September 4, 2023 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Gary Wright, full name Gary Malcolm Wright, passed away ~ Helped establish the synthesizer as a leading instrument in pop and rock. As a solo artist best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles Dream Weaver and its follow-up Love Is Alive, both taken of his 1976 Dream Weaver album. On-and-off member of Spooky Tooth from its inception in 1967 through the mid-1970s, notably present on albums such as Spooky Two and You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw. Guested on George Harrison's acclaimed 1970 All Things Must Pass album, marking the beginning of a longtime friendship. Also played with Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band ~ Wright was born in 1943
September 4, 2023 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, ska punk singer, keyboardist, songwriter Steve Harwell, full name Steve Scott Harwell, passed away in Boise, Idaho, USA ~ Lead singer of Smash Mouth, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is best known for the hit single All Star of their 1999 Astro Lounge album. Other charting songs include Then The Morning Comes and I'm A Believer. Until his retirement from music in 2021 Harwell and bassist Paul De Lisle were the only two constant members since the band's formation in 1994 ~ Harwell was born in 1967
September 4, 2023 ~ James Yancey Jones, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues singer Tail Dragger Jones, passed away ~ 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 was born in 1940
September 4, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Edward Hulewicz passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Active since the 1960s. Member of Tarpany, for whom he wrote their biggest hit Siala Baba Mak. Following the band's disbandement would go on to work with Helioso, known for songs such as Obietnice. Active as a solo artist since the early 1970s, scoring hits with Za Zdrowie Pan, Paskuda and Bo Jedno Zycle Mam ~ Hulewicz was born in 1937
September 4, 2022 ~ Guitarist John Till passed away in Stratford, Canada ~ Closely associated with Janis Joplin, serving as member of Joplin's backing unit the Full Tilt Boogie Band and present on the I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama album. Till also backed Joplin at the famed Woodstock Festival concert ~ Till was born in 1945
September 4, 2021 ~ Luis Maria Cafaro, commonly known as rock & roll singer Billy Cafaro, passed away ~ Active since the late 1950s, considered a pioneer of Argentine rock. Known for songs such as Personalidad, Marcianita, Que Siga El Twist and Pity Pity ~ Cafaro was born in 1936
September 4, 2021 ~ Classical pianist Gerhard Erber passed away in Leipzig, Germany ~ Co-founding member of chamber music ensemble the Gruppe Neue Musik Hanns Eisler, one of the first from East Germany to tour beyond the Iron Curtain. Has also worked with the Aulos Trio and duetted with artists such as Max Rostal, Oleg Kagan, Raffael Hillyer, and others ~ Erber was born in 1934
September 4, 2020 ~ Leonie Cooreman, commonly known as actress, singer Annie Cordy, passed away in Vallauris, France ~ Active since the 1950s. Known for songs such as Les Trois Bandits De Napoli, Bonbons Caramels Equimaux Chocolats, Fleur De Papillion, Hello Le Soleil Brille, Salade De Fruits, La Bonne Du Cur´, and others ~ Cooreman was born in 1928
September 4, 2020 ~ Jazz double bassist Gary Peacock, full name Gary George Peacock, passed away in Olivebridge, New York, USA ~ Active since the early 1950s. Closely associated with Laurindo Almeida, Albert Ayler, Paul Bley, and specifically Keith Jarrett, recording over two dozen albums with the latter starting in the early 1980s. As a leader best known for his 1977 Tales Of Another album. Has also appeared on albums by Terry Gibbs, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Bud Shank, Don Ellis, Ravi Shankar, Tony Williams, Helen Merrill, Chick Corea (Live In Montreux), Leon Redbone, Michel Petrucciani, and John Surman ~ Peacock was born in 1935
September 4, 2020 ~ Lucille Marie Raymonde Savoie, commonly known as singer, yodeler Lucille Starr, passed away ~ Formed the country duo the Canadian Sweethearts along with her husband Bob Regan, known for mid-1960s recordings such as Stand Upon The Mountain, Lookin' Back To See and Don't Knock On My Door ~ Savoie was born in 1938
September 4, 2019 ~ Pop, rock, soul guitarist, songwriter, producer Dan Warner, full name Daniel Lawrence Warner, passed away in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ Wrote for Enrique Iglesias, Lil' Wayne, Mika. Has also worked in one capacity or another with Michael Jackson, Carlos Rivera, Shakira, Madonna, Céline Dion, Barbra Streisand, Barry Gibb, Alejandro Sanz, Calle 13, and others ~ Warner was born in 1970
