September 29, 2024 ~ Martin Barnes, commonly known as pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Martin Lee, passed away ~ Initially hired as a staff writer by music publisher Tony Hiller, yet when it turned out Lee could also sing Hiller asked him to join Brotherhood Of Man, a group managed by Hiller. The group would become best known for Save Your Kisses For Me, a delightfully cheerful ditty co-written by and featuring Lee on lead vocals chosen to represent the UK at the 1976 Eurovision Songfestival. Following their win at the contest, leaving France's Catherine Ferry and Monaco's Mary Christy respectively in second and third place, the song would reach No.1 in over half a dozen countries including the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK. Over the next few years, Brotherhood Of Man scored several more hits at home, notably Angelo and Figaro, before their popularity waned. Despite not recording since the early 1980s, the band continued to perform to enthousiastic crowds until retiring in 2020 ~ Barnes was born in 1946
September 29, 2023 ~ Recording engineer Jon Fausty passed away ~ Has produced and engineered recordings in the USA, Canada, Cuba, and Europe, best known for his work on some of the most sucessful Latin albums of all time over a career spanning six decades. Has worked on albums by Sabu Martinez, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Ricardo Ray (Jala Jala Y Boogaloo), Willie Colón, Machito, Bobby Valentín, the Fania All-Stars, Ray Barretto (The Message), Ismael Miranda, Mongo Santamaria, the Lebrón Brothers, Rubén Blades, Willie Rosario, Jerry González (The River Is Deep), and Gato Barbieri ~ Fausty was born in 1949
September 29, 2023 ~ Progressive rock, space rock, jam rock drummer Ron Howden passed away ~ Co-founding member of Nektar, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums. The band's 1969 Journey To The Centre Of The Eye debut album consisted of a single song running over 40 minutes, with the last 100 seconds of the first side repeated at the beginning of the second side to maintain continuity. The band is especially acclaimed for their work through the mid-1970s, noted for albums such as Remember The Future, Sounds Like This, and Down To Earth. Howden has co-written several of the band's songs, including King Of Twilight which was later covered by Iron Maiden and used as the B-side for their 1984 Aces High single ~ Howden was born ca.1945
September 29, 2021 ~ Guitarist, songwriter, producer Olivier Libaux passed away ~ Founded rock band Les Objets with Jérôme Rousseaux in 1989, known for their 1989 La Normalité and 1994 Qui Est Qui albums. Would go on to become an in-demand collaborator working with the likes of Carla Bruni, Alex Gopher, Dominique Dalan, Jean-François Coen, Helena Noguerra, and others. Released his L'Heroine Au Bain solo debut album in 2003. Also known for founding Nouvelle Vague, covering punk and new wave songs in a bossa nova style usually employing young female lead singers most of whom did not know the original versions ~ Libaux was born in 1964
September 29, 2020 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress, activist Helen Reddy, full name Helen Maxine Reddy, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the late-1960s. Dubbed “the Queen of '70s Pop.” Known best for her I Don't Know How To Love Him and her signature song and feminist anthem I'm A Woman, the former initially released as the B-side of her 1970 I Believe In Music single. Other well known songs include Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress), You And Me Against The World, Angie Baby and Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady, all of which reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Reddy was born in 1941
September 29, 2020 ~ Morris Mac Davis, singer, guitarist, songwriter, commonly known as Mac Davis, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a songwriter best known for a number of songs most notably recorded by Elvis Presley, including In The Ghetto, Don't Cry Daddy, and Memories and A Little Less Conversation, the last two co-written with Billy Strange. Other artists who recorded his songs include Bobby Goldsboro (Watching Scotty Grow), Vikki Carr, Nancy Sinatra (God Knows I Love You), OC Smith, Jerry Wallace (The Closest I Ever Came), Kenny Rogers, BJ Thomas (I Believe In Music), the Tams, Roy Drusky (Play Me A Little Traveling Music), Helen Reddy, and others. As a recording artist Davis himself would regularly reach the charts, mostly in the 1970s, with songs such Stop And Smell The Roses, One Hell Of A Woman, Rock 'n Roll (I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life), Burnin' Thing, It's Hard To Be Humble and perhaps his best known Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me ~ Davis was born in 1942
