September 28, 2024 ~ Kristoffer Kristofferson, commonly known as country, outlaw country singer, guitarist, songwriter Kris Kristofferson, passed away in Hana, Hawaii, USA ~ One of the most beloved country singers to emerge from the late-1960s. Regarded as a Renaissance man of country music, known for his poetic, literate, and regularly brutally honest lyrics. Had several of his songs recorded by hundreds of artists each. Wrote For The Good Times, first recorded by Bill Nash and covered by numerous artists including Ray Price, Al Green, and Elvis Presley. Wrote Sunday Morning Coming Down, first recorded by Ray Stevens. Co-wrote Me & Bobby McGee, first recorded by Roger Miller and a posthumous Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for Janis Joplin, Kristofferson's one-time girlfriend. Wrote and first recorded Help Me Make It Through The Night, later a smash hit for Sammi Smith. Spearheaded the 1970s outlaw country movement. Member of country supergroup the Highwaymen alongside frequent collaborators Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Over the course of his career, Kristofferson has recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist, as well as several with his then-wife Rita Coolidge. Kristofferson is also an accomplished actor, noted for his roles in A Star Is Born opposite Barbra Streisand, Convoy and the Blade trilogy ~ Kristofferson was born in 1936
September 28, 2022 ~ Artis Leon Ivey Jr, commonly known as pop-rap, G-funk, hip-hop rapper, singer, songwriter Coolio passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a member of gangsta rap outfit WC & the Maad Circle alongside WC and Crazy Toones. Would become a household name as a solo artist, best known for his 1995 hit Gangsta's Paradise, a No.1 hit in over a dozen countries including the USA, the UK and the Netherlands. Stevie Wonder was credited as co-writer as the song drew heavily from Wonder's Pastime Paradise. Other well known songs include Fantastic Voyage, 1-2-3-4 (Sumpin' New) and C U When U Get There ~ Ivey was born in 1963
September 28, 2022 ~ Svavar Pétur Eysteinsson, commonly known as singer, songwriter Prins Póló, passed away ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock outfit Skakkamanage, known best for their 2008 All Over The Face sophomore album. Has also enjoyed a parallel solo career, recording half a dozen albums, starting with Jukk released in 2010 ~ Eysteinsson was born in 1977
September 28, 2021 ~ Lonnie Smith, commonly known as jazz, soul jazz, funk organist Dr Lonnie Smith, passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention teaming up with George Benson in the 1960s including on the albums It's Uptown and Cookbook. Smith would go on to become one of the most acclaimed jazz, soul jazz, funk jazz organists, and record over two dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the albums Think and Live At Club Mozambique. On stage and on record, Smith would be backed by some of the finest in jazz including Benson, who would become a lifelong collaborator, as well as Lee Morgan, David Fathead Newman, King Curtis, Blue Mitchell, and Joe Lovano. In the early-1970s, Smith added the “Dr” title to his name, however, the moniker's origin is unclear and it was not an academic title. Smith himself has been quoted as saying: “But I'm a doctor of music. I've been playing long enough to operate on it, and I do have a degree, and I ‘will’ operate on you. I'm a neurosurgeon. If you need something done to you, I can do it” ~ Smith was born in 1942
September 28, 2021 ~ Operatic soprano Karan Armstrong passed away in Marbella, Spain ~ Active since the mid-1960s, performing minor roles with the Metropolitan Opera and leading roles with the New York City Opera including in La Traviata and La Fanciualla Del Est. Relocated to Europe by the mid-1970s. Acclaimed for her 1975 performance in Salomé with the Opera Du Rhin. Perhaps most closely associated with the Deutsche Oper Berlin, performing in two dozen roles over four decades. Married to opera, theater director Götz Friedrich from 1979 until his death in 2000 ~ Armstrong was born in 1941
September 28, 2020 ~ Producer, label executive Maynard Solomon, full name Maynard Elliott Solomon, passed away ~ Co-founded Vanguard Records with his brother Seymour Solomon, a label focusing initially on classical music yet soon also expanding their catalogue with folk, jazz and blues. Non-classical artists signed by the label include the Weavers, Joan Baez, the Rooftop Singers, Larry Coryell, Mississippi John Hurt, Charlie Musselwhite, Buddy Guy and Country Joe & the Fish ~ Solomon was born in 1930
September 28, 2019 ~ José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist José José, passed away in Homestead, Florida, USA ~ Jazz, bossa nova, Latin pop, bolero, mariachi balladeer with stunning tenor vocal ability. Rose to international fame, including non-Spanish-speaking countries in the 1980s. Dubbed “the Prince of Song”. Worked with Armando Manzanero, Camilo Sesto, Juan Gabriel, Lani Hall, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Raúl Di Blasio, Alejandra Avalos, and others ~ Sosa was born in 1948
September 28, 2018 ~ Blues, country blues singer, guitarist Keb' Mo releases Put A Woman In Charge featuring Rosanne Cash, lead single off his Oklahoma album ~ Keb' Mo has stated Put A Woman In Charge is about trying something else: “There have been a lot of great achievements made by men or by the masculine, but maybe, just maybe, we've gotten too comfortable with the imbalance of men in power and have fallen short by not listening and embracing what women have to offer when they lead.” The single would do well on the Billboard Blues charts, where it reached No.10. The parent album, issued in 2019, would win a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album