September 4, 2018 ~ Singer, songwriter Elisa Serna passed away in Collado Villalba, Spain ~ Worked with Cancion del Pueblo, Hilario Camacho, Tabano, Paco Ibáñez, Lluis Llach, José Antonio Labordeta, and others ~ Serna was born in 1943
September 4, 2017 ~ Reggae keyboardist, organist Earl Lindo, full name Earl Wilberforce Lindo, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known for his association with Bob Marley, appearing on albums such as Burnin', Survival, Uprising. Has also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Big Youth, Culture, I-Roy, the Impact All-Stars, Burning Spear, and others. As a solo artist enjoyed some local succes with the 1970s singles No Soul Today and Who Done It ~ Lindo was born in 1953
September 4, 2015 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Graham Brazier, full name Graham Philip Brazier, passed away in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Claimed to have been offered the spot of lead singer in the Doors following the death of Jim Morrison, though this has been disputed as “somewhat exaggerated” by the band's biographer and former manager Danny Sugerman. Rose to prominence with the band Hello Sailor. The band is known best for their 1977 eponymous Hello Sailor, spawning the singles Gutter Black and Blue Lady which would both reach top 20 in the band's native New Zealand. Following the band's disbandement after two albums Brazier formed the Legionnaires and recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Inside Out released in 1981 ~ Brazier was born in 1952
September 4, 2015 ~ Leonald Francois Gauthier, commonly known as singer Hal Willis, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Half of the rock & roll duo Hal & Ginger, the other half being his wife Ginger Willis, scoring 1950s hits such as My Pink Cadillac and Bop-a-dee Bop-a-dop. Along with Hank Snow the only Canadian artists to tour with Elvis Presley. As a solo artist best known for The Lumberjack, a millionseller in 1965 ~ Gauthier was born in 1933
September 4, 2015 ~ Emmanuel Rodriguez, commonly known as ska and reggae trombonist Rico Rodriguez, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ One of the first ska musicians. Worked with Count Ossie, Karl Pitterson, Prince Buster, Lloyd Daley, Dada uari, Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, Vincent Chin, Harry Mudie, the Members, the Specials (including on Message To You Rudy and Ghost Town), Jools Holland, Paul Young, and others ~ Rodriguez was born in 1934
September 4, 2014 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gustavo Cerati, full name Gustavo Adrián Cerati, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Formed pioneering Latin rock band Soda Stereo with Charly Alberti and Zeta Bosio. Influenced by the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, Television, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Pink Floyd and Queen, the band would become the best-selling rock band in Argentina with some 25 million records sold. Well known songs include Zoom, Cuando Pase El Temblor, En La Ciudad De La Furia, Persiana America and De Musica Ligera ~ Cerati was born in 1959
September 4, 2014 ~ Rocksteady, reggae singer, arranger Hopeton Lewis passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Known for a string of late-1960s, early-1970s Jamaican hits such as Cool Collie and Boom Shacka Lacka. Worked with the Regals, Lynn Taitt, the Jets, Duke Reid, Byron Lee, the Dragonaires, and others ~ Lewis was born in 1947
September 4, 2002 ~ Singer Kelly Clarkson wins American Idol ~ Country, country-pop singer Kelly Clarkson wins the 1st season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox. Runner-up would be singer, guitarist Justin Guarini
September 4, 2000 ~ Bassist, guitarist, producer, songwriter David Brown passed away ~ Bassist for Santana from 1968 through 1971, and again from 1974 through 1976. Notably present on Black Magic Woman ~ Brown was born in 1947
September 4, 1998 ~ Percussionist Jose Mangual Sr passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Father of José Mangual Jr and Luis Mangual, both renowned salsa singer. In-demand sideman during the 1940s and 1950s, credited with setting a standard for bongo playing. Has worked with the likes of Tito Puente, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Machito, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Tito Puente, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Herbie Mann, Sarah Vaughan, and Cal Tjader ~ Mangual was born in 1924
