September 30, 1991 ~ Mathew Madiro, commonly known as heavy metal drummer Mat Madiro, born in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Served as drum technician for Trivium for two years when replacing Nick Augusto as drummer in the midst of a 2014 tour, leaving Madiro only 24 hours to learn all the drum parts. Present on the band's 2015 Silence In The Snow album. Joined From Ashes To New in 2017, first appearing on the band's The Future album released the following year
September 30, 1985 ~ Charles Jamal Smith, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer, DJ Blaqstarr, born ~ Best known for his association with British rapper, singer MIA, introducing her to Rye Rye and working with both of them on her Kala breakout sophomore album released in 2005. Has also worked with Diplo, and Mos Def
September 30, 1985 ~ Faheem Rasheed Najm, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter, producer T-Pain born in Tallahassee, Florida, USA ~ Released his full-length Rappa Ternt Sanga debut album in 2005. Best known for songs such as I'm Sprung, Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin') featuring Yung Joc, Bartender featuring Akon, Can't Believe It featuring Lil' Wayne, 5 O'Clock featuring Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen
September 30, 1979 ~ Rock, jazz, bluegrass cellist, guitarist, violist, kazoo player, singer Rushad Eggleston born ~ Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist since the late-1990s. Especially acclaimed for his 2002 Fiddlers 4 album. Has guested on recordings by the likes of Cheryl Hoenemeyer, Lissa Schneckenburger, the Wayfaring Strangers, Aiofe Clancy, the Vitamin String Quartet, Darol Anger, Sean Atkins, and Alice Gerrard
September 30, 1978 ~ Jazz trombonist, composer Marshall Gilkes born in Camp Springs, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Sultans Of Swing, Edmar Castaneda, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Stanley Turrentine, Benny Golson, Machito, Giovanni Hidalgo, Chico O'Farrill, Tito Nieves, Raulín Rosendo, Ray Sepulveda, Eddie Santiago, Jose Alberto, Iroko La Banda, John Fedchock, and others
September 30, 1977 ~ Guitarist, singer Nick Curran, full name Nicholas Michael Curran, born in Biddleford, Maine, USA ~ Active since his late teens, touring with Ronnie Dawson. Would go on to play with Kim Lenz & the Jaguars, backing Kim Lenz on tour and record including on the albums The One And Only and It's All True. Released his Fixin' Your Head solo debut album in 1999. Has also worked with the Texas Northside Kings, Degüello, the Lowlifes, and notably the Fabulous Thunderbirds ~ Curran passed away in 2012
September 30, 1976 ~ Sean Divine Jacobs, commonly known as rapper Sheek Louch, born in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of the LOX, a hip-hop trio which also included Styles P and Jadakiss and discovered by Mary J Blige. The trio is known for late-1990s singles such as If You Think I'm Jiggy and Money Power & Respect featuring DMX and Lil' Kim. They are also featured on P Diddy's It's All About The Benjamins and Honey (Bad Boy Remix), both of which reached top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Jacobs has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Walk Witt Me released in 2003
September 30, 1975 ~ Alternative rock, alternative dance singer, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, drummer David Geraghty born in Leixlip, Ireland ~ Member of Juniper, known best as the band that launched Damien Rice's career. The band would issue two EPs and the moderately successful singles Weatherman and The World Is Dead prior to Rice's departure in 1998. The remaining members, including Geraghty, would rechristen themselves Bell X1. Geraghty has also recorded as a solo artist while still a band member, starting with Kill Your Darlings in 2007
September 30, 1974 ~ Violinist Tim Kliphuis born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Classically trained. Influenced by Stéphane Grappelli, Joe Pass, Jean-Luc Ponty. Mixes gypsy jazz with classical and folk. Has worked with Fapy Lafertin, Martin Taylor, the Rosenberg Trio, Paulus Schäfer, Richard Galliano, Frankie Gavin, Charlie McKerron, Roy Percy, Nigel Clark, David Newton, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Gjermund Larsen, and others
September 30, 1974 ~ Alternative rock guitarist Varre Vartiainen born in Helsinki ~ Worked with Gonzo, Nylon Beat, Jim Beard, the Leningrad Cowboys, the Sleepy Sleepers. Noted for leading the trio Husband, which also includes bassist Harri Rantanen and drummer Anssi Nykanen, known for the mid-2000s albums Husband and Homo Sapiens