September 28, 2012 ~ Edward Joseph Bertoiatus, commonly known as trombonist Eddie Bert, passed away in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ An in-demand soloist, Bert enjoyed a lengthy career mostly going unnoticed by all but his fellow musicians despite a handful of albums as a leader, specifically Encore released in 1955. Bert joined Sam Donahue's ensemble in his late teens, to go on to work with Red Norvo, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, Herbie Fields, Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, Les Elgart, and Coleman Hawkins. Later on in his career, Bert would back the likes of Charles Mingus (Mingus At The Bohemia), Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Chubby Jackson, Boyd Raeburn, Lionel Hampton, Sal Salvador, Perry Como (Saturday Night With Mr C), Cannonball Adderley, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Urbie Green, Manny Albam, Thad Jones, Dakota Staton, Bob James, Janis Ian (Between The Lines), Carly Simon, and Marlena Shaw ~ Bert was born in 1932
September 28, 2012 ~ Country, folk singer Larry Cunningham passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Leading figure of the 1960s, 1970s showband scene. First Irish artist to break into the UK charts, his Tribute To Jim Reeves with the Mighty Avons reaching the top 10 in 1965. Their Lovely Leitrim released later the same year would reach No.1. Cunningham would front the Country Blue Boys from 1969 through the mid-1970s, scoring hits with songs such as Slaney Valley and This Time Of The Year ~ Cunningham was born in 1938
September 28, 2010 ~ Coloratura soprano, musical theater singer Dolores Wilson, full name Dolores Mae Wilson passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Opera singer from the 1950s onwards working with the Metropolitan Opera, the Central City Opera, the Teatro Massimo, the Teatro Municipal, the Opera De Nice, and others. Turned to musical theater in the mid-1960s, starting with the original Broadway production of Fiddler On The Roof in 1965 ~ Wilson was born in 1928
September 28, 2006 ~ Jan Werner Danielsen, commonly known as pop singer Jan Werner, passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Known for his impressive vocal range of four and a half octaves. At the time of his death one of the most popular singers in Norway. Represented Norway twice in the Eurovision Songfestival contest, with Elisabeth Andreassen in 1994 with the song Duet reaching 6th place, and as a solo artist in 2000 performing One More Time reaching 2nd place. Over the course of his career Werner has sung pop, rock and classical songs and collaborated with Karin Krog, Benedicte Adrian, the Secret Garden, Sølvguttene, Tommy Körberg, and Øivind Blunck ~ Danielsen was born in 1976
September 28, 1996 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, guitarist Bob Gibson, full name Samuel Robert Gibson, passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Key figure in late-1950s, early-1960s folk revival. Best known for his 1961 Gibson & Camp At The Gate Of Horn album. Had his songs recorded by Harry Belafonte, the Limeliters, Joan Baez, Bobby Darin, Peter Paul & Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, the Byrds, Smother Brothers, Phil Ochs, and the Kingston Trio ~ Gibson was born in 1931
September 28, 1995 ~ Trumpeter Allen Johnson passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Briefly a member of doo-wop outfit the Marcels from 1961 through 1962 ~ Johnson was born ca.1940
September 28, 1991 ~ Trumpeter Miles Davis, full name Miles Dewey Davis III, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ One of the most important and influential jazz musicians. Helped birth if not spearheaded several radical changes in jazz, perhaps most notably jazz fusion merging jazz and rock. Recorded prolifically since the 1950s. Acclaimed for albums such as Kind Of Blue, Sketches Of Spain, Filles de Kilimanjaro and Bitches Brew, many of his albums widely considered pivotal to the developement of jazz ~ Davis was born in 1926
September 28, 1987 ~ Alexandra Leigh Winston, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Alex Winston, born in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA ~ Classically trained as opera singer. Self-taught on guitar and piano. Drew comparisons to Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom, PJ Harvey. First gained serious attention, mainly in the UK, with her 2010 The Basement Covers EP produced by the Kooks. Has also worked with Charlie Hugall, Bjorn Yttling and the Postelles. Opened for Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Gotye
September 28, 1984 ~ Indie rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Felix White, full name Felix Andrew Odell White, born in Wandsworth, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Maccabees, remaining with the band through its disbandement in 2016. The band is best known for the singles First Love, About Your Dress and Love You Better, all of which reached the UK top 40. Their fourth and final album, 2015's Marks To Prove It, would top the UK albums chart
September 28, 1984 ~ Singer Melody Thornton born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of girl pop group the Pussycat Dolls, remaining with the band through 2010. Has since released a number of singles and EP's and collaborated with Timbaland, LL Cool J, and with Bizzy Crook
September 28, 1982 ~ Pop, blue-eyed soul duo Hall & Oates release Maneater, lifted off their H2O album ~ John Oates has explained that while it is natural to assume the lyrics are about a woman, the song was actually written about New York in the 1980s: “It's about greed, avarice, and spoiled riches. But we have it in the setting of a girl because it's more relatable. It's something that people can understand. That's what we do all of the time.” Maneater would spend four consecutive weeks atop the American Billboard Hot 100, longer than any other of the duo's singles, to be bumped off the top spot by Men At Work's Down Under