September 4, 1995 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Chuck Greenberg passed away ~ Best known for his work with Shadowfax, acclaimed for blending jazz, rock, folk and elements of world music ~ Greenberg was born in 1950
September 4, 1993 ~ John Anthony Pompeo, commonly known as jazz drummer, vibraphonist Johnny Rae, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Herb Pomeroy, George Shearing, Johnny Smith, Ralph Sharon, Cozy Cole, Herbie Mann, Cal Tjader, Stan Getz, Gábor Szabó, Charlie Byrd, Earl Hines, Art van Damme, Barney Kessel, Mark Levine, Poncho Sanchez, Ernestine Anderson, Charles Kynard, Buddy Collette, Anita O'Day, Mary Stallings, and others ~ Pompeo was born in 1934
September 4, 1992 ~ Country singer, songwriter Carl Butler, full name Carl Robert Butler, passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Recorded and performed as husband-wife duo Carl Butler & Pearl with Pearl Butler, known for country hits such as Too Late To Try Again, My Tears Don't Show and their biggest hit Don't Let Me Cross Over. Butler also wrote If Tear Drops Were Pennies, a hit for Carl Smith in 1951 and again for Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner in 1971. Also co-wrote Flatt & Scruggs' 1960 song Crying My Heart Out Over You with Flatt, Scruggs and Earl Sherry, also a country hit for Ricky Skaggs in 1982 ~ Butler was born in 1927
September 4, 1991 ~ Bandleader, saxophonist, composer Charlie Barnet, full name Charles Daly Barnet, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Skyliner, Cherokee, The Wrong Idea, Scotch & Soda, In A Mizz and Southland Shuffles. Employed sidemen such as Buddy DeFranco, Roy Eldridge, Neal Hefti, Lena Horne, Barney Kessel, Dodo Marmarosa, Oscar Pettiford, Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, Jimmy Knepper, Clark Terry, and others ~ Barnet was born in 1913
September 4, 1991 ~ Dorothy Marie Marsh, commonly known as ountry singer, guitarist, songwriter, actress Dottie West, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Along with contemporaries Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn regarded as one of the genre's most influential female artists. Known for songs such as Would You Hold It Against Me, Country Sunshine, A Lesson In Love, Are You Happy Baby and Here Comes My Baby Back Again. Also known for a number of 1970s duets with Kenny Rogers, notably Every Time Two Fools Collide, All I Ever Need Is You and What Are We Doin' In Love. Duetted with Jim Reeves (Love Is No Excuse), Don Gibson (Rings Of Gold), and Jimmy Dean (Slowly) ~ Marsh was born in 1932
September 4, 1990 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, country rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Danny Worsnop, full name Danny Robert Worsnop, born in Beverley, UK ~ Lead singer of Asking Alexandria and of We Are Harlot. Has guested on recordings by I See Stars, With One Last Breath, Breathe Carolina, the Memphis May Fire, the Word Alive, All That Remains, Testarossa, and others
September 4, 1990 ~ Irene Marie Dunn, commonly known as actress, singer Irene Dunne, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a popular actress during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Aspired to become an opera singer but rejected by the Metropolitan Opera reverted to singing in musicals, including Broadway productions until scouted by RKO. Made her screen debut in the 1930 musical film Leathernecking. To this day considered one of the finest actresses to have never been awarded an Academy Award ~ Dunn was born in 1898
September 4, 1990 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter James Bay, full name James Michael Bay, born in Hitchin, UK ~ Known for his 2014 single Let It Go, which reached top 20 on both sides of the Atlantic, and his debut album Chaos And The Calm, released the next year. Has opened for Kodaline, Hozier, Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones, and for Ed Sheeran
September 4, 1986 ~ Saxophonist, actor Christer Boustedt passed away in Alfta, Sweden ~ Rooted in bebop. Influenced by Charlie Parker. Best known for his Blues Ballads & Bebop album ~ Boustedt was born in 1939
September 4, 1986 ~ Cellist, pianist, singer Neyla Pekarek born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Member of folk-rock band the Lumineers from 2010 to 2018. Released a debut solo album, Rattlesnake, in 2019