September 29, 2020 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz-funk, funk bassist Rocco Prestia, full name Francis Rocco Prestia Jr, passed away ~ Cited James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins as influences. Perhaps best known as member of funk outfit Tower Of Power from 1968 through 1977, rejoining in later years. Notably present on some of the band's best known including the 1973 hit What Is Hip. As a solo artist released his sole Everybody On The Bus album in 1999 ~ Prestia was born in 1951
September 29, 2019 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, arranger, producer Larry Willis, full name Lawrence Elliott Willis, passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known as a member of Blood Sweat & Tears from 1972 through 1977, first appearing on the New Blood album. Has also worked with Jackie McLean, Nat Adderley, Gary Bartz, Cindy Blackman, Carla Bley, Jerry González, Roy Hargrove, Louis Hayes, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Richard Groove Holmes, Clifford Jordan, Robin Kenyatta, Hugh Masekela, Carmen McRae, Lee Morgan, Alphonse Mouzon, David Fathead Newman, Woody Shaw, and others ~ Willis was born in 1942
September 29, 2018 ~ Abelim Maria da Cunha, commonly known as actress, singer Angela Maria, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Considered the most popular Brazilian singer of the 1950s ~ Da Cunha was born in 1929
September 29, 2018 ~ Otis Rush Jr, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Otis Rush, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Important 1950s blues guitarist, merging Chicago blues with R&B-influences. Influential on Michael Bloomfield, Peter Green and Eric Clapton. Known for songs such as I Can't Quit You Baby, Double Trouble and All Your Love (I Miss Loving) ~ Rush was born in 1934
September 29, 2015 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, composer Phil Woods, full name Philip Wells Woods, passed away in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman, Billy Joel (alto sax solo on Just The Way You Are), Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Franco Ambrosetti, Manny Albam, Benny Bailey, Louie Bellson, Gene Krupa, Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Burrell, Gary Burton, Benny Carter, Al Cohn, Art Farmer, Gil Evans, Stéphane Grappelli, Milt Jackson, Michel Legrand, Herbie Mann, Thelonious Monk, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Oliver Nelson, Pony Poindexter, Sahib Shihab, Jimmy Smith, George Wallington, and others ~ Woods was born in 1931
September 29, 2011 ~ Sylvia Vanterpool, commonly known as singer, producer, label executive, songwriter Sylvia Robinson, passed away in Secaucus, New Jersey, USA ~ Half of Mickey & Sylvia, the other half being guitarist Mickey Baker. Co-founded Sugarhill Records. Produced Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight (1979). Produced Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five's The Message (1982) ~ Vanterpool was born in 1935
September 29, 2009 ~ Country, country pop singer Miranda Lambert releases Revolution, which would become her third consecutive Billboard Country No.1 album ~ Lambert's second consecutive Billboard Hot 200 top 10 album, and her third consecutive to top the Billboard Country charts. Apart from the Billboard Country No.1 hits The House That Built Me and Heart Like Mine, the album's highlights include the Fred Eaglesmith-cover Time To Get A Gun featuring guest vocalist Chris Stapleton, and the John Prine-cover That's The Way That The World Goes Round featuring Randy Scruggs. Other guests on the album include Buddy Miller, Ashley Monroe, and Blake Shelton. Revolution would be nominated for Best Country Album at the 53rd Grammy Awards, losing out to Lady Antebellum's Need You Now, and win Album of the Year at the Academy Of Country Music Awards as well as at the Country Music Association Awards
September 29, 2002 ~ Milton Sims Newbury Jr, commonly known as country, folk, folk-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Mickey Newbury, passed away in Springfield, Oregon, USA ~ Revered by peers. Acclaimed for a number of late-1960s, early-1970s albums especially 1972's Frisco Mabel Joy which included An American Trilogy, a song later popularized by Elvis Presley. Though Newbury never became a household name, several songs of his have become well known as recorded by others including Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings (Don Gibson, Tom Jones), San Francisco Mabel Joy (the Box Tops, Waylon Jennings), Here Comes The Rain Baby (Roy Orbison, Eddy Arnold), Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Was In (Jerry Lee Lewis, Kenny Rogers, Bettye LaVette), and Sweet Memories (Andy Williams, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles) ~ Newbury was born in 1940