September 30, 1972 ~ Composer, visual artist, author François Sarhan born in Rouen, France ~ Known for his multi artform works, mixing stop-motion animation, performance, text and music. Frequent collaborator of William Kentridge. As a solo artist best known for his Lâchez Tout show. Has received commissions from the Ensemble Modern, the Donaueschinger Musiktage, the Orchestre Philharmonique De Radio France, and others
September 30, 1970 ~ Progressive metal guitarist Jason Gobel born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Member of Cynic from 1988 through 1994, present on the band's 1993 Focus debut album. Guested on Monstrosity's 2001 Enslaving The Masses, and Gordian Knot's 2003 Emergent. Has also worked with Portal and Eggshell Repair Kit
September 30, 1969 ~ Metal drummer, guitarist, bassist Asgeir Mickelson born in Norway ~ Best known as co-founding member of Spiral Architect and member of Borknagar. Has also worked with Enslavement Of Beauty, Hardingrock, Highland Glory, ICS Vortex, Ihsahn, Scariot, Lunaris, Myoclon, Sarke, Sturmgeist, Testament, Thornbound, Veil Of Secrets, and Vintersorg
September 30, 1969 ~ Rock saxophonist Theo Lengyel, full name Theobald Brooks Lengyel, born ~ Sessioned with Mr Bungle before joining as a full-time member. Present on the band's best known albums, 1991's Mr Bungle and 1994's Disco Volante. In 2024, Lengyel was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend
September 30, 1967 ~ Rock, indie rock drummer, singer Kurt Dahle, full name Kurt Colin Dahle, born in Moose Jaw, Canada ~ Co-founded Age Of Electric, known for their Make A Pest A Pet album which spawned the modest hit Remote Control. Member of Limblifter, known for the hits Tinfoil, Vicious, Screwed It Up, Ariel vs Lotus and Wake Up To The Sun. Dahle earned critical acclaim especially with the New Pornographers, notably with the albums Mass Romantic and Twin Cinema. Dahle has also served as producer for the likes of the Bloody Chicletts, Pokiok Falls, and the Organ
September 30, 1964 ~ Ernest Giuseppe Anastasio III, commonly known as guitarist, singer Trey Anastasio, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Phish. Has also worked with Oysterhead, the Ghosts Of The Forest, Surrender To The Air, the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Phil Lesh, Toots & the Maytals, Dave Matthews, and others
September 30, 1963 ~ Country, southern rock singer, songwriter Eddie Montgomery born in Danville, Kentucky, USA ~ Brother of singer John Michael Montgomery. Half of Montgomery Gentry, the other half being Troy Gentry, known for songs such as If You Ever Stop Lovin' Me, Something To Be Proud Of, Lucky Man, Back When I Knew It All and Roll With Me. The duo has collaborated with Charlie Daniels, Toby Keith, Five For Fighting, and others
September 30, 1962 ~ Marlon Williams, commonly known as rapper, producer Marley Marl, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Influenced hip-hop icons such as RZA, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Madlib. Best known as a producer, worked with Eric B & Rakim (Paid In Full), LL Cool J, Roxanne Shanté, Craig G, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Kool G Rap, MC Shan, the Juice Crew, and others
September 30, 1961 ~ Alternative rock, synth-pop singer, guitarist, percussionist, keyboardist Andy Kubiszewski born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Member of the Exotic Birds. Member of The The, present on the albums Dis-Infected and Solitude. Drummed on Nine Inch Nails' acclaimed 1994 The Downward Spiral album. Has also worked with Prick, Stabbing Westward, Twinstar, Darling Waste, and Lucky Pierre
September 30, 1961 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Crystal Bernard born in Garland, Texas, USA ~ Best known as actress, particularly for starring in the NBC sitcom the Wings. As a singer and songwriter known for two albums in the 1990s and a number of singles. Dueted with Peter Cetera on I Wanna Take Forever Tonight, and with Jim Messina on Watching The River Run
September 30, 1960 ~ Drummer Bill Rieflin, full name William Frederick Rieflin, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Industrial rock, industrial metal drummer rose to fame in the 1990s. Worked with Ministry, Revolting Cocks, Lard, KMFDM, Pigface, Swans, Chris Connelly, Nine Inch Nails, REM, Slow Music, the Humans, Minus 5, Robert Fripp, Acid Horse, Blackouts, Sweet '75, and King Crimson ~ Rieflin passed away in 2020