September 4, 1984 ~ Camila Bordonaba Roidan, commonly known as actress, singer, model, theater director Camila Bordonaba, born in El Palomar, Argentina ~ Actress for stage, film and TV series including Rebelde Way. The show would spawn the Latin pop group Erreway which also featured co-stars Felipe Colombo, Luisana Lopilato and Benjamín Rojas, and released the albums Señales, Tiempo and Memoria. In total the band would sell over 1 million records, songs such as Sweet Baby, Resistire, Sera Porque Te Quiero, Tiempo and Para Cosas Buenas all reaching the No.1 spot in the band's native Argentine
September 4, 1981 ~ Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, mononymously known as singer Beyoncé, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, known for hits such as No No No, Bills Bills Bills, Say My Name and Bootylicious. Released her debut solo album, Dangerously In Love, in 2003. Would reach the top 10 with singles such as Crazy In Love, Deja Vu, If I Were A Boy, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) and Perfect Duet with Ed Sheeran
September 4, 1979 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Granger Smith, full name Granger Kelly Smith, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Known for songs such as Backroad Song, If The Boot Fits, Happens Like That, You're In It and That's Why I Love Dirt Roads
September 4, 1977 ~ Lucie Joanne Silverman, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Lucie Silvas, born in Kingston-upon-Thames, UK ~ Debuted with the single It's Too Late in 2000, which charted poorly. A planned debut album was scrapped as the label dropped her. Would focus on sessioning and songwriting for other artists, including Sarah Whatmore, Will Young, Gareth Gates, Rachel Stevens, and Liberty X. Released a fulll-length solo debut album, Breathe In, in 2004, spawning the British top 10 hits What You're Made Of and the title track Breathe In
September 4, 1976 ~ Ralph di Stasio, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Avery Storm, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Appeared on Nelly's 2004 Suit album, on Notorious BIG's posthumously released 2005 single Nasty Girl and on Rick Ross's 2008 single Here I Am. Has also worked with Murphy Lee, Mase, Daz Dillinger, Jadakiss, Pitbull, I-20, Wale, Styles P, Waka Flocka Flame, and others
September 4, 1976 ~ Percussionist, composer, arranger Samuel Torres born in Colombia ~ Performed professionally since age 12. Has worked with artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Chick Corea, Pete Escovedo, Michael Brecker, Don Byron, Paquito d'Rivera, Candido Camero, and others
September 4, 1975 ~ DJ, producer Mark Ronson born in Notting Hill, UK ~ Stepson of Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones. DJ, turntablist, multi-instrumentalist, producer. Co-produced Amy Winehouse's sophomore album Back To Black. As a solo artist debuted with the Here Comes The Fuzz album in 2003, critically acclaimed but failed to chart. Best known for his high-profile collaborations, including with artists such as Lady Gaga, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars. Produced or co-produced albums by Flip Squad, Nikka Costa (Everybody Got Their Something), Sean Paul, Macy Gray (The Trouble With Being Myself), Ol' Dirty Bastard, Lily Allen, Robbie Wiliams, Christina Aguilera, and others
September 4, 1974 ~ Singer, dancer, model, actress Carmit Bachar, full name Carmit Maile Bachar, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of the Pussycat Dolls. Also released several recordings as a solo artist, and collaborated with Detroit Diamond, Storm Lee, and notably Macy Gray, providing backing vocals for a number of tracks on the latter's 2010 The Sellout album
September 4, 1974 ~ Singer, actress, model Nona Gaye, full name Nona Aisha Gaye, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Daughter of singer Marvin Gaye. Granddaughter of jazz musician Slim Gaillard. Debuted as a singer in 1992. Known for songs such as I'm Overjoyed, The Things We Do For Love and Love Sign, the latter a duet with Prince. As an actress best known for her role as Zee in two parts of The Matrix trilogy
September 4, 1973 ~ Drummer, keyboardist, composer Wetle Holte born in Sklen, Norway ~ Worked with artists such as Silje Neergård, Kirsti Huke, Eivind Sarset, Bugge Wesseltoft, Anja Garbarek, and others
September 4, 1971 ~ Singer, guitarist Ty Longley, full name Tyrone Pierre Longley born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Great White, Samantha 7, the Bullet Boys, Nick Menza, Nancy Sinatra, and others ~ Longley passed away in 2003
September 4, 1970 ~ Dohnyale Sharon Hines, commonly known as singer Deni Hines, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Played Maria Magdalena in a 1992 Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Worked with Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Barnes, Wa Wa Nee, Peter Blakeley, the Rockmelons (including lead vocals on the Bill Withers cover Ain't No Sunshine), INXS (vocals on Not Enough Time), James Morrison, Christine Anu, Marcia Hines, Supafly, and others