September 29, 1994 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger David Van Kriedt passed away in Newcastle, Australia ~ Worked with the Jazz Workshop Ensemble which would eventually evolve into Dave Brubeck octet. Appears on Stan Kenton's pivotal Contemporary Concepts album alongside Charlie Mariano, Carl Fontana, Bob Fitzpatrick ~ Van Kriedt was born in 1922
September 29, 1994 ~ Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, commonly known as singer Halsey, born in Washington, New Jersey, USA ~ Featured vocalist on the 2016 the Chainsmokers hit Closer. As a solo artist had three albums, 2015's Badlands, 2017's Hopeless Fountain Kingdom and 2020's Manic, reach the top 10 of Billboard Hot 200 album charts. Has collaborated with BTS, G-Eazy, Big Sean, Stefflon Don, Benny Blanco, Kelsea Ballerini, Marshmello, Juice WRLD, and others
September 29, 1990 ~ Jazz drummer, singer Freddie Kohlmann passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with AJ Piron, Joe Robichaux, Papa Celestin, Sam Morgan, Albert Ammons, Stuff Smith, Earl Hines, Lee Collins, Louis Armstrong, the Jambalaya Four, Billie Holiday, Art Hodes, Louis Cottrell Jr, the Dukes Of Dixieland, the Onward Brass Band, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Albert Nicholas, Art Hodes, Bob Wilber, Harry Connick Jr, Dr John, Chris Barber, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, and others ~ Kohlman was born in 1918
September 29, 1988 ~ Guitarist, bassist, pianist, percussionist, singer Ian Crawford, full name Ian Miles Crawford, born in Eugene, Oregon, USA ~ Founded rock & roll outfit the Contestants. Released his solo debut album, Grand Wheel, in 2018. Best known as a backing musician, notably known as a guitarist associated with CAB, Panic At The Disco, Never Shout Never, and the Academy Is. Has also worked with the Stamps, Play For Keeps, Dallon Weekes, Ashbury, and others.
September 29, 1984 ~ Theodore Samuel Reig, commonly known as producer, A&R reoresentative, promoter, manager Teddy Reig, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Produced Charlie Parker's first recordings as a leader, for Savoy Records in November 1945. Has also worked with Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Don Byas, Erroll Garner, Dexter Gordon, JJ Johnson, Lester Young, Bud Powell, Quincy Jones, Redd Foxx, Sonny Stitt, Lee Morgan, Maynard Ferguson, and others ~ Reig was born in 1918
September 29, 1982 ~ Albert Lancaster Lloyd, commonly known as folk singer AL Lloyd, passed away in London, UK ~ Key figure in 1950s, 1960s folk revival. Closely associated with Ewan MacColl ~ Lloyd was born in 1908
September 29, 1981 ~ Suzanne Christine Crowshaw, commonly known as actress, singer, TV personality Suzanne Shaw, born in Bury, UK ~ Became a member of Hear'say after winning the ITV contest Popstars in 2000. The band would score the UK top 10 hits Pure & Simple, The Way To Your Love, Everybody and Lovin' Is Easy. After the band's disbandement in 2002 Shaw would go on to become an in-demand musical actress
September 29, 1980 ~ Folk, alternative rock, post-hardcore singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Dallas Green, full name Dallas Michael John Albert Green, born in St Catherines, Canada ~ Singer, rhytm guitarist for post-hardcore band Alexisonfire from 2001 to its disbandement in 2011. Has recorded as a solo artist under the moniker City & Colour, a reference to his name, Dallas being a city, Green a colour. Has also collaborated with P!nk under the moniker You & Me releasing the album Rose Ave in 2014. Guested on recordings by Jude the Obscure, Straight Reads The Line, Dear & Departed, Lights Action, and Nashville Skyline
September 29, 1980 ~ R&B, funk, disco outfit Kool & the Gang release their Celebrate album ~ The band continued the direction started on their previous album, Ladies Night, gravitating ever more towards pop and smooth R&B. Again, this album, like its predecessor, was met with critical scepticism, Record Mirror going so far as to state “there's no soul sound on this album, just plenty of precise modern dance music”. Yet it gave the band their first and only Billboard Hot 100 No.1 with Celebration, in retrospect cited by some as the ultimate party track of the early-1980s. The song remains a popular party track and radio staple to this day, decades later
September 29, 1978 ~ Pop, country singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist, keyboardist Kurt Nilsen, full name Kurt Erik Nilsen, born in Bergen, Norway ~ First gained attention in 2003 winning the the Norwegian edition of the talent contest Pop Idol aired on TV2. Would also win a one-off international edition of the show the next year, featuring winners of various national shows. His 2003 I debut album would top the album charts in Norway