September 28, 1982 ~ Indie rock, electronic bassist Iracema Trevisan, full name Iracema Trevisan Carneiro, born in Minas Gerais, Brazil ~ Member of indie-electronic outfit Cansei de Ser Sexy. Present on some of the band's best known including Alala, Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above and Music Is My Hot Hot Sex. Left the band in 2008 to pursue a career as a fashion designer
September 28, 1982 ~ Nolwenn le Magueresse, commonly known as singer, songwriter Nolwenn Leroy, born in St Renan, France ~ Classically trained violinist, opera singer. Rose to fame after winning the second season of the French talent contest Star Academy in 2002. Released her eponymous Nolwenn debut album the following year and has recorded to commercial succes since. Best known for the singles Cassé and Nolwenn Ohwo, both reaching the top of the French charts
September 28, 1982 ~ Singer Prince releases 1999 as lead single off the album of the same name ~ Originally released as the album's lead single, a mid-1983 re-release would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. The inspiration for the song came from a documentary he watched about Nostradamus, predicting a terror would fall upon the world in 1999. The next day at rehearsals, Prince discussed the documentary with his bandmates, where they imagined a huge party would be thrown knowing this was about to happen. The single would re-chart in early 1999, and again following the singer's death in 2016, making it one of the few singles to chart in three different decades
September 28, 1982 ~ Anne Erin Clark, commonly known as art rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter St Vincent, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Early on in her career played with the Polyphonic Spree, Sufjan Stevens, and briefly with noise rock outfit the Skull Fuckers before embarking on a solo career. Released her Marry Me in 2007, drawing comparisons to Kate Bush and David Bowie. Has recorded steadily since to critical acclaim and admiration from peers. Best known for her 2012 Love This Giant album, which featured Talking Heads-singer David Byrne, and its 2014 eponymous St Vincent follow-up which spawned the singles Digital Witness and Pieta
September 28, 1981 ~ Johnny Lynch, commonly known as folk, indie folk, electronic singer the Pictish Trail, born ~ Founder of Lost Map Records. As a performer and recording artist, Lynch has released a number of records characterised as shape-shifting lo-fi, drawing from folk-rock, electronica, psychedelica, and pop, starting with Secret Soundz Vol.1 released in 2008. Lynch has performed at every edition of the Green Man Festival, an annual festival held near Crickhowell, the UK, since 2003
September 28, 1977 ~ Jay Wayne Jenkins, commonly known as rapper Jeezy or Young Jeezy, born in Columbia, South Carolina, USA ~ Helped popularize trap music. Member of Boyz n Da Hood. As a solo artist known for songs such as Soul Survivor featuring Akon, I Luv It, Go Getta featuring R Kelly, and Put On featuring Kanye West. Also collaborated with USDA, Christina Milian, Rihanna, Mannie Fresh, Keyshia Cole, Plies, Ne-Yo, Future, Janelle Monáe, Meek Mill, Gucci Mane, Ludacris, Usher, Lil' Boosie, and DJ Drama
September 28, 1977 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Koji Nakamura born in Towada, Japan ~ Best known as lead singer of Supercar, considered a major band in Japanese indie rock and known for merging alternative rock with electronic music. The band is acclaimed for their 1998 Three Out Change debut album, considered a landmark in Japanese rock. Nakamura also records as a solo artist and is a member of Lama
September 28, 1977 ~ Albert French, commonly known as bandleader, banjoist Papa French, passed away ~ Longtime member of New Orleans outfit the Tuxedo Brass Band, led by the renowned Papa Celestin. Following Celestin's death in 1954, trombonist Eddie Pierson would take over leadership until his death in 1958, after which leadership of the band fell to French who led the band until his death. French's son drummer Bob French would lead the band from 1977 until 2012. French senior is also especially noted for his 1965 A Night At Dixieland Hall live album, featuring backing from Jeanette Kimball, Louis Barbarin, Joe Thomas, Waldren Joseph, Wendell Eugene, and Alvin Alcorn ~ French was born in 1910
September 28, 1976 ~ Singer Stevie Wonder releases his Songs In The Key Of Life masterpiece ~ At the height of his fame, with four critically and commercially successful albums under his belt, Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness' First Finale, Wonder seriously considered retiring from music altogether. Instead he signed a new deal with Motown, giving him full artistic control, and recorded Songs In The Key Of Life. It would be the biggest album of his career, holding the Billboard Hot 200 No.1 spot for thirteen consecutive weeks, earn a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and spawn the Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers I Wish and Sir Duke. It would generally be considered his masterpiece as well as one of the greatest and most influential albums of all-time
September 28, 1975 ~ Country singer, actress Mandy Barnett, full name Amanda Carol Barnett, born in Crossville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a recording artist best known for songs such as Now That's All Right With Me and The Whispering Wind. Also known for playing the title role in the Always Patsy Cline, a musical based on the life of Patsy Cline
September 28, 1972 ~ William Weldon, commonly known as Piedmont blues, country blues singer, slide guitarist Casey Bill Weldon, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Influential on Chicago blues. Dubbed “the Hawaiian Guitar Wizard” Weldon was arguably one of the earliest blues musicians to play the slide guitar. As a solo artist known for Somebody Done Changed The Lock On That Door and We Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town. Has also sessioned for artists such as Teddy Darby, Bumble Bee Slim and Peetie Wheatstraw ~ Weldon was born in 1901
