September 5, 2023 ~ Classical pianist, teacher Anatol Ugorski passed away in Lemgo, Germany ~ As a student gained attention through his love of avant-garde pieces, including from renowned yet in the USSR controversial Western composers, premiering pieces by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Olivier Messiaen, and Pierre Boulez. By the late 1960s he would be banned by the authorities and his career halted for ten years, confined to work in the provinces and in private performances only. The Ugorski family would emigrate to Germany by the 1990s, setting him of on an international career. Ugorski has performed solo and with orchestras such as the WDR Symphony Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Orchestre De Paris, and serve as professor at the the Hochschule fur Musik Detmold, Detmold ~ Ugorski was born in 1942
September 5, 2023 ~ Folk, country, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bruce Guthro passed away in Halifax, Canada ~ Father of singers Dylan Guthro and Jodi Guthrie. Lead singer of celtic rock band Runrig from 1998, first appearing on the band's In Search Of Angels album, until the band's disbandement in 2018. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his Of Your Son album released in 1998. Three of the album's singles, Walk This Road, Falling, and Ivey's Wall would reach top 20 on the Canadian country charts ~ Guthro was born in 1961
September 5, 2023 ~ Pop, soft rock singer, songwriter Joe Fagin passed away ~ Best known for his 1983 double A-side single Breakin' Away/That's Livin' Alright, which reached top 10 in his native UK. The songs, both produced and co-written by David Mackay, were used as the opening and closing theme to TV comedy-drama Auf Wiedersehen Pet which premiered earlier the same year. Fagin also contributed to the 1985 single You'll Never Walk Alone, recorded by the charity supergroup the Crowd formed by Gerry Marsden specifically to aid the families of the victims of the Bradford City Stadium fire in which over 50 people died ~ Fagin was born ca.1940
September 5, 2023 ~ Lemoine Gardner Ketcham, commonly known as singer, dancer, producer Lee Halliday, passed away in Marseille, France ~ Best known as agent and producer for Johnny Hallyday, producing almost all of the latter's songs from 1961 through the mid-1970s. Previously Ketcham formed an acrobatic dance trio with two of Hallyday's cousins. Ketcham has also produced for the likes of Les Lionceaux, Herbert Léonard, Nanette Workman, Lucky Blondo, and William Sheller ~ Ketcham was born in 1927
September 5, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist, songwriter Richard Laviolette, full name Richard Andrew Laviolette, passed away ~ Fused indie rock, contemporary folk, and alt-country. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Mary Carl released in 2005. Perhaps best known for his 2017 Taking The Long Way Home album. Suffering from Huntington's disease Laviolette passed away at age 41 in an assisted suicide ~ Laviolette was born in 1982
September 5, 2023 ~ Regla Teresa Garcia Rodriguez, commonly known as singer, bandleader Teté Caturla, passed away ~ Daughter of renowned composer Alejandro García Caturla. Member of all-female orchestra the Orquesta Anacaona. Best known as member of all-female quartet the Cuarteto D'Aida, joining the group in 1963 and taking over as leader after the death of founding member Aida Diestro in 1973 ~ Garcia was born in 1937
September 5, 2023 ~ Rock, stoner rock bassist Tom Davies passed away ~ Member of Nebula from 2003 until his death in 2023, with whom he recorded four albums starting with the critically acclaimed Apollo released in 2006. Davies passed away of leukemia at age 48 ~ Davies was born ca.1975
September 5, 2022 ~ Pianist, conductor Lars Vogt passed away ~ Best known as musical director for the Royal Northern Sinfonia from 2015 through 2020. Subsequently served as music director for the Orchestre De Chambre De Paris. As a concert pianist Vogt has recorded well over 30 albums consisting of works by Robert Schumann, Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns, and others ~ Vogt was born in 1970