September 29, 1978 ~ Avant-garde metal, experimental rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, flutist, percussionist, songwriter Toby Driver born in Meriden, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known for fronting avant-garde metal bands Maudlin Of The Well and Kayo Dot. Also an in-demand collaborator for a wide array of rock, metal acts, and active as a solo artist starting with the album In The L L Library Loft released in 2005
September 29, 1975 ~ Singer Jackie Wilson collapses on-stage at the Latin Casino, Cherry Hill, New Jersey ~ Wilson was one of the featured acts in Dick Clark's Good Ol' Rock & Roll Revue and suffered a heart attack in the middle of the opening lines of Lonely Teardrops, singing “my heart is crying.” Reaching for his chest and collapsing on the stage, the crowd initially cheered, thinking it was part of the act. Wilson would be rushed to the hospital and subsequently remain in a coma until his death 9 years later
September 29, 1974 ~ Wilhelmina Madison Goodson, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Billie Pierce, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Married to De De Pierce, with whom she also worked. Influenced by Ma Rainey, Ida Cox, Bessie Smith from an early age, although her orthodox Baptist parents disapproved of anything other than hymns. Has worked with AJ Piron, Alphonse Picou, Emile Barnes, George Lewis, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band ~ Goodson was born in 1907
September 29, 1974 ~ Electronic, trip hop, indie pop, house producer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Liam Howe, full name Liam Coverdale Howe, born ~ Co-founded electronic music band Sneaker Pimps, best known for their 1996 Becoming X debut album which spawned the singles 6 Underground and Spin Spin Sugar. Has gone on to become an in-demand producer for the likes of Lana Del Rey, Marina & the Diamonds, Ultrafox, FKA Twigs, Ellie Goulding, Tom Vek, and others
September 29, 1970 ~ Jason Lewis, commonly known as rapper AMG, born in Inglewood, California, USA ~ First appeared on DJ Quik's 1991 album Quik Is The Name. Released his own debut album, Bitch Betta Have My Money, later the same year. Known for his sexually explicit lyrics. Would collaborate with DJ Quik in 2007 under the collaborative moniker the Fixxers but the project would be shelved after releasing one single Can U Werk Wit Dat
September 29, 1969 ~ Raúl Alejandro Escajadillo Peña, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Aleks Syntek, born ~ Derived his stage name from being called “el sin teclados” meaning “the keyboard-less” by his friends, having to borrow keyboards from his friends. Member of La Gente Normal before venturing out on his own. Released his De Noche En La Ciudad debut album in 2001, which would reach Gold status, and has recorded steadily since. Well known songs include Sexo Pudor Y Lagrimas, La Tormenta and Corazones Invencibles. Has collaborated with Ana Torroja, Steve Porter, Kylie Minogue, Miguel Bosé, and Malu
September 29, 1969 ~ Power pop, alternative rock guitarist, drummer Jon Auer, full name Jonathan Paul Auer, born ~ Best known for co-founding power pop band the Posies with Ken Stringfellow, the band drawing heavily from Merseybeat with additional influences such as Hüsker Dü, XTC, Elvis Costello and Squeeze. Has also worked with Sky Cries Mary, Big Star, Lucky Me, Jean Jacket Shotgun and with the Squirrels, and recorded as a solo artist. Has served as producer for the likes of You Am I, Monostereo, Love Battery, Redd Kross, Truly, and TAD
September 29, 1968 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger Eddie Wilcox passed away ~ Arranger for Jimmie Lunceford from the 1920s until Lunceford's death in 1947. Took over the orchestra, serving as co-leader with Joe Thomas, through the early-1950s. Founded R&B Raecox label in the 1950s. Also worked as executive for Riviera Records and Derby Records ~ Wilcox was born in 1907
September 29, 1968 ~ Twin brothers Luke Goss and Matt Goss born in Lewisham, UK ~ Drummer Luke and singer, songwriter Matt would first gain attention as members of Bros, initially aided by bassist Craig Logan, known for late-1980s hits such as When Will I Be Famous, Drop The Boy and I Owe U Nothing
September 29, 1967 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, pianist, guitarist, percussionist Brett Anderson, full name Brett Lewis Anderson, born in Haywards Heath, UK ~ Lead singer, primary lyricist of Suede, known for UK top 10 hits such as Animal Nitrate, Trash, Beautiful Ones, Electricity. Also fronted Tears amd recorded several albums as a solo artist starting with the eponymous Brett Anderson album released in 2007
