September 29, 2021 ~ Composer, educator Bronius Kutavicius passed away in Vilnius, Lithuania ~ Considered a Lithuanian cultural icon. Wrote numerous oratorios and operas, often inspired by ancient Lithuanian polytheistic beliefs and music. Known for works such as The Last Pagan Rites, The Gates Of Jerusalem and the opera Lokys ~ Kutavicius was born in 1932
September 29, 2021 ~ Hayk Hakobyan, commonly known as singer, songwriter Hayko, passed away in Yerevan, Armenia ~ Internationally best known for representing his native Armenia in the 2007 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 8th place with Anytime You Need ~ Hakobyan was born in 1973
September 29, 2021 ~ Pianist, music director, politician Ivan Tasovic passed away in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ General manager of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra from 2001 through 2013. Minister of Culture and Information from 2013 to 2016. Elected to the the National Assembly of Serbia in the 2020 parliamentary elections ~ Tasovac was born in 1966
September 29, 2021 ~ R&B singer Julia Nixon, full name Julia Carol Nixon, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Fronted Julia & Company, known best for Breakin' Down (Sugar Samba) and I'm So Happy. The former would reach the UK top 20 in 1984 ~ Nixon was born in 1955
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 Gonzalez, 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, 2017 ~ Multi-instrumentalist Charles Cohen passed away ~ Active since the early 1970s. Influenced by free jazz pianist Cecil Taylor. Pioneer in experimental music, synthesizers and performance music. Member of the Valerie Project ~ Cohen was born in 1946
September 29, 2015 ~ Composer, conductor Benjamin Hutto passed away in Washington DC, USA ~ Wrote, produced, directed choral music ~ Hutto was born in 1947
September 29, 2015 ~ Violinist Jean Ter-Merguerian passed away in Marseille, France ~ Child prodigy. Virtuoso violinist ~ Ter-Merguerian was born in 1935
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, 2002 ~ Milton Sims Newbury Jr, commonly known as country, folk singer, 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 ~ Newbury was born in 1940
September 29, 1995 ~ Jazz violinist, pianist, singer, songwriter Seger Ellis, full name Seger Pillot Ellis, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Has collaborated with Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Andy Sannella, Louis Armstrong, Harry James, Gene Krupa, and others ~ Ellis was born in 1904
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, 1992 ~ William Joseph Cowsill Sr, commonly known as singer Bud Cowsill, passed away ~ Member, patriarch of sibling outfit the Cowsills, best known for The Rain The Park & Other Things, Indian Lake and a live version of Hair, all of which reached the Billboard top 10 in the late 1960s ~ Cowsill was born in 1925
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, 1990 ~ Singer, guitarist Philip Phillips born in Leesburg, Georgia, USA ~ Winner of 11th season of American Idol
September 29, 1989 ~ Jørgen Frederik Ulmer, commonly known as singer, actor, composer Georges Ulmer, passed away in Marseille, France ~ Perhaps best remembered for first performing Pigalle, which he co-wrote with lyricist Géo Koger. It would later be covered by Jean Sablon, Charles Dumont, Frank Pourcel, Paul Anka, Bing Crosby, Petula Clark, and others ~ Ulmer was born in 1919
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, 1988 ~ Folk, rock, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Justin Nozuka born in New York, New York, USA ~ Began writing songs at age 12. Influenced by Lauryn Hill and Marvin Gaye. Debuted in 2007 with the album Holly, named after his mother
September 29, 1987 ~ Daniel Griffith, commonly known as EDM, tropical house producer, DJ, remixer Gryffin, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-2010s remixing for artists such as Tove Lo (Talking Body), Maroon 5 (Animals) and Years & Years (Desire). Released his full-length Gravity solo debut album in 2019
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, Nashville Skyline, and others
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, 1977 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Bob Reynolds born in Morristown, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Snarky Puppy since 2014. Closely associated with John Mayer. Has also worked with Brian Blade, Aaron Goldberg, Gregory Hutchinson, Tom Harrell, Janek Gwizdala, Ninja Sex Party, Jonah Smith, Anthony Wilson, and others
September 29, 1977 ~ R&B, pop, dance, gospel singer Debelah Morgan, full name Debelah Laksh Morgan, born ~ Debuted in 1994 with the album Debelah. Best known for Dance With Me, the title track of her third album and a Billboard top 10 hit in 2000
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, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others ~ 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, 1974 ~ Clifford Smith, commonly known as dancehall, reggae singer Mr Vegas, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Broke through in 1998 scoring nationally with Yu Sure, Jack It Up, Latest News and especially Nike Air of his Heads High debut album
September 29, 1974 ~ Singer Thansaqa Shabalala born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Member of choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo since 1993, taking over lead vocal duties from his father and group founder Joseph Shabalala in 2015. Co-founding member of crossover group Shabalala Rhythm