September 5, 2021 ~ Latin jazz percussionist, bandleader Ralph Irizarry passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Has collaborated with artists such as Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz, Paquito d'Rivera, Juan Luis Guerra, Paul Simon, Talking Heads-frontman David Byrne, and others. Appeared in the musical drama film The Mambo Kings released in 1992 ~ Irizarry was born in 1954
September 5, 2021 ~ Pop singer, actress Sarah Harding, full name Sarah Nicole Harding, passed away in Buckinghamshire, UK ~ Rose to fame in the early 2000s as member of girl group Girls Aloud, known for UK top 10 hits such as Sound Of The Underground, Life Got Cold, The Show, I'll Stand By You, Something Kinda Ooooh, Walk This Way with the Sugababes, Call The Shots and The Promise ~ Harding was born in 1981
September 5, 2019 ~ Session guitarist Jimmy Johnson, full name Jimmy Ray Johnson, passed away in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ In-house session guitarist for FAME Studios during the 1960s. Co-founded Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1969. Present on recordings by Arthur Conley, Percy Sledge (When A Man Loves A Woman), Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin (I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You), James & Bobby Purify, King Curtis, Patti Labelle, Etta James, Otis Rush, Cher, Boz Scaggs, Arif Mardin, Ronnie Hawkins, Herbie Mann, Lulu, Cowboy, the Rolling Stones (Brown Sugar), the Staple Singers, Laura Nyro, Bobby Womack, Joe Tex, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Seger, Eddie Floyd, the Dells, Johnnie Taylor, Orleans, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Don Covay, Joe Simon, Millie Jackson, Rod Stewart, Bonnie Bramlett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dr Hook, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, and numerous others ~ Johnson was born in 1943
September 5, 2017 ~ Holger Schüring, commonly known as bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer Holger Czukay, passed away in Weilerswist, Germany ~ Co-founding member of krautrock outfit Can, known for bridging the gap between pop and avant-garde. Czukay remained with the band through 1977 and rejoined on occasion in later years ~ Schüring was born in 1938
September 5, 2015 ~ Frederick Dennis Greene, commonly known as singer Denny Greene, passed away in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Sha Na Na. Sang at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Appeared in the movie Grease taking the lead vocals on Tears On My Pillow ~ Greene was born in 1949
September 5, 2012 ~ Joseph Alfred Souter, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Joe South passed away in Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as songwriter responsible for songs such as Games People Play, Down In The Boondocks, Yo Yo, Hush, and Rose Garden. In-demand session musician including on songs such as Tommy Roe's Sheila and Aretha Franklin's Chain Of Fools, and albums such as Bob Dylan's Blonde On Blonde and Simon & Garfunkel's The Sounds Of Silence. Artists who have recorded South's songs include Billy Joe Royal, the Osmonds, Lynn Anderson, Deep Purple, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, Gene Vincent, Carol Burnett, Andy Williams, Kitty Wells, Dottie West, Jim Nabors, Arlen Roth, Liz Anderson, the Georgia Satellites, Waylon Jennings, Ike & Tina Turner, Hank Williams Jr, James Taylor, the Tams, kd Lang, and others ~ Souter was born in 1940
September 5, 2009 ~ Donald Eugene Jones, commonly known as pop rock, glam rock bassist Mickie Jones, passed away in San Dimas, California, USA ~ Bassist of Angel from 1975 to 1977, present on the albums Angel, Helluva Band and On Earth As It Is In Heaven. The band was discovered by Kiss guitarist Gene Simmons and known for their androgynous image. Slammed by rock critics and ridiculized by Frank Zappa in the song Punky's Whips, the band never achieved mass commercial succes but enjoyed a cult following. Both Jones and bandmate Punky Meadows were asked to join the New York Dolls but declined. Jones also previously played in BUX ~ Jones was born in 1952