September 29, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record I Don't Want To Spoil The Party at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, primarily by the formerr. Produced by George Martin. Used in the feature film A Hard Day's Night and on the accompanying album. In the USA also used as the B-side of Eight Days A Week, released in February 1965
September 29, 1964 ~ Gustave Molvik, commonly known as hard rock, glam rock singer Taime Downe, born ~ Lead singer, sole constant member of hard rock outfit Faster Pussycat, best known for House Of Pain of their 1989 Wake Me When It's Over sophomore album. Following the band's disbandement in 1992 Downe has worked with Pigface, guested on Skid Row's Psycho Therapy, and founded industrial rock band the Newlydeads
September 29, 1963 ~ Alternative rock, funk metal, progressive rock bassist, singer Les Claypool, full name Leslie Edward Claypool, born in Richmond, California, USA ~ Lead singer, bassist, sole constant member of funk metal outfit Primus, known best for their breakout 1991 Sailing The Seas Of Cheese sophomore album. Member of supergroups Oysterhead and Colonel Claypool's Bucket Of Bernie Brains. Fronted experimental rock groups Frog Brigade and the Fancy Band. Formed the duo Duo De Twang with Brian Kehoe, and the duo Claypool-Lennon Delirium with Sean Lennon. Has also worked with Sausage, Holy Mackerel, Blind Illusion, Tom Waits, Alex Lifeson, Limp Bizkit, and others
September 29, 1963 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones embark on their first ever tour, starting at the Victoria Theatre, London, UK ~ The then still relatively unknown band embark on their first ever tour, a package tour headlined by the Everly Brothers for the first five dates, replaced by Little Richard thereafter, and Bo Diddley. In total the tour consisted of 30 dates through early November, with two concerts per date, and the Rolling Stones playing a ten-minute set per concert. Other performers on the package tour included Mickie Most and Julie Grant
September 29, 1963 ~ Laurent Morhain, commonly known as singer Solal born in Lorient, France ~ Discovered by Michel Sardou. Would go on to perform in numerous musicals, perhaps most notably in the rol of Tristan in a 2000 production of Tristan Et Yseult and as Leopold Mozart, the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in a 2008 production of Mozart L'Opera Rock
September 29, 1961 ~ Jazz pianist, keyboardist Dave Kikoski born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Opus 5, Roy Haynes, Randy Brecker, Bob Berg, Billy Hart, George Garzone, Barry Finnerty, Red Rodney, Craig Handy, Ralph Moore, Didier Lockwood, Joe Locke,, Olivier Ker Ourio, the Mingus Big Band, Toninho Horta, Eddie Gomez, Al Foster, Alex Acuña, John Patitucci, Larry Grenadier, Pat Martino, Alexander Ciaffy, and others
September 29, 1961 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Scott Weinrich, full name Robert Scott Weinrich, born in Maryland, USA ~ Influenced by the Monkees, the Beatles, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, the Stooges. Helped develop doom metal. Influential in stoner rock and punk rock. Best known as co-founder of the Obsessed. Member of doom metal outfit St Vitus. Has also worke with Shrinebuilder, Dave Grohl's project Probot, the Bullring Brummies, and recorded as a solo artist
September 29, 1958 ~ Country, folk singer, guitarist, violinist, pianist, flutist, songwriter Lynn Miles born in Cowansville, Canada ~ Active since the late-1980s. Released her full-length Chalk This Up To The Moon debut album in 1991. Best known for her song Remembrance Day, used in a video by the Canadian Armed Forces. Critically acclaimed for her Unravel album released in 2001
September 29, 1958 ~ Composer, conductor Michael Ching born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Has held positions with orchestras such as the Houston Grand Opera Studio, the Florida Grand Opera, the Texas Opera Theatre, the Opera Memphis, and others. As a composer known mostly for a number of operas, notably an a capella adaptation of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream which premiered in 2011
September 29, 1958 ~ Alternative rock, post-punk singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Mick Harvey, full name Michael John Harvey, born in Rochester, Australia ~ Best known for his longtime association with Nick Cave, including in Boys Next Door, the Birthday Party and the Bad Seeds. Has also worked with Crime & the City Solution, Anita Lane, the Wallbangers and with PJ Harvey, composed for films and recorded as a solo artist
September 29, 1957 ~ Rock & roll singer Buddy Holly and his backing unit the Crickets record Maybe Baby in Clovis, New Mexico, USA ~ Written by Holly and Norman Petty, the latter also producing. Included on the album The Chirping Crickets. Released as a single b/w Tell Me How the following year. The single would reach top 20 on both sides of the Atlantic. Holly lead vocals and guitar, Niki Sullivan rhythm guitar, Joe Mauldin contrabass, Jerry Allison drums
