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 ~ Violinist, conductor, educator James Buswell, full name James Oliver Buswell IV, passed away ~ Debuted as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic at age 7. Would go on to become a much recorded artist, chamber musician, and revered educator. Married to cellist Carol Ou ~ Buswell was born in 1946
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, 2021 ~ Jazz, soul, funk pianist Lonnie Liston Smith passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Cites Charlie Parker and John Coltrane as major influences. Worked with Pharoah Sanders and Miles Davis before venturing out on his own with his backing unit the Cosmic Echoes recording a string of acclaimed albums widely regarded as classics in the fusion, smooth jazz and acid jazz genres. Has also worked with Gato Barbieri, Karl Denson, Marvin Gaye, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Oliver Nelson, Huey Simmons, Bob Thiele, Leon Thomas, Stanley Turrentine, and others ~ Smith was born in 1940
September 28, 2020 ~ Pop singer, actor Jackie Dennis passed away ~ Best known for his 1958 single La Dee Dah, which reached top 10 in the UK ~ Dennis was born in 1942
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, jazz singer Peter Gelling passed away in Canberra, Australia ~ Member of Blind Freddy. As a solo artist best known for his 2000 Bluestime. Also an accomplished mentor and author with over 100 instructional titles to his name covering various instruments and styles ~ Gelling was born in 1960
September 28, 2018 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Zang Tianshuo passed away in Beijing, China ~ Member of 1980s rock outfit 1989 alongside childhood friends Qin Yong, Qin Qi and Li Li. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted especially for his 1995 My Last Ten Years solo debut album. Passed away at age 54 of liver cancer ~ Tianshuo was born in 1964
September 28, 2015 ~ Vincent Francis Guzzo Jr, commonly known as Frankie Ford, passed away in Gretna, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his 1959 hit Sea Cruise. Member of the Cheer-leaders. Member of the Syncopators ~ Guzzo was born in 1939
September 28, 2013 ~ Southern gospel singer, pianist George Amon Webster passed away in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Cathedrals Quartet for about a decade starting in 1969. Has also worked with the Templeaires Quartet, the Heartland Boys, the Toney Brothers, and others ~ Webster was born in 1945
September 28, 2012 ~ Edward Joseph Bertoiatus, commonly known as trombonist Eddie Bert, passed away in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, the New York Jazz Repertory Company, the American Jazz Orchestra, Loren Schoenberg, Wal Lewinsky, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Kenton, Gil Melle, Thelonious Monk, Red Norvo, Duke Jordan, Kenny Clarke, Frank Socolow, Louie Bellson, JJ Johnson, Teddy Charles, Kenny Burrell, Stan Getz, Manny Albam, Sal Salvador, Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath, Benny Carter, Gene Harris, and others ~ Bert was born 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 ohers. 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, Øivind Blunck, and others ~ Danielsen was born in 1976
September 28, 1998 ~ Guitarist, singer Charlie Foxx passed away ~ Half of R&B, soul duo Inez & Charlie Foxx, the other half his sister Inez Foxx, best known for their hit single Mockingbird which reached the Billboard top 10 in 1963 ~ Foxx was born in 1939
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, the Kingston Trio, and others ~ 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, 1989 ~ Progressive metal, thrash metal guitarist, songwriter Evan McCaskey passed away ~ Best known for his work with Exodus and with Blind Illusion. McCaskey committed suicide at age 24 ~ McCaskey was born in 1965
September 28, 1988 ~ Pop, R&B singer Esmée Denters born in Arnhem, the Netherlands ~ Discovered after her Youtube-videos went viral. Released her full-length Outta Here debut album in 2009. Known for songs such as Outta Here, Admit It and Love Dealer with Justin Timberlake
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 ~ 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 ~ 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, 1979 ~ Dancer, actor Kenchi Tachibana born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan ~ Member of the J-Soul Brothers. Member of Exile
September 28, 1979 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Sam Cohen, full name Samuel Benjamin Cohen, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Co-founded Apollo Sunshine. Member of the Yellowbords. Also worked with Kevin Morby, Norah Jones, Shakira, Pavo Pavo, Dawn Landes, Bandana Splits, Joseph Arthur, Trixie Whitley, Walter Mar, EDJ, and others
September 28, 1978 ~ Punk rock, pop punk, pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist Craig Wood, full name David Craig Wood, born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Member of pop punk outfit Gob. Left the band in 2004 to replace Jesse Colburn as rhythm guitarist in Avril Lavigne's backing band
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, 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, DJ Drama, and others
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, 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, 1973 ~ House DJ, producer Jori Hulkkonen born ~ Released his full-length Selasaari debut album in 1996. Internationally best known for Sunglasses At Night, a remake of Corey Hart's 1980s hit. Has collaborated with John Foxx, Tiga, Nick Triani, Jerry Valuri, and others
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 ca.1909
September 28, 1972 ~ Alan Ernest Caldwell, commonly known as skiffle, rock & roll singer, songwriter Rory Storm, passed away in Broadgreen, UK ~ Best known for fronting Rory Storm & the Hurricanes, which at one time also included Ringo Starr before his tenure with the Beatles ~ Caldwell was born in 1938