September 28, 1971 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter AJ Croce, full name Aaron James Croce, born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Son of the late Jim Croce. Debuted with the eponymous AJ Croce in 1993, co-produced by renowned producer T-Bone Burnett, Croce's 1995 sophomore album, That's Me In The Bar, would be produced by Jim Keltner and feature guests Ry Cooder and David Hidalgo
September 28, 1971 ~ Folk rock, indie folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Joseph Arthur born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Discovered by Peter Gabriel, who signed Arthur as the first North American artist to his label Real World's roster. Over a dozen albums to his name since the late-1990s, noted specifically for Our Shadows Will Remain released in 2004. Member of supergroup Fistful of Mercy alongside Ben Harper and Dhani Harrison, known for their 2010 As I Call You Down album. Arthur also collaborated in Pearl Jam-bassist Jeff Ament's alternative rock unit RNDM
September 28, 1968 ~ R&B singer, songwriter, actor Sean Levert, full name Sean Edward Levert, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Son of the O'Jays lead singer Eddie Levert. Baby brother of singer Gerald Levert. Member of Levert, known for a string of R&B hits starting in the mid-1980s such as Pop Pop Pop Goes My Mind, My Forever Love, Sweet Sensation, Addicted To You, Just Coolin' featuring Heavy D, Baby I'm Ready and Casanova, the latter also reaching the Billboard top 10 in 1987 ~ Levert passed away in 2008
September 28, 1968 ~ Singer Trish Keenan, full name Patricia Trish Keenan, was born in Birmingham, UK ~ Lead singer, founding member of electronic band the Broadcast, best known for their single Come On Let's Go of their The Noise Made By People debut album. Keenan passed away unexpectedly of pneumonia after contracting the swine flu ~ Keenan passed away in 2011
September 28, 1967 ~ Rodolfo Franklin II, commonly known as hip-hop producer, DJ, label executive Clark Kent, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leads a crew of DJs called “the Supermen”, Franklin's moniker derived from the name of Superman's alter ego. DJ for rapper Dana Dane in the late-1980s. Got his first hit producing Junior MAFIA's Player's Anthem in 1995. Reaching No.7 on the Billboard R&B charts, No.13 Billboard Hot 100, Player's Anthem is one of the first hits to feature the Notorious BIG and the first recording that Lil' Kim appeared on. Franklin would go on to produce several other tracks for the Notorious BIG, as well as tracks for Skillz, Estelle, 50 Cent, Canibus, the Future Sound, the Original Flavor, and notably the remix version of Mariah Carey's 2001 Billboard Hot 100 No.2 hit Loverboy. Franklin passed away at age 58 of colon cancer ~ Franklin passed away in 2024
September 28, 1966 ~ Lucius Venable Millinder, commonly known as swing, jump blues, R&B bandleader Lucky Millinder, passed away in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Could neither read nor write music, did not play any instrument. Yet rose to fame leading the Mills Blue Rhythm Band during the 1930s, at the time regarded as the greatest big band to play rhythm & blues employing numerous sidemen who would later rise to fame in their own right including Red Allen, Charlie Shavers, Harry Sweets Edison and JC Higginbotham. Millinder's ensemble is considered influential to the dawn of rock & roll ~ Millinder was born in 1910
September 28, 1965 ~ Bernard Greene, commonly known as Eurodance, hip house, techno rapper, singer BG The Prince Of Rap, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Enjoyed modest succes in Germany, where he lived after being posted by the US Army. Best known for his 1991 hit This Beat Is Hot. Other well known songs include Take Control Of The Party, The Power Of Rhythm, Can We Get Enough, The Colour Of My Dreams, and Stomp ~ Greene passed away in 2023
September 28, 1965 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Hans Ulrik born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Worked with Gary Peacock, Adam Nussbaum, Niels Lan Doky, Audun Kleive, Marilyn Mazur, John Scofield, Frans Bak, Jens Melgaard, Klavs Menzer, Hugo Rasmussen, John Abercrombie, Lars Jansson, Mona Larsen, Anders Jormin, Mikkel Hess, Peter Dahlgren, Steve Swallow, Bobo Stenson, Jon Balke, Palle Danielsson, Eivind Sarset, Alex Riel, Ulf Wakenius, and others
September 28, 1964 ~ Songwriter Nacio Herb Brown, full name Ignacio Herb Brown, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Temptation, an early-1930s hit for Bing Crosby, his work on Broadway shows and for scoring numerous Hollywood films, perhaps most notably Singing In The Rain collaborating with lyricist Arthur Freed ~ Brown was born in 1896
September 28, 1963 ~ Zhang Ju Xia Wei, commmonly known as singer Wei Wei, born in Hohhot, China ~ Dubbed “the Empress of Pop”, Wei enjoyed popularity especially during the 1990s and 2000s, has sold over 100 million records, and performed at major events including the 1996 Summer Olympics, the 2010 World Expo, and the 2008 Summer Olympics. Well-known songs include Dedication Of Love, Asian Mighty Winds, and I Want To Fly
September 28, 1962 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Mick Cripps, full name Michael Thomas Cripps, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Best known as a member of the classic line-up of hard rock unit the LA Guns, present on most of the band's best known including the band's 1988 eponymous LA Guns debut album and its follow-up Cocked And Loaded, considered their two best albums. Cripps departed the band in 1995, and briefly rejoined at the end of the decade before departing again. Cripps has also worked with Burning Retna, Mindphazer, and the Brutalists