September 29, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Sokratis Malames born in Sykia, Greece ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Aspromavres Istories released in 1989. Known for songs such as Thiasos, Kirki and Adeio Domatio. Has collaborated with artists as diverse as Manolis Rasoulis, Dionyssis Tsaknis, BD Foxmoor, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Thanos Mikroutsikos, and Takis Vouis
September 29, 1952 ~ Trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr, full name Roy Sinclair Campbell Jr, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Considered a trumpet virtuoso, Campbell first gained serious attention in 1970s free jazz, regularly working with the likes of Jemeel Moondoc, William Parker, Don Cherry, Peter Brötzmann, and Matthew Shipp, spending a significant portion of his career on the European jazz scene. After his return to America by the early-1990s, Campbell has recorded about a dozen albums as a leader including the acclaimed New Kingdom and Now, the latter with his avant-garde jazz ensemble Other Dimensions In Music. Over the course of his lengthy and varied career, Campbell has also appeared on albums by Billy Bang, Ehran Elisha (The Kicker), the Die Like A Dog Quartet (From Valley To Valley), Dave Hillyard, Yuko Fujiyama (Re-Entry), Spring Heel Jack, the Nu-Band, David First (Universary), and Joe Maneri ~ Campbell passed away in 2014
September 29, 1950 ~ Ali Mahammed, commonly known as Oromo, world music singer, guitarist, songwriter Ali Birra, born in Dire Dawa, Ethiopian Empire ~ Regarded as the most popular Oromo icon, an ethnic group mostly native to the Oromia region. Other than in his native Oromo language Birra also sang in Amharic, Harari and Somali. Actively recording since the early-1970s. Well known songs include Hin Yaadin, Asabalee, Ammalelee, and Gamachu ~ Mahammed passed away in 2022
September 29, 1949 ~ Michael Ray Martin, commonly known as country singer Martin Delray, born in Texarkana, Arkansas, USA ~ Recorded two albums in the early-1990s. Perhaps best known for his Johnny Cash-cover Get Rhythm of his debut album of the same name, featuring Cash on guest vocals, and for Sometimes She Forgets, the latter notably covered by Travis Tritt, Steve Earle, the Dead Ringer Band, and others
September 29, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist Mark Farner, full name Mark Fredrick Farner, born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter for Grand Funk Railroad, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits We're An American Band, The Loco-Motion, Some Kind Of Wonderful and Bad Time. The band name is a play on the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, a line that runs through the band's home town of Flint, Michigan. Farner had previously played with Terry Knight & the Pack and the Bossmen. After Grand Funk's initial disbandement in 1976 Farner has recorded as a solo artist, toured with Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band and fronted several Grand Funk reincarnations
September 29, 1948 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Mike Pinera born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Fronted Blues Image, known for the 1970 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Ride Captain Ride. After the band folded Pinera would go on to work with Iron Butterfly, Ramatam which also included Jimi Hendrix-drummer Mitch Mitchell, Cactus, Alice Cooper, with supergroup the Classic Rock All-Stars, and others. Pinera has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the 1979 Forever which included the modest hit Goodnight My Love
September 29, 1947 ~ Blues, blues-rock harpist, guitarist Peter Hope-Evans born om Brecon, UK ~ Member of blues rock band Medicine Head, known for their 1973 UK top 10 hit One And One Is One. Other well known songs include And The Pictures In The Sky, Rising Sun and Slip And Slide. Hope-Evans would go on to become an in-demand collaborator, notably with Pete Townshend, Deep End, and with Noah Francis
September 29, 1946 ~ Drummer, percussionist Ian Wallace, full name Ian Russell Wallace, born in Lancashire, UK ~ Perhaps best known for his associations with progressive rock band King Crimson, David Lindley and Don Henley. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Warriors, Snape, the Quireboys, Johnny Hallyday, Billy Burnette, Alexis Korner, Alvin Lee, Labi Siffre, Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood, Stevie Nicks, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, the Traveling Wilburys, and Rodney Crowell ~ Wallace passed away in 2007
