career scoring hits such as Slave To Love and Don't Stop The Dance. The band would reconvene from time to time
September 26, 1945 ~ Bossa nova, tropicália, pop singer Gal Costa, full name Maria da Graça Costa Penna Burgos, born in Salvador, Brazil ~ Duetted with Maria Bethânia on Sol Negra of the latter's 1965 debut album. Released Domingo, a collaborative album with Caetano Veloso, in 1967. Would score her first major hit with the Veloso-penned Baby the next year. The single would be included on her eponymous 1969 Gal Costa album, considered a classic in the tropicália genre. Has been recording steadily to critical acclaim and commercial succes since ~ Costa passed away in 2022
 
September 26, 1941 ~ Country, countrypolitan, rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter David Frizzell born ~ Younger brother of iconic honky-tonker Lefty Frizzell. Active since the late 1950s, achieving his biggesst successes in the 1980s. Known for songs such as the Shelly West-duet You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma, I'm Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home, Lost My Baby Blues, and Where Are You Spending Your Nights These Days
 
September 26, 1940 ~ Traditional jazz banjoist, bandleader Eddy Davis, full name Eddy Ray Davis, born in Lafayette, Indiana, USA ~ Best known for his association with filmmaker, comedian, clarinetist Woody Allen, who played in Davis's the New Orleans Jazz Band starting in the 1960s. Davis has also appeared in several of Allen's movies. Admired by peers Davis appears on dozens of albums starting in the late 1950s, including recordings by Leon Redbone, Turk Murphy, Doc Cheatham, Frank Vignola, and others ~ Davis passed away in 2020
September 26, 1940 ~ Jazz fusion, jazz, funk alto saxophonist Gary Bartz born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Eric Dolphy, McCoy Tyner, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Art Blakey, Expansions, Sphere, Miles Davis, Charles Tolliver, Pharoah Sanders, Reggie Workman, Woody Shaw, Charlie Mariano, Syreeta Wright, Wade Marcus, Gene Ammons, Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Norman Connors, Antonio Hart, Jackie McLean, Rare Silk, Wallace Roney, Malachi Thompson, and others
 
September 26, 1934 ~ Jazz, blues, blues-rock, post bop, jazz fusion saxophonist, clarinetist, pianist Dick Heckstall-Smith, full name Richard Malden Heckstall-Smith, born in Ludlow, UK ~ Influenced by Sidney Bechet, Lester Young, Wardell Gray. Important figure in 1960s and 1970s English blues, blues-rock circles. In-demand collaborator, closely associated with acts such as Blues Incorporated (R&B From The Marquee), the Graham Bond Organisation, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (Bare Wires), Colosseum. Has also worked with Battered Ornaments, Manchild, Sweet Pain, Big Chief, the Famous Bluesblasters, Mainsqueeze, John Ethridge, Jack Bruce, and others ~ Heckstall-Smith passed away in 2004
 
September 26, 1931 ~ Guitarist, singer George Chambers born in Flora, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as member of psychedelic soul band the Chamber Brothers, known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel and blues, psychedelica and rock into soul, scoring a Billboard top 20 hit with the eleven-minute single Time Has Come Today in 1968 ~ Chambers passed away in 2019
 
September 26, 1930 ~ Alice Hoffeiner, commonly known as classical violinist Alice Harnoncourt, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Married to Nikolaus Harnoncourt with whom she co-founded the Concentus Musicus Wien, pioneering the period-instrument performance movement. The couple would have four children, including mezzo-soprano singer Elisabeth von Magnus ~ Hoffeiner passed away in 2022
 
September 26, 1926 ~ Nancy Gayle Peck, commonly known as singer, actress Julie London, born in Santa Rosa, California, USA ~ Released over 30 albums, mostly with jazz and pop standards, during the 1950s and 1960s. Noted for her huskey voice. Best known for her signature song Cry Me A River and her acting career in numerous westerns and television series ~ Peck passed away in 2000
 
September 26, 1925 ~ Martin David Robinson, commonly known as country singer Marty Robbins, born in Glendale, Arizona, USA ~ Popular country singer with some 50 albums to his name over a four decade career. Especially acclaimed for his 1959 Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs, considered one of the first if not the first concept album in country. Known for songs such as A White Sport Coat, El Paso, Big Iron, Don't Worry, Devil Woman, and others. Held strong conservative views, with some of his songs (Ain't I Right, My Own Native Land) even rejected by Columbia Records as too political. Campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 USA presidential election ~ Robinson passed away in 1982
September 26, 1925 ~ Othella Strozier, commonly known as jazz singer, dancer Othella Dallas, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Had blues artist WC Handy as her baby sitter. As a dancer discovered by Katherine Dunham who brought her to her New York dance company. As a singer has worked with Sidney Bechet and Nat King Cole. Relocated to Switzerland in the 1960s, opening a dance school in Zurich teaching the Dunham technique. Would also continue to work as a singer until a year before her death ~ Strozier passed away in 2020
 