September 4, 1970 ~ Heavy metal, groove metal, alternative metal drummer Igor Cavalera, full name Igor Graziano Cavalera, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Best known as member of Sepultura, which he co-founded with his brother singer, guitarist Max Cavalera. Has also worked with Cavalera Conspiracy, Nailbomb, Strife, Biohazard, Massacration, Mixhell, Soulwax, and others
September 4, 1966 ~ Gypsy jazz, swing, jazz fusion guitarist Biréli Lagrène born in Soufflenheim, France ~ Influenced by Django Reinhardt. Worked with Al di Meola, Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin, Benny Carter, Benny Goodman, Stéphane Grappelli, Larry Coryell, Vic Juris, Philip Catherine, Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Christian Escoudé, Charlie Haden, Stanley Jordan, and others
September 4, 1965 ~ Kurtis El-Khaleel, commonly known as producer, rapper Kurtis Mantronik, born in Jamaica ~ Pivotal to the develoment of hip-hop, specifically sub-genres such as trap music. Frontman and eponym of electro-funk, hip-hop outfit Mantronix. Also an in-demand producer and remixer, known for his work with La India, Kylie Minogue, Fatboy Slim, the Chemical Brothers, Victoria Beckham, and others
September 4, 1964 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Charlie Robison, full name Charles Fitzgerald Robinson, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Brother of singers Bruce Robison and Robyn Ludwyck. Married to Emily Erwin of the Dixie Chicks. Turned to music after a knee injury ended a potential football career. Worked with Chaparral, the Millionaire Playboys, and Two Hoots & A Holler. Recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Bandera released in 1996. Known for songs such as Barlight, I Want You Bad, Walter, My Hometown, and El Cerrito Place ~ Robison passed away in 2023
September 4, 1961 ~ Bassist Kenny Davis born ~ Released a number of solo albums, starting with 1994's Dawning. Sideman on albums by Gary Bartz, Cassandra Wilson (Blue Light Til Dawn), Art Farmer, Don Byron, Eric Person, Michele Rosewoman, and others
September 4, 1960 ~ Guitarist Kim Thayil born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Soundgarden, which he co-founded with singer Chris Cornell and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including Hunted Down, Flower, Jesus Christ Pose and My Wave
September 4, 1960 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Haig born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Lead singer of shortlived post-punk band Josef K known for a handful of singles and their sole album, 1981's The Only Fun In Town. Performed and recorded as a solo artist since 1982
September 4, 1955 ~ Pop rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter David Broza born in Haifa, Israel ~ Merges pop with Israeli, Spanish and English influences. Perhaps best known for his Steve Earle-produced East Jerusalem West Jerusalem album released in 2014, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian musicians and promoting a message of collaboration and coexistence. Also known for Together, used in over 148 countries as the theme song for UNICEF's 50th birthday celebrations. Has also collaborated with Wyclef Jean, Townes Van Zandt, Jackson Browne, Shawn Colvin, and others
September 4, 1949 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Darryl Cotton, full name Darryl Grant Cotton, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Zoot, known for songs such as 1 x 2 x 3 x 4, Monty And Me, Evil Child and perhaps their best-known Eleanor Rigby. The latter, a hard rock cover of the Beatles song, would reach top 10 in the band's native Australia. After the band disbanded in the early 1970s Cotton would form the duo Darryl & Beeb with bandmate Beeb Birtles, soon renamed to Frieze. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably scoring the 1980 hit Same Old Girl. Teamed up with Ronnie Burns and Russell Morris, forming the trio Burns Cotton & Morris in the 1990s ~ Cotton passed away in 2012
September 4, 1948 ~ Jazz pianist Michael Cochrane born in Peekskill, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Marvin Peterson, Oliver Lake, Sonny Fortune, Jack Walrath, Tom Harrell, Bob Malach, Dennis Irwin, Nancy Monroe, and others