September 30, 1960 ~ Avant-garde jazz, experimental, contemporary classical guitarist, bandleader, composer Scott Fields born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Has recorded over two dozen albums since the early-1990s, especially acclaimed for 1995's Fugu and 200's Mamet. As a sideman present on recordings by the Silt Loam Ensemble, Heinz Geisser and Jeff Parker. Produced Joseph Jarman's 1996 Connecting Spirit album
September 30, 1958 ~ Country, bluegrass singer, songwriter Marty Stuart, full name John Marty Stuart born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, USA ~ Backed Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash before starting a solo career. Married to Cash's daughter singer Cindy Cash from 1983 to 1988. Married singer Connie Smith in 1997. Draws from country, bluegrass and rockabilly. Debuted in with the eponymous Marty Stuart album in 1985. Known for songs such as Tempted, Burn Me Down and the Travis Tritt duet The Whiskey Ain't Workin'. Also worked with Mark O'Connor, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Porter Wagoner, Harry Stinson, and others
September 30, 1954 ~ Barbara Stanislawa Trzetrzelewska, commonly known as jazz-pop singer, songwriter Basia, born in Jaworno, Poland ~ Has cited Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Astrud Gilberto, and Antônio Carlos Jobim as influences. Member of Matt Bianco alongside Danny White and Mark Reilly. As a solo artist known for hits such as Time And Tide, New Day For You, Promises, Baby You're Mine, Cruising For Bruising, and Drunk On Love
September 30, 1954 ~ Nathaniel Ian Wynter, commonly known as reggae keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Natty Wailer, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ At times credited as Ian Wynter and Brother Ian. Best known for his work with Aston Barrett, King Tubby and Bob Marley. First recorded with the latter on the 1976 Rastaman Vibration album. Toured with Marley throughout the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. After Marley's death in 1981 semi-retired from music to reemerge by the late-1990s. Over the course of his career has also worked with Peter Tosh, Linval Thompson, Dennis Brown, and fronted his own outfit the Reggae Vibes notably known for the albums Lifted and Destiny released respectively in 2000 and 2013 ~ Wynter passed away in 2022
September 30, 1954 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Patrice Rushen, full name Patrice Louise Rushen, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her 1982 Grammy Award-nominated single Forget Me Nots. Its chorus would later be used in Will Smith's 1997 song Men In Black, earning Rushen co-writing credit. Rushen has collaborated with Kenny Burrell, Eddie Henderson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Wallace Roney, and others
September 30, 1954 ~ R&B, soul, funk, disco keyboardist, singer William Shelby born ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for Dynasty, for whom he co-wrote songs such as Groove Control, Do Me Right and Love In The Fast Lane. The band is best known for their Billboard R&B top 10 hit I've Just Begun To Love You off their 1980 Adventures In The Land Of Music sophomore album. Shelby has also served as a latter-day member for Lakeside, remaining with the funk outfit from 1993 until his death at age 65 ~ Shelby passed away in 2021
September 30, 1953 ~ Deborah Lynn Thurmond, commonly known as country singer, songwriter, actress Deborah Allen, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted in 1980 with the album Trouble In Paradise and has been recording to commercial success since. Best known for the 1983 crossover hit Baby I Lied. Duetted with Jim Reeves on Don't Let Me Cross Over, Oh How I Miss You Tonight and Take Me In Your Arms And Hold Me. As a songwriter wrote or co-wrote hits for Janie Fricke (Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby), John Conlee (I'm Only In It For Love), Tanya Tucker (Can I See You Tonight), and Patty Loveless (Blame It On Your Heart)
September 30, 1950 ~ Renato Fiacchini, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, actor, dancer Renato Zero, born in Rome, Italy ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Best known for hits such as Madame, Il Cielo, Il Carrozzone, Amico, Piu Su, Spiagge, Spalle A Muro, and others. Over two dozen of Zero's album made it to the Italian top 10
September 30, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Lars Klevstrand born in Drammen, Norway ~ Debuted in 1968 with the album Vi Skal Ikkje Sova. Has worked with Lillebjørn Nilsen, Karl Svendsen, Hege Tunaal, Guttorm Guttormsen, Steinar Ofsdal, Arja Saijormaa, and others