September 28, 1959 ~ Singer Angela Groothuizen, full name Angela Paul Groothuizen, born in Alkmaar, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of pop girl group the Dolly Dots. The band would score numerous top 10 hits in the Netherlands, starting in the late-1970s, including Tell It All About Boys, Hela-do-ladi-do, STOP, Do You Wanna Wanna, She's A Liar, Dreaming Of You, and What A Night. Groothuizen also discovered Roberto Jacketti & the Scooters and co-produced their debut album, Time, with Spargo guitarist Ruud Mulders. Post-Dots Groothuizen studied music, released solo albums, wrote songs for Kinderen Voor Kinderen and Carmen Gomes, collaborated with artists as diverse as the Toppers, Purper and Julya Lo'ko, and established a successful TV career
September 28, 1957 ~ Jazz drummer Ernst-Wiggo Sandbakk born in Kjeldebotn, Norway ~ First gained attention appearing on Thorgeir Stubø's debut album Notice released in 1981. Founded jazz, ambient unit Oofotr, with whom he recorded two albums, the eponymous Oofotr released in 1995 and its follow-up Oofotr II released half a decade later. The band also include Stubo's daughter singer Kjersti Stubø. Sandbakk has also collaborated with Arvid Martinsen, Annjo K Greenall, Sigurd Bjørhovde, has been involved with the organization of the Trondheim Jazz Festival, and has taught at the Trondheim Musikkonservatorium, held annually in Trondheim, Norway. To pop audiences, Sandbakk is perhaps best known for guesting on the 1988 Blodig Alvor Na Na Na Na Na album by the DumDum Boys, playing the drums on the track Idyll
September 28, 1957 ~ Pop rock saxophonist, percussionist, singer Margo Davidson, full name Margo Isabella Davidson, born ~ Co-founding member of the Parachute Club, with whom she recorded during the 1980s. The band is best known for the singles Rise Up, At The Feet Of The Moon, and Love Is Fire, all of which reached top 40 in their native Canada. The latter, lifted off the band's fourth and final album Small Victories featured John Oates of Hall & Oates as guest singer. Near the band's disbandement around the end of the century, Davidson was briefly a member of Toronto-based band Bratty & the Babysitters, yet she would retire from music altogether soon thereafter to work as an advocate for the homeless ~ Davidson passed away in 2008
September 28, 1956 ~ Maria Albuquerque Miranda, commonly known as singer, guitarist Roberta Miranda, born in João Pessoa, Brazil ~ One of Brazil's best-selling artists with over 15 million records sold. Best known for songs such as A Majestade O Sabia, Va Com Deos and Sol De Minha Vida. Has collaborated with Roberto Carlos, Chitãozinho & Xororó, Raimundo Fagner, and others
September 28, 1955 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, post-bop pianist, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, full name Kenneth David Kirkland, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. First gained attention in the mid-1970s, touring with fusion violinist Michal Urbaniak. Subssequently worked with bassist Miroslav Vitous, including on the albums First Meeting and Miroslav Vitous Group, and with trumpeter Terumasa Hino, before teaming up with Wynton Marsalis, with whom he would regularly collaborate. Present on some of Wynton's best known albums, including the acclaimed Black Codes (From The Underground). To pop audiences, Kirkland is perhaps best known as a member of the Blue Turtles, a pop-jazz group assembled by the Police-singer Sting for his first two solo albums, the 1985 The Dream Of The Blue Turtles and its follow-up Bring On The Night. Other notable associations include Rodney Jones, John Scofield, Chico Freeman, Elvin Jones, Carla Bley, Dizzy Gillespie, Franco Ambrosetti, Branford Marsalis, and Hiram Bullock. Kirkland recorded one album as a leader, the warmly received eponymous Kenny Kirkland released in 1991 ~ Kirkland passed away in 1998
September 28, 1955 ~ R&B, soul singer Little Willie John records Need Your Love So Bad in New York, New York ~ One of John's best known, partly because of the late-1960s cover by Fleetwood Mac. Songwriting credits vary from source to source, but the song is believed to be written by John and his brother Mertis John Jr. John was backed by Robert Bubber Johnson on piano, Mickey Baker guitar, Milt Hinton bass, Willis Jackson, David Van Dyke and Reuben Phillips saxophones, and Calvin Shields on drums. Released as a single later the same year it would become one of his best known. In 1969, the Fleetwood Mac-cover became an early hit for the band in the Netherlands and their native UK, remaining a fan favorite from the band's blues-rock days before their transition to a more pop rock oriented sound
September 28, 1954 ~ Guitarist George Lynch born in Spokane, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by Albert King, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jan Akkerman, Roy Buchanan, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Twice Lynch auditioned for the position of lead guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne's backing unit, losing out to Randy Rhoads in 1979, auditioning again three years later when he was hired for a few days days before Osbourne changed his mind and went with Jake E Lee instead. A virtuosic guitarist, Lynch would become one of the most influential metal guitarists of the 1980s, especially known for his work with Dokken with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Lock And Key and Beast From The East. Lynch has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist, and as frontman of Lynch Mob, the latter especially noted for their 1990 Wicked Sensation debut album
September 28, 1953 ~ Kenneth Burke, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer Keni Burke born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Five Stairsteps, known for You Waited Too Long, Something's Missing and perhaps their best known the 1970 Billboard top 10 hit O-o-h Child. Following the Stairsteps Burke embarked on a solo career, sessioning as guitarist and bassist contributing to recordings by artists such as Sly & the Family Stone, Natalie Cole, Billy Preston, Terry Callier, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, and others.