September 29, 1944 ~ José Carlos González, commonly known as pop rock, sertanejo singer, songwriter Dave Maclean, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Member of Os Botões, later renamed to the Buttons. Best known as a solo artist, enjoying popularity in the 1970s with songs such as Me And You, We Said Goodbye, Tears, and Feelings. Formed the trio the Dollar Company in the 1980s. As a songwriter González had his songs recorded by the likes of Sergio Reis, Sula Miranda, and Sandy & Junior ~ González passed away in 2023
September 29, 1942 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion violinist, electric violinist, composer Jean-Luc Ponty born in Avranches, France ~ Leader and sideman. Reinstated the violin as a viable jazz instrument. Worked with Stuff Smith, Stéphane Grappelli, Svend Asmussen, John Lewis, George Duke, Frank Zappa (including on Hot Rats), Elton John, John McLaughlin's the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Billy Cobham, Stanley Clarke, Al di Meola, Béla Fleck, Biréli Lagrène, Chick Corea, Sam Bush, Michel Colombier, Serge Gainsbourg, Jeff Lorber, Lalo Schifrin, and his daughter pianist Clara Ponty
September 29, 1939 ~ Guitarist, singer Dan Crary born in Kansas City, Kentucky, USA ~ Credited as an innovator for his flatpicking style of guitar playing. Best known as co-founding member of the Bluegrass Alliance, remaining with the band through 1970 suceeded by Sam Bush. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably 1970's Bluegrass Guitar and 1977's Lady's Fancy, and collaborated with Byron Berline, John Hickman, BCH, California, and others
September 29, 1939 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Isabel Parra, full name Violeta Isabel Cereceda Parra, born in Santiago, Chile ~ Daughter of singer Violeta Parra, sister of singer Angel Parra. Leading figure in Chilean folk music actively recording since the mid-1960s. Lived in exile for a number of years after the 1973 coup d'etat, returning to Chile after democracy returned
September 29, 1939 ~ Songwriter, singer Tommy Boyce, full name Sidney Thomas Boyce, born in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA ~ First gained attention in the late-1950s penning Be My Guest, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Fats Domino. Also co-wrote Curtis Lee's Pretty Little Angel and Under The Moon Of Love. Best known for teaming up with Bobby Hart, notably known for penning several of the Monkees' best known including Theme From The Monkees and Last Train To Clarksville. Others who have recorded the duo's songs include Chubby Checker (Lazy Elsie Molly), Jay & the Americans (Come A Little Bit Closer), Paul Revere & the Raiders (I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone), the Leaves (Words), and Little Anthony & the Imperials (Hurt So Bad) ~ Boyce passed away in 1994
September 29, 1938 ~ TV producer, composer Don Battye born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as a TV producer, script writer, script editor for a variety of Australian shows. As a composer known for co-writing a number of musicals, including several specifically for children from the early-1970s onwards, usually in partnership with Peter Pinne ~ Battye passed away in 2016
September 29, 1937 ~ Maurice Hughes, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Joe Guitar Hughes, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Johnny Guitar Watson. Member of the Dukes Of Rhythm in the 1950s alongside close friend Johnny Copeland. Backed Little Richard and Bobby Blue Bland during the 1960s. As a solo artist earned acclaim during the 1980s especially in Europe, at times touring intensely and signed to the Dutch Double Trouble Records label. Noted for the albums Texas Guitar Master and If You Want To See The Blues ~ Hughes passed away in 2003
September 29, 1935 ~ Pianist, singer Jerry Lee Lewis born in Ferriday, Louisiana, USA ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly pioneer. Dubbed “the Killer”. Rose to fame with his 1957 recording Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. Also known for songs such as Great Balls Of Fire, Breathless, and High School Confidential. His career waned in the 1960s following his marriage to his underage cousin but would be acclaimed for his 1964 live album Live At The Star Club, generally acnowledged as one of the greatest live albums in rock history. Would venture into country through much of the 1960s and 1970s, eventually overcoming scandals, regaining his stature as one of the founders of rock & roll ~ Lewis passed away in 2022