September 26, 1922 ~ Label executive Jim Foglesong born in Lundale, West Virginia, USA ~ Active from the 1950s through the 1990s working for major labels and their subsidiaries such as Columbia Records, ABC Records, Dot Records and MCA Records. Known as one of the gentlest, kindest people in the music business. Signed and helped advance the careers of artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Garth Brooks, Donna Fargo, Reba McEntire, the Oak Ridge Boys, Con Hunley, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, Suzy Bogguss, Kevin Morris, and others ~ Foglesong passed away in 2013
 
September 26, 1915 ~ Jazz guitarist, singer Tony Romano born in Madera, California, USA ~ In-demand backing musician on radio programs and in Hollywood films from the 1930s through the 1950s. Perhaps best known for his association with Bob Hope and Frances Langford on USO tours in World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars. Has also served as arranger for Johnny Mercer and Bing Crosby. As a solo artist known for Stars Fell On Alabama, a hit for Romano in 1956 ~ Romano passed away in 2005
 
September 26, 1912 ~ Guitarist, arranger, songwriter René Hall, full name René Joseph Hall born in Morgan City, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his 1958 recording Twitchy. In-demand session musician and arranger for the likes Earl Hines, Plas Johnson, Earl Palmer, Otis Blackwell, Babette Bain, Johnny Burnette, Ernie Fields, Larry Williams, Ike & Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, and others. Arranged some of Sam Cooke's best-known including A Change Is Gonna Come ~ Hall passed away in 1988
 
September 26, 1907 ~ George Clinton Fisher Jr, commonly known as bassist, singer, songwriter Shug Fisher, born in Tabler, Oklahoma, USA ~ Actor with numerous appearances in Western films and TV shows including Gunsmoke and The Beverly Hillbillies. Best known for his association with Roy Rogers appearing alongside Rogers as a member of the Sons Of The Pioneers ~ Fisher passed away in 1984
 
September 26, 1901 ~ Wilfred Theodore Weems, commonly known as jazz, big band bandleader, violinist, trombonist Ted Weems, born in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for leading an orchestra from the 1920s onward, scoring hits such as Piccolo Pete, The Man From The South, Somebody Stole My Gal and My Baby Just Cares For Me. Weems is also known for employing sidemen such as Perry Como, Elmo Tanner, Red Ingle and Joe Haymes ~ Wemyes passed away in 1963
 
September 26, 1898 ~ Composer, songwriter George Gershwin born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Noted composer and pianist who spanned popular and classical. Best known for works such as Rhapsody In Blue, the opera Porgy & Bess, and standards such as I Got Rhythm, Swanee, Embraceable You, and numerous others. There are reportedly over 25,000 recordings of the Gershwin-penned Summertime, the first to hit the pop charts being Billie Holiday in 1936. Other artists who have charted with this classic include Sam Cooke, Al Martino, Ricky Nelson and Janis Joplin's band Big Brother & the Holding Company ~ Gershwin passed away in 1937
 
September 26, 1894 ~ Leonore Vonderlieth, commonly known as singer Vaughn De Leath, born in Mount Pelaski, Illinois, USA ~ Popular radio performer during the 1920s. One of the very first to record Are You Lonesome Tonight in 1927, a song popularized by Elvis Presley decades later. Other well known songs include Oliver Twist and Ukelele Lady ~ Vonderlieth passed away in 1943
 
September 26, 1889 ~ Singer, songwriter Frank Crumit born in Jackson, Ohio, USA ~ Vaudeville, radio performer. Made his stage debut at age 5 in a minstrel show. Appeared in the 1918 Broadway musical Betty Be Good. As a solo artist and songwriter especially popular during the 1920 and early 1930s scoring hits with Frankie & Johnny, A Gay Caballero, The Prune Song, There's No One With Endurance Like The Man Who Sells Insurance and I Learned About Women From Her. Married to singer, musical actress Julia Sanderson in 1928, with whom he would also work as a radio team lovingly dubbed “the Singing Sweethearts of the Air” ~ Crumit passed away in 1943