September 28, 1952 ~ Progressive rock drummer Andy Ward, full name Andrew John Ward, born in Epsom, UK ~ Founding member of Camel, staying with the band to 1981. Briefly a member of Marillion, appearing on the hit single Garden Party of the band's Script For A Jester's Tear debut album. Also worked with Caravan Of Dreams, the Mirage, Chrysanthemums, and the Bevis Frond
September 28, 1951 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Diamond, full name James Aaron Diamond, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Lead singer of PhD, known for the 1982 UK top 10 hit I Won't Let You Down. As a solo artist known for 1984's I Should Have Known Better and 1986's Hi Ho Silver, both of which also reached top 10 in the UK ~ Diamond passed away in 2015
September 28, 1951 ~ Phillip Jackson, commonly known as harmonica player, singer Norton Buffalo, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the early-1970s working with acts such as Clover, Bill Kirchen, Elvin Bishop. Joined Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen for their 1976 “farewell” tour and present on the band's final live album We've Got A Live One Here. Closely associated with the Steve Miller Band including on the 1977 Book Of Dreams album. Noted for his harmonica playing on Bonnie Raitt's Runaway, a cover of the Del Shannon classic. Jackson has also sessioned for or toured with the Doobie Brothers, Mickey Hart, and Merl Saunders ~ Jackson passed away in 2009
September 28, 1950 ~ Songwriter, producer Phil Galdston, full name Philip Edward Galdston, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Save The Best For Last with Wendy Waldman and Jon Lind, an early 1990s top 10 hit for Vanessa Williams in over half a dozen countries including her native America where it reached No.1 Billboard Hot 100. Other songs co-written by Galdston have been recorded by Barry Manilow (Why Don't We Live Together), Lorenzo Lamas, Sheena Easton, and Suzy Bogguss
September 28, 1945 ~ Country, rock pianist, organist, clavinetist Bobby Ogdin, full name Robert Ford Ogdin, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ In-demand session musician best known as a member of Elvis Presley's 1970s backing unit the TCB Band. Member of the Marshall Tucker Band from 1984 through 1989. An in-demand session musician Ogdin has appeared on numerous albums over a career spanning four decades. Notable credits include Dennis Linde, Ronnie Milsap (Night Things), BJ Thomas, Willie Nelson (Stardust), Leo Kottke, Amy Grant, Levon Helm (American Son), Mickey Newbury, Tom Jones, the Judds, the Statler Brothers, Kenny Rogers, George Jones, Travis Tritt (Country Club), Shelby Lynne, Pam Tillis (Sweetheart's Dance), Ween, Jo Dee Messina, Bonnie Bramlett, and Jim Lauderdale
September 28, 1945 ~ Actress, singer Conny Van Dyke, sometimes credited as Connie Van Dyke, born in Cape Charles, Virginia, USA ~ Best known as an actress and TV personality, notably starring in the neo noir film Framed, she also had the distinction of being one of the first white singers to be signed to Motown in the early-1960s, while still only in her mid-teens. She cut a few sides for the label, Oh Freddy and It Hurt Me Too, the latter penned and first recorded by Marvin Gaye, before by her own account her music career came to an end after her mother became concerned she might become romantically attracted to one of her black labelmates. Van Dyke recorded two albums in the mid-1970s as a country artist, Conny Van Dyke and Conny Van Dyke Sings For You, but with lack of promotion her music did not get much attention ~ Van Dyke passed away in 2023
September 28, 1943 ~ Klaus Karl Kassbaum, commonly known as bassist Nick St Nicholas born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Best known as a member of Steppenwolf from 1968 through 1970 as well as in some later reunion reincarnations of the band. Present on the studio albums At Your Birthday Party and Monster. Has also worked with the Sparrows, Blue Cheer and notably formed supergroup World Classic Rockers in the late-1990s
September 28, 1942 ~ Classical pianist, teacher Anatol Ugorski born in Rubtsovsk, USSR ~ As a student gained attention through his love of avant-garde pieces, including from renowned yet in the USSR controversial Western composers, premiering pieces by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Olivier Messiaen, and Pierre Boulez. By the late-1960s he would be banned by the authorities and his career halted for ten years, confined to work in the provinces and in private performances only. The Ugorski family would emigrate to Germany by the 1990s, setting him of on an international career. Ugorski has performed solo and with orchestras such as the WDR Symphony Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Orchestre De Paris, and serve as professor at the the Hochschule fur Musik Detmold, Detmold ~ Ugorski passed away in 2023
September 28, 1942 ~ Producer, songngwriter Gary Klein born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Wrote Marcie Blane's Bobby's Girl. In-demand producer working with a wide array of artists from pop, rock, country, jazz. Has produced albums for Tim Hardin, Dolly Parton (Here You Come Again), Barbra Streisand, Glen Campbell (Southern Nights), Gladys Knight, Donna Summer (Bad Girls), Engelbert Humperdinck, Janis Ian, the Marshall Tucker Band, Stephanie Mills, Tracey Ullman, BJ Thomas, and others
September 28, 1941 ~ Jazz saxophonist Mike Osborne, full name Michael Evans Osborne, born in Hereford, UK ~ Member of Brotherhood Of Breath, notably present on the albums Bremen To Bridgewater and Eclipse At Dawn. Member of saxophone trio SOS with John Surman and Alan Skidmore. Has also worked with Mike Westbrook, Michael Gibbs, Alan Skidmore, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, and others ~ Osborne passed away in 2007