September 30, 1947 ~ Mark Feld, commonly known as singer, songwriter Marc Bolan, born in London, UK ~ Glam rock pioneer. Lead singer of T.Rex, known for songs such as Hot Love, Bang-a-gong (Get It On), Telegram Sam, Metal Guru and 20th Century Boy ~ Feld passed away in 1977
September 30, 1946 ~ Hector Juan Perez Martinez, commonly known as salsa, bolero singer, songwriter Héctor Lavoe, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico ~ Considered one of the most important salsa singers from the 1960s onwards, helped popularize the genre. Worked with Roberto Garcia, the Orquesta New York, extensively with Willie Colón, with the Kako All-Stars, Johnny Pacheco, the Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, and others ~ Martinez passed away in 1993
September 30, 1945 ~ Schlager, disco, pop producer, songwriter Ralph Siegel, full name Ralph Maria Siegel, born in Munich, Germany ~ Internationally best known for his songwriting contributions to about a dozen Eurovision Songfestival entries, including the 1982 winner Nicole's Ein Bisschen Frieden. Other entries co-written by Siegel include Theater (Katja Ebstein), Johnny Blue (Lena Valaitis), and Lass Die Sonne In Dein Herz (Wind). Siegel has also worked with Udo Jürgens, Heino, Rex Gildo, Costa Cordalis, Mireille Mathieu, Roy Black, and others
September 30, 1945 ~ Guitarist Richard Bowden born in Linden, Texas, USA ~ Formed Shiloh with childhood friend Don Henley. Following the band's disbandement in 1971 toured with Roger McGuinn. Best known for forming the duo Pinkard & Bowden with Sandy Pinkard. The duo would be critically compared to iconic country comedy duo Homer & Jethro and are especially acclaimed for their 1990 Live In Front Of A Bunch Of Dickheads live album
September 30, 1944 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, producer Bernd Meinunger born in Meiningen, Germany ~ Internationally best known for co-writing, along with frequent partner Ralph Siegel, Nicole's Ein Bisschen Frieden, the 1982 Eurovision Songfestival winner. Has also worked on other Eurovision songs, notably Lena Valaitis' Johnny Blue and Wind's Lass Die Sonne In Dein Herz both of which would reach second place, respectively in 1981 and 1987
September 30, 1944 ~ Singer, painter Diane Dufresne born in Montreal, Canada ~ Recorded about two dozen albums since the late-1960s, focusing primarily on popular Quebec songs. Closely associated with composer Francois Cousineau and lyricist Luc Plamondon
September 30, 1943 ~ Singer Marilyn McCoo born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as member of the 5th Dimension. Sang lead on One Less Bell To Answer, Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All and If I Could Reach You. Left the band in 1975, along with bandmate and husband Billy Davis Jr, to pursue a recording career as a duo. The duo scored a top 10 hit with You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) in 1976. McCoo and Davis were also the first to record Saving All My Love For You, later a huge hit for Whitney Houston
September 30, 1942 ~ Singer Frankie Lymon, full name Frankin Joseph Lymon, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Fronted teenage doo-wop outfit the Teenagers, best known for their 1956 smash hit Why Do Fools Fall In Love. Other hits included I Want You To Be My Girl, I Promise To Remember, Who Can Explain, Out In The Cold Again, The ABC's Of Love, I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent. Lymon left the band in 1957, after which both the band's and Lymon's solo appeal quickly faded ~ Lymon passed away in 1968
September 30, 1940 ~ Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff, commonly known as pop, rock, country drummer Dewey Martin, born in Chesterville, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Buffalo Springfield, known best for their Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit For What It's Worth. Has previously sessioned for artists such as Carl Perkins, the Everly Brothers, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, Faron Young, Roy Orbison. Also worked with Sir Raleigh & the Coupons, Holy Mackerel, the Standells, the Modern Folk Quartet, the Dillards, and others ~ Midkiff passed away in 2009
September 30, 1940 ~ James Yancey Jones, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues singer Tail Dragger Jones, born in Altheimer, Arkansas, USA ~ Given his nickname “tail dragger” by mentor and major influence Howlin' Wolf for regularly showing up late. Also influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon. Backup singer for artists such as Willie Kent, Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Kansas City Red, Little Mack Simmons, Big Leon Brooks, Eddie Shaw, Bob Corritore, and others. Recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Crawlin' Kingsnake in 1996. Convicted of second-degree murder of another blues musician, shooting and killing Boston Blackie in 1993, claiming self-defense and serving 17 months ~ Jones passed away in 2023