September 4, 1947 ~ Drummer, actor Peter Behrens passed away in Sanderbusch, Germany ~ Formed the band Trio, known best for the hit Da Da Da of their eponymous 1982 Trio debut album. The single would reach top 10 across Europe and sell over 13 million copies. Following the band's disbandement in 1986 Behrens would work as a social worker, record as a solo artist to moderate succes, and by the late 1980s venture into acting ~ Behrens passed away in 2016
September 4, 1946 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, bebop, post-bop, modal jazz saxophonist, flutist Dave Liebman born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Richie Beirach. Also worked with Quest, Chick Corea, John Scofield, Kenny Kirkland, Terumasa Hino, George Mraz, Al Foster, Ron McClure, Elvin Jones, Joachim Kühn, Daniel Humair, Paolo Fresu, Bobo Stenson, Abbey Rader, and others
September 4, 1946 ~ Guitarist Gary Duncan born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Member of the Brogues. Most notably known as key member of Quicksilver Messenger Service, helped define the band's unique twin-guitar sound alongside John Cipollina
September 4, 1946 ~ Drummer Greg Elmore born in Coronado, California, USA ~ Member of Terry & the Pirates. Member of the Brogues. Member of Quicksilver Messenger Service
September 4, 1945 ~ Guitarist Danny Gatton, full name Daniel Wood Gatton Jr, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Guitar virtuoso. Member of the Offbeats. Member of Liz Meyer & Friends. Founded the Redneck Explosion. Fuses jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, rock & roll, rockabilly and more into a hybrid style referred to by Gatton as “redneck jazz.” Hugely admired by musicians such as Buckethead, Joe Bonamassa, Lenny Breau, James Burton, Chris Cheney, Vince Gill, Johnny Hiland, Evan Johns, Albert Lee, Les Paul, Arlen Roth, Richie Sambora, Ricky Skaggs, Slash and Steve Vai ~ Gatton passed away in 1994
September 4, 1942 ~ Merald Woodlow Knight Jr, commonly known as singer, producer Bubba Knight born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Served as unofficial leader of Gladys Knight & the Pips
September 4, 1940 ~ Charles Hemphill, commonly known as singer Sonny Charles, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA ~ Lead singer of 1960s, 1970s R&B, pop, soul outfit Checkmates Ltd, known for their 1969 Phil Spector-produced Black Pearl. Released a number of solo recordings during the 1980s. Played with the Steve Miller Band from 2008 to 2012
September 4, 1939 ~ Rock & roll, R&B singer George Lanius born ~ Lead singer for one-hit wonder quintet the Crescendos, known for their 1957 Oh Julie hit. The single would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts and sell over one million copies, earning the group a gold record. The group would record several other singles which failed to chart and disband by the end of the decade ~ Lanius passed away in 1996
September 4, 1937 ~ Jazz, R&B organist Gene Ludwig born in Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Sonny Stitt, Arthur Prysock, Scott Hamilton, Bob Devis, Leslie West, Pat Martino, Plas Johnson, Red Holloway, Duke Robillard, and others ~ Ludwig passed away in 2010
September 4, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist Michel Sardaby born in Fort de France, Martinique ~ Worked with Percy Heath, Connie Kay, Richard Davis, Billy Cobham, Ray Barretto, Rufus Reid, Marvin Smitty Smith, Ralph Moore, Louis Smith, Peter Washington, Tony Reedus, T-Bone Walker, and others
September 4, 1930 ~ Jordan Ragovoy, commonly known as songwriter, producer Jerry Ragovoy, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best known for penning Time Is On My Side, first recorded by Kai Winding and notably covered by Irma Thomas and subsequently the Rolling Stones. Other well known songs written or co-written by Ragovoy include Stay With me recorded by well over 50 artists including Lorraine Ellison, the Walker Brothers, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Bette Midler, Piece Of My Heart originally recorded by Erma Franklin and made famous by Janis Joplin. Others who have recorded his songs include Garnet Mimms, Justine Washington, the Drifters, Elvis Presley, Miriam Makeba, Dionne Warwick, Barry White, and the Pointer Sisters ~ Ragovoy passed away in 2011
September 4, 1923 ~ Gloria Adele Shain, commonly known as songwriter Gloria Shayne Baker, born in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Do You Hear What I Hear with her then-husband Noël Regney, first recorded by Harry Simeone Chorale. Written as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis the song would sell a quarter million copies during the Holiday season in 1962. It would be covered by hundreds of artists, notably a hit for Bing Crosby the following year. Over the years it would be covered by artists such as Pat Boone, Perry Como, Mahalia Jackson, and others ~ Baker passed away in 2008