September 5, 2003 ~ Gisele Marie Louise Marguerite LaFlèche, commonly known as actress, singer Gisele MacKenzie, passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Singer for radio and TV, notably replacing the Andrews Sisters on the CBS Radio radio show Club Fifteen, and on the TV show Your Hit Parade. As a recording artist best known for her 1955 hit Hard To Get. Has also worked as an actress both in the musical field and as a character actress for TV ~ LaFlèche was born in 1927
September 5, 2002 ~ Nils Kurt Erik Einar Grönberg, mononymously known as rapper, songwriter Einár, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Has released four full-length albums during his short career, starting with Första Klass in 2019. Scored over a dozen top 10 hit singles in his native Sweden, of which Katten I Trakten, Nu Vi Skiner and Dansa featuring Adaam reached the top spot. Involved in a several high-profile incidents, including his kidnapping by rival rapper Yasin in 2020. Einár was scheduled to testify in his kidnapping case the week after being found shot in the head and killed at age 19, his murder described by police as an execution ~ Grönberg passed away in 2021
September 5, 1999 ~ Kathryn Jewel Thorne, commonly known as boogie-woogie pianist Katie Webster, passed away in League City, Texas, USA ~ Backed musicians such as Lightning Slim, Lonesome Sundown, Otis Redding, and others. Also worked with Garu Wiggins, Chris Rannenberg, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, and others ~ Thorne was born in 1936
September 5, 1997 ~ Gyorgy Stern, commonly known as orchestral, operatic conductor Georg Solti, passed away in Antibes, France ~ Studied with Béla Bartók, Leo Weiner, and Erno Dohnanyi. Of Jewish descent he fled the Nazis in 1938, conducted one season in London and for the remainder of World War II found refuge in Switzerland earning a living as a pianist. Best known for conducting opera companies in Munich, Frankfurt and London, and as long-serving music director of the the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ~ Stern was born in 1912
September 5, 1996 ~ Sigrid Solbakk Raabe, mononymously known as singer, songwriter Sigrid, born in Ålesund, Norway ~ Cites Adele, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young as influences. Debuted with the EP Don't Kill My Vibe in 2017. Scored a UK top 10 hit with Strangers. Followed through with a full-length debut album, Sucker Punch, in 2019
September 5, 1993 ~ Singer, model Rene Klijn passed away in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Member of boy band Bam To Bam-Bam. Best known as a solo artist, known for his 1992 Yazoo cover Mr Blue. Klijn, diagnosed with terminal HIV/Aids, recorded the single as a duet with Paul de Leeuw after a controversial TV show to raise HIV/Aids awareness. Klijn passed away aged 30 in 1993. The single's proceeds were donated to HIV/Aids charity. The TV show would be awarded a bronze Rose D'Or in Montreux ~ Klijn was born in 1962
September 5, 1992 ~ Harold Luttenbacher, commonly known as free jazz composer, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist Hal Russell, passed away in La Grange, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Founded the NRG Ensemble. Worked with Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Joe Daley, Joel Futterman, and others ~ Luttenbacher was born in 1926
September 5, 1988 ~ Jazz trombonist Lawrence Brown passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Gained recognition as a member of Duke Ellington's orchestra. Has also worked with Johnny Hodges, Rex Stewart, and with Cootie Williams ~ Brown was born in 1907
September 5, 1987 ~ Nathalie Missaoui, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter Cleo, born in Uppsala, Sweden ~ First gained attention in the early 2000s rapping with the Random Bastards collective. Also worked with Syster Sol, Jessica Folcker, the Looptroop Rockers (Hårt Mot Hårt), and others. As a solo artist best known for the singles 240 and Easter Morning
September 5, 1982 ~ Guitarist Rose Mazzola, full name Rosalyn Mazzola, born ~ Co-founding member, guitarist of punk rock band the Distillers. Also played bass in Gold Cash Gold
September 5, 1980 ~ Drummer, keyboardist, accordionist, singer Joe Seiders born in Winchester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with the New Pornographers, Neko Case, Emitt Rhodes, John Oates, Tracy Bonham, Juliana Hatfield, Chris Mann, Gary Jules, Bleu, Josh Kaufman, Pat Badger, Night Terrors Of 1927, Val McCallum, and others