September 30, 1938 ~ Clarinetist, conductor Alan Hacker, full name Alan Ray Hacker, born in Dorking, UK ~ Best known for co-founding the Pierrot Players in 1965 with pianist Stephen Pruslin and Harrison Birtwistle ~ Hacker passed away in 2012
September 30, 1935 ~ Singer Johnny Mathis, full name John Royce Mathis, born in Gilmer, Texas, USA ~ Cites Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby as influences. Often described as a romantic singer, yet draws from a wide array of genres including traditional pop, easy listening, Latin, soul, show tunes, soft rock, blues and country. Over 70 albums to his name, of which many reached Gold or Platinum certification. Known for songs such as Chances Are, Gina and Too Much Too Little Too Late, the latter a duet with Deniece Williams
September 30, 1935 ~ Arzell Hill, commonly known as blues, soul singer ZZ Hill born in Naples, Texas, USA ~ Active since the mid-1960s, encouraged by Otis Redding. Influenced by Sam Cooke, BB King, Bobby Blue Bland. Known for songs such as Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes, Ain't Nothing You Can Do, Love Is So Good When You're Stealing It and Cheating In The Next Room ~ Hill passed away in 1984
September 30, 1934 ~ Jürgen Udo Bockelmann, commonly known as pop, schlager singer, songwriter Udo Jürgens, born in Klagenfurt, Austria ~ Composed some 1,000 songs. Sold over 100 million records. Won the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival representing Austria with the song Merci Chérie ~ Bockelmann passed away in 2014
September 30, 1933 ~ Emily Drinkard, commonly known as singer Cissy Houston, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of gospel group the Drinkard Singers, with whom she had started singing as early as at age 5. Member of the Sweet Inspirations alongside Dee Dee Warwick, which at times also included Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, and Doris Troy. The vocal group would not only be successful in their own right, but also became an in-demand backing unit for the likes of Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, the Drifters, Dusty Springfield, Van Morrison, and Elvis Presley. Houston has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo singer, notably the eponymous Cissy Houston sophomore album released in 1977, and has earned Grammy Awards for the 1990s gospel albums Face To Face and He Leadeth Me. Over the course of her lengthy career, Houston has appeared on over an estimated 600 recordings including on albums by Aretha Franklin (Lady Soul), Betty Harris, James Cotton, Roberta Flack (Quiet Fire), Bette Midler, Jackie DeShannon, Tim Hardin, Don McLean, Herbie Mann, the J Geils Band, Chaka Khan, Carly Simon, Luther Vandross (Never Too Much), Diana Ross, Teddy Pendergrass, and Houston's daughter Whitney Houston ~ Drinkard passed away in 2024
September 30, 1927 ~ Jazz saxophonist Carmen Leggio born in Tarrytown, New York, USA ~ Worked with Bucky Pizzarelli, Bill Crow, Benny Goodman, Maynard Ferguson, Gene Krupa, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinsen, Terry Gibbs, Marty Napoleon, Sol Yaged, and Donnie O'Brien ~ Leggio passed away in 2009
September 30, 1925 ~ Music critic, poet, composer, trombonist Peter Gammond born in Winnington, UK ~ Authored over forty books, including studies of Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Jacques Offenbach, and biographies of Duke Ellington and Scott Joplin ~ Gammond passed away in 2019
September 30, 1924 ~ Myrtle Audrey Arinsburg, commonly known as singer Gogi Grant, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for her 1956 hit Wayward Wind. Also known for songs such as Suddenly There's A Valley, Strange Are The Ways Of Love, and others ~ Arinsburg passed away in 2016
September 30, 1922 ~ Jazz, bebop, third stream double bassist, cellist Oscar Pettiford born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Primarily a bassist yet also known as a pioneering cellist. Discovered Cannonball Adderley. One of the earliest, and defining, musicians in bebop. Over a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially noted for a string of critically acclaimed mid-1950s albums including Discoveries, OP's Jazz Men and Deep Passion. As a sideman present on albums by Wynton Kelly, Duke Ellington, Julius Watkins (New Faces New Sounds), Kenny Dorham (Afro-Cuban), Stan Getz, Boyd Raeburn (Boyd Meets Stravinsky), Urbie Green, Lucky Thompson (Tricotism), Zoot Sims, Miles Davis (Round About Midnight), Milt Jackson (Ballads & Blues), Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Ernie Henry, Ray Charles, Max Roach (Deeds Not Words), Sonny Rollins (Freedom Suite), and Red Garland ~ Pettiford passed away in 1960