September 29, 1934 ~ Country singer, songwriter Hal Bynum, full name Harold L Bynum, born ~ Revered singer, songwriter, admired by peers. Over an estimated 200 songs to his name, including his best known Lucille, co-written with Roger Bowling. The song would become an international hit for Kenny Rogers in 1977 topping the Billboard Country charts and reaching top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. It would also become Rogers' first UK charttopper and over time be covered by over 80 artists. Other songs written or co-written by Bynum would be recorded by George Jones (The Old Old House), Ray Price (You Can't Take It With You), Jim Reeves (Nobody's Fool), Johnny Cash (Papa Was A Good Man), Jeanne Pruett (I've Been So Wrong For So Long), Diahann Carroll (Easy To Love), and Patty Loveless (Chains), to name just a few ~ Bynum passed away in 2022
September 29, 1930 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Billy Strange, full name William Everett Strange, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Teamed up with singer, songwriter Mac Davis, co-writing several songs recorded by Elvis Presley including A Little Less Conversation and Memories. In-demand session musician, member of the Wrecking Crew, and present on recordings by the Ventures, the Beach Boys (Sloop John B), Jan & Dean, Willie Nelson, the Everly Brothers, Wanda Jackson, Randy Newman, Nat King Cole. Arranged and conducted for Frank Sinatra, Duane Eddy, and notably Nancy Sinatra, including all of the latter's Reprise albums as well as the hit These Boots Are Made For Walkin' ~ Strange passed away in 2012
September 29, 1929 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Rolf Kühn born in Köln, Germany ~ Brother of pianist Joachim Kühn, with whom he also regularly worked. Leader and sideman. Critically compared to Benny Goodman. Worked with Horst Jankowski, Buddy DeFranco, Urbie Green, Eartha Kitt, Oscar Pettiford, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Eddie Costa, and Julia Hülsmann ~ Kühn passed away in 2022
September 29, 1924 ~ Tango bandleader, bandoneon player, composer Eduardo Arolas passed away ~ First played guitar before mastering the bandoneon, eventually earning the nickname “the Tiger of the Bandoneon.” Regarded as one on the early masters, helping define tango, known best for compositions such as Lagrimas, La Cachila, El Marne and Viborita ~ Arolas was born in 1892
September 29, 1921 ~ Francis Eugene Beecher, commonly known as guitarist Franny Beecher, born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as member of the Comets, backing Bill Haley. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Blue Comet Blues, Goofing Around, Week-End, and Shaky. Also worked with Benny Goodman, Buddy Greco, and others ~ Beecher passed away in 2014
September 29, 1920 ~ Ella Lucille Dinning, commonly known as singer Lou Dinning, born ~ Member of sibling outfit the Dinning Sisters, alongside Jean Dinning and Ginger Dinning, known for late-1940s top 20 hits such as My Adobe Hacienda, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, I Beg Your Pardon and Buttons And Bows ~ Dinning passed away in 2000
September 29, 1910 ~ Western style singer, guitarist Bill Boyd, full name William Lemuel Boyd, born in Fannin County, Texas, USA ~ Founded and fronted renowned western swing outfit the Cowboy Ramblers, known for 1930s, 1940s hits such as Under The Double Eagles, I've Got Those Oklahoma Blues, Fan It and Beaumont Rag ~ Boyd passed away in 1977
September 29, 1909 ~ Composer, conductor Charles Wolcott, full name Charles Frederick Wolcott, born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as a composer, musical director for Disney. Wrote music for cartoon shorts and feature films such as Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio and Bambi. Served as musical director on films including Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Song Of The South and Fun And Fancy Free ~ Wolcott passed away in 1987
September 29, 1907 ~ Orven Grover Autry, commonly known as singer, actor Gene Autry born in Tioga, Texas, USA ~ Nicknamed “the Singing Cowboy” Autry appeared in over 90 movies from the mid-1930s throught the mid-1950s. Known for songs such as Back In The Saddle Again, At Mail Call Today, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Don't Fence Me In, and others. ~ Autry passed away in 1998
September 29, 1901 ~ Richard Bernhard Smith, commonly known as lyricist Dick Smith, born in Honesdale, 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 passed away in 1935
September 29, 1895 ~ Clarence Earl McCurry, commonly known as folk banjoist, guitarist Clarence Ashley, born in Bristol, Tennessee, USA ~ Actively recording in the 1920s and 1930s, notably with the Carolina Tar Heels. Rediscovered during the late-1950s, early-1960s folk revival. Influenced Roy Acuff, Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Jean Ritchie. Best known for the 1961 Old Time Music At Clarence Ashley's album which also featured Doc Watson, Clint Howard, Fred Price, Gaither Carlton and Tommy Moore. Also known for his 1933 recording of The House Of The Rising Sun, reportedly the first recorded version of the song ~ McCurry passed away in 1967