September 28, 1940 ~ Norris Jones, commonly known as jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz bassist Sirone, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the late-1950s. Best known for co-founding Revolutionary Ensemble with Leroy Jenkins and Frank Clayton and as a member of Phalanx. Has also worked with the likes of Marion Brown, Gato Barbieri, Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Sharrock, Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, John Coltrane, Clifford Thornton, Dewey Redman, Cecil Taylor, and others ~ Jones passed away in 2009
September 28, 1938 ~ Singer Ben E King born in Henderson, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for Stand By Me, Don't Play That Song (You Lied), and Supernatural Thing (Part I). Former lead singer of the Drifters, singing lead on songs such as There Goes My Baby, Save The Last Dance For Me, and on I Count The Tears ~ King passed away in 2015
September 28, 1938 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Gerd Dudek, full name Gerhard Rochus Dudek, born ~ Brother of bandleader Ossi Dudek, with whom he also worked. Would go on to work with Kurt Edelhagen, Manfred Schoof, the Globe Unity Orchestra, the Berliner Jazz Quintet, Karl Blume, Alexander von Schlippenbach, Loek Dikker, Wolfgang Dauner, Branislav Lala Kovacev, Don Cherry, George Russell, and others ~ Dudek passed away in 2022
September 28, 1938 ~ Jazz, blues saxophonist, flutist Ray Warleigh, full name Raymond Kenneth Warleigh, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Known for his cleanly articulated alto saxophone and flute lines, fitting for a wide array of styles, and for his ability to play anything at a moment's notice, the Australian-born Warleigh quickly became an in-demand session musician after he relocated to the UK at the start of the British blues boom. Played with artists such as Alexis Korner, Long John Baldry, and John Mayall, notably on Mayall's A Hard Road, as well as with jazz luminaries including Humphrey Lyttelton, Mike Westbrook, and Tubby Hayes. Warleigh has also appeared on albums by Bert Jansch, Nick Drake (Bryter Layter), Michael Gibbs, the Scaffold, Soft Machine (Bundles), Judie Tzuke, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Watts, Matt Bianco, the Dedication Orchestra, John Renbourn, and Kenny Wheeler. Warleigh recorded two albums as a leader, issued some forty years apart, his aptly titled 1968 Ray Warleigh's First Album produced by Scott Walker of the Walker Brothers ~ Warleigh passed away in 2015
September 28, 1937 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Glenn Sutton, full name Royce Glenn Sutton, born in Hodge, Louisiana, USA ~ Probably best remembered for co-writing Almost Persuaded with Billy Sherrill, a song first recorded by David Houston in 1966 and covered by numerous artists including Conway Twitty, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Etta James and perhaps most notably Freddy Fender. Produced I Never Promised You A Rose Garden for then-wife Lynn Anderson. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Sutton include Faron Young, Jerry Lee Lewis (What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made A Loser Out Of Me)), Bob Luman, Patti Page, Red Steagall, Ronnie Milsap, and Ricky Skaggs ~ Sutton passed away in 2007
September 28, 1937 ~ Boogie-woogie, jazz pianist Rob Agerbeek, full name Robbert Arris Jules Agerbeek, born in Batavia, Dutch East Indies ~ Influenced by Albert Ammons, Johnny Maddox, Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis. Active since the mid-1950s, performing well into the 2000s. Closely associated with Harry Verbeke, Don Byas, and the Dutch Swing College Band ~ Agerbeek passed away in 2023
September 28, 1936 ~ Jazz guitarist Emmett Chapman born ~ Best known for inventing the Chapman stick, a stringed instrument of the guitar family typically tuned with 10 or 12 strings. As a musician influenced by Barney Kessel and John McLaughlin. Started his career in music in the late-1960s backing Kessel and others, notably Tim Buckley, before forming his own band. The song Back Yard was used in the 1984 Dune film and included on his Parallel Galaxy album released the following year ~ Chapman passed away in 2021
September 28, 1935 ~ Tenor saxophonist, flutist Bent Jædig born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Worked with Rudi Fuesers, Peter Herbolzheimer, Allan Botschinsky, Bent Axen, Dusko Gojkovic, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Alex Riel, Don Cherry, Tete Montoliu, Jimmy Woode, Philly Joe Jones, Louis Hjulmand, Hugo Rasmussen, Carsten Dahl, Wild Bill Davison, Art Farmer, Stan Getz, and Ernie Wilkins ~ Jædig passed away in 2004
September 28, 1935 ~ Richard Bernhard Smith, commonly known as lyricist Dick Smith, passed away in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Winter Wonderland with composer Felix Bernard. The song was first recorded by Richard Himber's orchestra featuring lead vocals by Joey Nash in 1934, and would become a Christmas classic recorded by over 1,500 artists including the Andrews Sisters, Johnny Mercer, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin, Paul Anka, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, the Platters, Aretha Franklin, Peggy Lee, Merle Haggard, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Willie Nelson. Other well known songs co-written by Smith include The Breeze (That's Bringing My Baby Back To Me), first recorded by Henry King, and When A Gypsy Makes His Violin Cry, first recorded by Jane Pickens. Smith passed away of tuberculosis one day short of his 34th birthday ~ Smith was born in 1901