September 30, 1918 ~ Cellist Aldo Parisot born in Natal, Brazil ~ Debuted profesionally at age 12. Principal cellist of the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. Composer Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote Cello Concerto Number 2 for Parisot. Has worked with numerous orchestras and conductors including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, Leopold Stokowski, John Barbirolli, Pierre-Michel Le Conte, Leonard Bernstein, Eleazar de Carvalho, Zubin Mehta, Claude Monteux, Paul Paray, and Victor de Sabata ~ Parisot passed away in 2018
September 30, 1917 ~ Bernard Rich, commonly known as drummer Buddy Rich, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Arguably the first superstar drummer, influential on generations of later drummers including rock drummers such as Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Phil Collins, Black Sabbath's Bill Ward, Green Day's Tré Cool, Blink-182's Travis Barker, and Queen's Roger Taylor. Well over three dozen albums as a leader, specificall acclaimed for Richcraft, Mercy Mercy and Buddy Rich In London. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Harry Sweets Edison, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Dorsey, and others ~ Rich passed away in 1987
September 30, 1913 ~ Charles Sylvan Atkinson, commonly known as singer, dancer, choreographer Cholly Atkins, born in Pratt City, Alabama, USA ~ Recorded as a singer early on in his career. Best known as a dancer and choreographer, teaching dance steps to acts such as the Cadillacs, the Shirelles, Harvey & the Moonglows, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, and Little Anthony & the Imperials. In 1964, Atkins was hired by Motown's Berry Gordy Jr, to become the label's house choreographer. Atkins has developed the trademark moves of several of the label's best known artists including the Supremes, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Marvelettes, and Gladys Knight & the Pips ~ Atkins passed away in 2003
September 30, 1912 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger Bill Johnson, full name William Luther Johnson, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Jabbo Smith, Baron Lee, Tiny Bradshaw, Erskine Hawkins, notably accompanying the latter on recordings such as Uptown Shuffle, Bear Mash Blues, Uncle Bud and co-writing Tuxedo Junction ~ Johnson passed away in 1960
September 30, 1907 ~ Violinist, composer Harry Bluestone born in UK ~ Frequent collaborator of Emil Cadkin. As a bandleader backed artists such as Jo Stafford and Dinah Shore. Freelanced for numerous radioshows throughout the 1930s working with the likes of Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers. Would go on to become a highly in-demand violinist and conductor, appearing on records by Peggy Lee, Dolly Parton, the Beach Boys, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and the Beatles, notably on the latter's Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album ~ Bluestone passed away in 1992
September 30, 1906 ~ Singer, composer, actress Mireille Hartuch born in Paris, France ~ French cultural icon. Member of the French Resistance during World War II. As a singer perhaps best known for Ce Petit Chemin. Wrote or co-wrote over 600 songs, many of them recorded by artists such as Maurice Chevalier, Jean Sablon, Charles Trenet ~ Hartuch passed away in 1996
September 30, 1901 ~ Thelma Combe, commonly known as bandleader, bassist Thelma Terru born in Bangor, Michigan, USA ~ Active from the 1920s onwards. The first female instrumentalist to lead a notable jazz orchestra. Led Thelma & the Playboys, featuring a young Gene Krupa on drums ~ Combes passed away in 1966
September 30, 1865 ~ William Jerome Flannery, commonly known as songwriter William Jerome, born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, USA ~ Best known as songwriting partner of Jean Schwartz. Has also collaborated with Harry von Tilzer, Walter Donaldson, James V Monaco. Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Chinatown My Chinatown, first recorded by Grace Kerns & JB Wells in 1915 and covered by numerous artists including the American Quartet, the Mills Brothers, Louis Armstrong, Milton Brown, Louis Prima, and Bing Crosby ~ Flannery passed away in 1932