September 29, 1971 ~ Contemporary classical, jazz, avant-garde, third stream pianist, composer Yitzhak Yedid born in Jerusalem, Israel ~ Studied with Ran Blake and Paul Blake. About a dozen albums to his name, starting in the late 1990s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Myth Of The Cave and Full Moon Fantasy
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, 1970 ~ R&B, soul singer Bruce Williamson, full name Bruce Alan Williamson Jr, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of latter-day incarnation of the Temptations, joining the band in 2007 replacing GC Cameron and remaining through 2015 ~ Williamson passed away in 2020
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, Malu, and others
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 ~ 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, 1960 ~ Jazz singer, pianist Carol Welsman born in Toronto, Canada ~ Classically trained. Sings jazz standards and originals. Debuted in 1995 with the Lucky To Be Me album. Had one of her own compositions, The Lullaby, covered by Céline Dion
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 long-time 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, Takis Vouis, and others
September 29, 1956 ~ Singer Suzzy Roche born in New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as member of sibling vocal group the Roches alongside Maggie Roche and Terre Roche
September 29, 1954 ~ Pop, jazz singer Mari Wilson, full name Mari MacMillan Ramsay Wilson, born ~ Known for her 1983 Showpeople debut album, which included the UK hits Just What I Always Wanted and Cry Me A River
September 29, 1952 ~ Free jazz, funk, R&B trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr was born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Led Other Dimensions In Music and the Pyramid Trio. Has collaborated with Don Cherry, Yo La Tengo, William Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Matthew Shipp, the Nu-Band, Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra, Woody Shaw, Cecil Taylor, and others ~ 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 ~ Giorgios Dalares, commonly known as singer, songwriter George Dalaras, born in Piraeus, Greece ~ Over 70 albums to his name with over 15 million copies sold. Considered a cultural icon in Greek music. Father of rebetiko singer Loukas Daralas
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 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter John Campbell Munro born in Glasgow, UK ~ Leading figure in Australian folk, his adopted homeland since 1965. Worked with Eric Bogle, Tracey Munro Tracey, Colcannon, and others ~ Munro passed away in 2018
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, Rodney Crowell, and others ~ Wallace passed away in 2007
September 29, 1944 ~ Composer Mike Post born in San Fernando, California, USA ~ Best known as a composer of TV themes including for shows such as Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, the A-Team, the Rockford Files, LA Law, Magnum PI and Hill Street Blues
September 29, 1944 ~ Melvin Marshall, commonly known as bluegrass, klezmer guitarist, fiddler Stacy Phillips, born ~ Noted hor his unusual chord-based resophonic guitar technique. Also known as an author with a substantial volume of instructional material for fiddle and guitar ~ Phillips passed away in 2018
September 29, 1943 ~ Rock, pop rock organist Manuel Fernández Aparicio born in Seville, Spain ~ Co-founding member of Los Bravos, known for their 1966 Black Is Black hit. It would reach top 10 across the globe, including a No.1 spot in the band's native Spain and top 5 in both the UK and the USA. Fernández would commit suicide at age 24 after the death of his fiancée in a car accident ~ Fernández passed away in 1968
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), Little Anthony & the Imperials (Hurt So Bad), and others ~ 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, 1936 ~ Folk, skiffle washboard player Mick Groves born in Lancashire, UK ~ Member of long-running folk group the Spinners, best known for their 1971 Spinners Live Performances album which reached top 20 in the band's native UK
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, 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, 1934 ~ Singer Shirley Gunter born in Coffeyville, Kansas, USA ~ Sister of singer Cornell Gunter. Worked with the Platters, Maxwell Davis and most notably with the Queens on songs such as Oop Shoop ~ Gunter passed away in 2015
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 Walking ~ 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, Julia Hülsmann, and others ~ 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, 1920 ~ Bassist, songwriter Tillman Franks born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as manager for a number of country artists such as Johnny Horton, David Houston, Webb Pierce, Claude King, the Carlisles, and others ~ Franks passed away in 2006
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, 1909 ~ Helen Virginia Briggs, commonly known as actress, singer Virginia Bruce, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ First to introduce the Cole Porter-penned I've Got You Under My Skin in the 1936 film Born To Dance ~ Briggs passed away in 1982
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, 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