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, 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, 1967 ~ Rodolfo Franklin Sr, commonly known as hip-hop producer, DJ, label executive Clark Kent, born in Panama ~ 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 Players Anthem in 1995. The song featured Notorious BIG and is also noted for being the first recording that Lil' Kim appeared on. Franklin would go on to produce for Biggie, Skillz, Estelle, 50 Cent, Canibus, the Future Sound, the Original Flavor, and notably Mariah Carey's Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Loverboy
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 including Red Allen, Charlie Shavers, Harry Sweets Edison and JC Higginbotham influential to the dawn of rock & roll ~ Millinder was born in 1910
September 28, 1966 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Matt King born in Asheville, North Carolina ~ Discovered by Gary Morris. Debuted with the album The Five O'Clock Hero in 1997, which spawned the modest Billboard Country hit A Woman's Tears. Worked with Earl Scruggs, Roy Clark, Ricky Skaggs, and with Vince Gill
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 ~ Kenneth Robert Wilson, commonly known as drummer, pianist, singer Ginger Fish, born in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as drummer of Marilyn Manson from 1995 to 2011. Has also worked with Martyr Plot, Rob Zombie, Powerman 5000, and others
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 ~ DJ, label executive Gilles Peterson born in Caen, France ~ Pivotal in jazz, hip-hop and electronic music. Radio and club DJ. Founded influential labels such as Acid Jazz and Talking Loud
September 28, 1964 ~ Songwriter, composer 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, 1961 ~ Bassist, producer, songwriter Takamune Negishi born in Saitama, Japan ~ Member of Dr Strange Love and of Kokua. Has collaborated with the likes of Kamijo, Kyoko Koizumi, Tamio Okuda. Has also written and arranged for artists such as Cocco and Hitomi
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 ~ Worked with the DumDum Boys, Thorgeir Stubø, Frode Alnæs, Palle Mikkelborg, Terje Borklund, Vigleik Storaas, Bjørn Alterhaug, Nils Petter Molvær, Knut Riisnæs, John Pål Inderberg, Sondre Meisfjord, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Kjersti Stubø, and Henning Sommerro
September 28, 1957 ~ Country, alt-country guitarist, steel guitarist Mark Spencer born in Champaign, Illinois, USA ~ Member of pivotal late-1980s alt-country band Blood Oranges. Left the band in 1995 to tour with Lisa Loeb. Has also worked with others, notably Son Volt
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 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with Michal Urbaniak, Miroslav Vitous, Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, Buckshot Lefonque, Charles Fambrough, Jeff Tain-Watts, Carla Bley, Michael Brecker, Chico Freeman, Kenny Garrett, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Hart, Jay Hoggard, Robert Hurst, Elvin Jones, Lew Soloff, Sting, John Scofield, Arturo Sandoval, Terence Blanchard, Hiram Bullock, and others ~ 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 ~ Songwriting credits vary from source to source but believed to be written by John and his brother Mertis John Jr. Backing musicians: Robert Bubber Johnson piano, Mickey Baker guitar, Milt Hinton bass, Willis Jackson, David Van Dyke and Reuben Phillips saxophones and Calvin Shields drums. Released as a single later the same year it would become one of his best known. The song would be notably covered in 1969 by Fleetwood Mac reaching the charts in the UK and the Netherlands
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 country, blues harpist, 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 Del Shannon-cover Runaway. Has sessioned for or toured with the Doobie Brothers, Mickey Hart, Merl Saunders, and others ~ Jackson passed away in 2009
September 28, 1950 ~ Singer, fiddler, bassist Laurie Lewis born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Worked with the Phantoms Of The Opry, the Good Old Persons, Kathy Kallick, the Grant Street Band, Greg Townsend, Tom Rozum, the Arkansas Sheiks, Kato Sanden, Linda Ronstadt, Ralph Stanley, and others
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, Jim Lauderdale, and others
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 ~ Flutist, saxophonist Ray Warleigh born ~ Worked with Alexis Korner, Tubby Hayes, Humphrey Lyttelton, Terry Smith, Ronnie Scott, Long John Baldry, John Mayall, Keef Hartley, Allan Holdsworth, Soft Machine, Georgie Fame, Mike Westbrook, Dick Morrisey, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Oldfield, Nick Drake, Charlie Watts, Champion Jack Dupree, and others ~ Warleigh passed away in 2015
September 28, 1937 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Glenn Sutton, full name Royce Glenn Sutton, born in Hodge, Louisiana, USA ~ Co-wrote Almost Persuaded with Billy Sherrill, 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 his songs 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, 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, Dizzy Reece, and others ~ Gilmore passed away in 1995
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 blues singer Koko Taylor, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Queen of the Blues” and known for her rough, powerful vocals. Influenced Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, and Shannon Curfman. Discovered by Willie Dixon. 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 would continue to perform well into her 70s, at times giving over 70 concerts per year ~ Taylor passed away in 2009
September 28, 1910 ~ Houston Gaff, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Houston Stackhouse, born in Wesson, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Blind Blake, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tommy Johnson, and Lonnie Johnson. Best known for his association with Robert Nighthawk, the Mississippi Sheiks, Robert Johnson, Charlie McCoy, Walter Vinson, Joe Willie Wilkins, Pinetop Perkins, Frank Frost, Boyd Gilmore, and others ~ Goff passed away in 1980
September 28, 1900 ~ Violinist Max Strub, full name Karl Johannes Max Strub, born ~ Aacclaimed 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