September 4, 1920 ~ Harold Bradley Jackson, commonly known as country steel guitarist, dobroist Shot Jackson was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of the Nashville A-Team, the informal name given to a loose collective of first call session musicians. Brother of producer Owen Bradley. Played with Eddy Arnold, Bradley Kincaid, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Slim Whitman, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Byrds, and others ~ Jackson passed away in 1991
September 4, 1919 ~ Edward Victor Johnson, commonly known as singer Teddy Johnson, born in Surbiton, UK ~ Best known as half of husband-wife duo along with Pearl Carr ~ Johnson passed away in 2018
September 4, 1918 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger Gerald Wilson born in Shelby, Mississippi, USA ~ Arranged songs for Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Julie London, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Carter, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Nancy Wilson. Worked with Jimmie Lunceford, Clark Terry, Willie Smith, Jimmy Nottingham, Benny Carter, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie. As a bandleader employed sidemen including Snooky Young, Carmell Jones, Bud Shank, Joe Maini, Harold Land, Teddy Edwards, Don Raffell, Joe Pass, Richard Groove Holmes, Roy Ayers, Bobby Hutcherson, Luis Bonilla, Rick Baptist, Randall Willis, Shuggie Otis, Anthony Wilson, Eric Otis, Jimmy Owens, Oscar Brashear, Ron Barrows, and Jon Faddis ~ Wilson passed away in 2014
September 4, 1914 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Tommy McQuater, full name Thomas Mossie McQuater, born in Maybole, UK ~ Worked with Bert Ambrose, George Chisholm, Benny Carter, the Jack Payne Orchestra, Lew Stone, the Squadronaires, the BBC Showband, John McLevy, and others ~ McQuater passed away in 2008
September 4, 1907 ~ Composer, pianist Edvard Grieg passed away in Bergen, Norway ~ Leading composer of the Romantic era. Merged Norwegian folk music with classical ~ Grieg was born in 1843
September 4, 1907 ~ Jacob Savetnick, commonly known as violinist, bandleader Jan Savitt, born in Shumsk, Russian Empire ~ Worked with Leopold Stokowski, the Andrews Sisters, George Tunnell, Cutty Cutshall, Harold Kearns, Irv Leshner, Jack Pleis, Johnny Austin, and others ~ Savetnick passed away in 1948
September 4, 1905 ~ Pianist, composer Meade Lux Lewis born in 1905 ~ Highly revered boogie-woogie pianist, and along with artists such as Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons and Jimmy Yancey quintessential to the early high-energy hybrid that eventually led to rock & roll
September 4, 1899 ~ Jazz cornetist, bandleader Johnny Bayersdorffer born ~ Popular 1920s bandleader. Also worked with Happy Schilling and Tony Parenti ~ Bayersdorffer passed away in 1969
September 4, 1897 ~ Bandleader, pianist, songwriter Gus Arnheim born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s bandleader best known for I Cried For You and Sweet And Lovely. Worked with sidemen including Fred MacMurray, Russ Columbo, Eddie Cantor, Shirley Ross and Stan Kenton ~ Arnheim passed away in 1955
September 4, 1892 ~ Composer, conductor, teacher Darius Milhaud born in Marseille, France ~ Influenced by jazz and Brazilian music. Member of Les Six, a group of Montparnasse-based composers which also included Georges Auric, Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger, Francis Poulenc and Germaine Tailleferre. Their music is considered a neoclassical reaction against both the style of Richard Wagner and the impressionist music of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Milhaud is regarded as one of the key modernist composers and has tought jazz and classical composers such as Burt Bacharach, Dave Brubeck, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Karlheinz Stockhausen and Iannis Xenakis ~ Milhaud passed away in 1974
September 4, 1891 ~ Jazz bandleader Sam Lanin, full name Samuel Charles Lanin, born ~ Active since the early 1910s. Worked with Victor Herbert, the Roseland Orchestra, Ladd's Black Aces, the Westerners, the Pillsbury Orchestra, Phil Napoleon, Miff Mole, Jules Levy Jr, Red Nichols, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Mannie Klein, Jimmy McPartland, Bix Beiderbecke, Eddie Lang, Bunny Berigan, Nick Lucas, Frankie Trumbauer, and others ~ Lanin passed away in 1977
September 4, 1824 ~ Composer, organist Anton Bruckner, full name Josef Anton Bruckner, born in Ansfelden, Austria ~ Late-era Romantic composer admired by peers, most notably Gustav Mahler ~ Bruckner passed away in 1896