September 28, 1934 ~ Singer, actress Brigitte Bardot, full name Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot, born in Paris, France ~ One of the best known sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960. Appeared in close to 50 films, the most famous being And God Created Woman, several musicals and recorded over 50 songs. Retired from the entertainment industry in the early-1970s but remained a popular culture icon. Also known as an animal activist. Would become a controversial figure in later years for her support for hardright politics and fined repeatedly for inciting racial hatred
September 28, 1931 ~ Jazz saxophonist John Gilmore born in Summit, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his association with Sun Ra, recording almost exclusively with the latter from the 1950s through the 1990s. As a co-leader best known for the 1957 album Blowing In Chicago, a session co-led with Clifford Jordan and with backing from Horace Silver, Curly Russell and Art Blakey. Gilmore also worked with Paul Bley, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Elmo Hope, Andrew Hill, Pete La Rosa, Phil Upchurch, and Dizzy Reece ~ Gilmore passed away in 1995
September 28, 1930 ~ Leonard Raymond Sipes, commonly known as country singer Tommy Collins, born in Bethany, Oklahoma, USA ~ Popular from the 1950s through the 1970s, Collins helped develop the Bakersfield sound. As a singer known for songs such as You Better Not Do That, Whatcha Gonna Do Now, It Tickles and If You Can't Bite Don't Growl. As a songwriter known for a number of quintessential country songs recorded by Merle Haggard (The Roots Of My Raisin'), Buck Owens (But I Do), Ferlin Husky (I Could Sing All Night), and Faron Young (If You Ain't Lovin' You Ain't Livin') ~ Sipes passed away in 2000
September 28, 1929 ~ Frances Elizabeth Taylor, commonly known as dancer, actress Frances Taylor-Davis, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Toured extensively as a dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company throughout South America and Europe. Became the first African-American ballerina to perform with the Paris Opera Ballet in 1951, her performance receiving rave reviews. Appeared in Broadway musicals such as Mr Wonderful, Shinbone Alley, and West Side Story. Married to trumpeter Miles Davis from 1959 through 1968. Although the marriage was marred by increasing domestic violence as Davis' substance abuse worsened, Taylor has served as inspiration for some of the trumpeter's best known including the song Fran Dance, and the entire Porgy & Bess album ~ Taylor passed away in 2018
September 28, 1928 ~ Trumpeter, singer Earl Nelson born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of 1950s doo-wop outfit the Hollywood Flames, notably singing lead on the 1957 Buzz Buzz Buzz hit single. Formed the duo Bob & Earl with Bobby Day. As a solo artist known for his sole album The Duck released under the moniker Jackie Lee in 1966 and spawning the hit The Duck
September 28, 1928 ~ Cora Ann Walton, commonly known as singer Koko Taylor, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Discovered by Willie Dixon. Sometimes referred to as “the Queen of the Blues” and known for her rough, raw, powerful vocals. Influenced Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, and Shannon Curfman. Broke through with the Dixon-penned Wang Dang Doodle in 1964, previously recorded by Howlin' Wolf. The single would sell a million copies and reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Taylor would enjoy popularity especially from the mid-1970s through the 1980s with a string of albums for the Alligator Records label including the acclaimed I Got What It Takes and The Earthshaker. Taylor continued to perform well into her 70s, at times giving over 70 concerts per year ~ Taylor passed away in 2009
September 28, 1923 ~ Percussionist, singer Tuli Kupferberg born in New York, New York, USA ~ Counterculture poet, author, pacifist anarchist. Co-founded satirical rock group the Fugs with poet Ed Sanders. Eclectic and hugely influential the band is most acclaimed for their 1966 Kill For Peace album. Kupferberg is also known for appearing in Allen Ginsberg's poem How, telling of a person who “jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and walked away”. The incident in question actually occurred on the Manhattan Bridge in 1944, after which Kupferberg was picked up by a tugboat and taken to the hospital ~ Kupferberg passed away in 2010
September 28, 1910 ~ Houston Goff, commonly known as blues, country blues guitarist, singer Houston Stackhouse, born in Wesson, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Blind Blake, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tommy Johnson, and Lonnie Johnson. Though not an exceptional singer or guitarist, Stackhouse is well known for mentoring slide virtuoso Robert Nighthawk, the pair working together through the late-1940s, and again on some 1960s cult recordings including on Sonny Boy Williamson II's King Biscuit Time album, reportedly the last recording featuring Nighthawk. Stackhouse has also taught guitar techniques to Jimmy Rogers and Sammy Lawhorn. Unlike his contemporaries, Stackhouse rarely toured outside the Mississippi Delta, where he is held in the highest regards by blues aficionados ~ Goff passed away in 1980
September 28, 1907 ~ Jazz pianist Jack Wilson born in Warwickshire, UK ~ Founded the Versatile Five in 1933, one of the most popular jazz ensembles in pre-war Britain. The band would continue throughout the early-1950s, entertaining the troops during the war and regularly appearing on the BBC thereafter. Composer Billy Mayerl, an idol of Wilson's, dedicated his Nimble-Fingered Gentleman to Wilson, considered one of the top pianists of the era ~ Wilson passed away in 2006
September 28, 1900 ~ Violinist Max Strub, full name Karl Johannes Max Strub, born ~ Acclaimed violin virtuoso and longtime leader and eponym of the Strub Quartet, specialised in classical and Romantic repertoire. The group has also premiered more modern music by composers such as Max Reger, Paul Hindemith, and Anton Bruckner ~ Strub passed away in 1966