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, 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, 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, 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, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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, 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 ~ 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, 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