September 5, 1980 ~ Pop, soul, R&B singer Kevin Simm, full name Kevin Ian Smith, born in Lancashire, UK ~ Member of Liberty X from 2001 until the band's disbandement in 2007. As a solo artist won the 5th season of the talent show The Voice UK aired on BBC One in 2016. Joined Wet Wet Wet in 2018, taking on the role of lead singer
September 5, 1979 ~ Indie rock, indie folk guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer, producer, engineer Brian Garth born in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Guitarist, singer of Black Camaro, which he co-founded with keyboardist, singer Tom Miller. The band self-released their debut album White People F****d Up The Blues, initially pressing only 300 copies. The album would be picked up by local music journalist Jarret Keene, the band would go on to record about a dozen albums. Garth would also venture into acting and is the owner and sound engineer of Chrome Werewolf, a recording studio in Vegas
September 5, 1978 ~ Classical violinist Frank Huang born in Beijing, China ~ Raised in the USA from age two. Child prodigy. Soloed with the Houston Youth Symphony Philharmonia Orchestra at age 10. Would go on to work with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Indianopolis Symphony Orchestra, NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra of Hanover, the Ying Quartet, and others. Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic since 2015
September 5, 1978 ~ Jose Negroni, commonly known as rock & roll, doo-wop singer Joe Negroni, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered a rock & roll, doo-wop pioneer, best known for founding the Teenagers. The band would become most famous as launching pad for Frankie Lymon, scoring Billboard R&B top 10 hits such as Why Do Fools Fall In Love, I Want You To Be My Girl, I Promise To Remember, The ABC's Of Love, and Out In The Cold Again during the mid-1950s. Following Lymon's departure in 1957 to pursue a solo careeer the group would eventually break up ~ Negroni was born in 1940
September 5, 1977 ~ Singer Elsie Carlisle passed away in London, UK ~ Popular singer before and during the British dance band era of the 1920s and 1930s, dubbed Britain's “Radio Sweetheart Number One”. Worked with Carroll Gibbons, Sam Browne, Jack Hylton, and others ~ Carlisle was born in 1896
September 5, 1977 ~ Guitarist George Barnes, full name George Warren Barnes, passed away in Concord, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Big Bill Broonzy (Sweetheart Land, It's A Lowdown Dirty Shame), the NBC Orchestra, Blind John Davis, Jazz Gillum, Merline Johnson, Curtis Jones, Washboard Sam, Raymond Scott, Dorothy Collins, Patsy Cline, the Coasters, the Drifters (This Magic Moment, Lonely Teardrops), Bucky Pizzarelli, the Lawson-Haggart Band, Ruby Braff, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Ben E King, Big Joe Turner, Boyd Raeburn, Buddy Holly (on the 1958 eponymous Buddy Holly album), Cootie Williams, Dinah Washington, Solomon Burke (on the quintessential 1963 album If You Need Me), Dick Hyman, Bob Dylan (on the 1963 album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan), Doris Day, and others ~ Barnes was born in 1921
September 5, 1976 ~ Ashley Mark Groenewald, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Ash Grunwald, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Debuted in 2002 with the Introducing Ash Grunwald and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Best known for songs such as Breakout, Walking, Longtime and Ain't My Problem
September 5, 1971 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, hard rock drummer Will Hunt born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ In-demand drummer. Notable credits include Black Label Society on the 2010 Order Of The Black album and Evanescence on the 2011 eponymous Evanescence album as well as the 2021 The Bitter Truth album. Has also worked with Eli, Skrape, Tommy Lee, Dark New Day, Bloodsimple, Methods Of Mayhem, Crossfade, Soil, White Noise Owl, Michael Sweet, Gus G, and others
September 5, 1969 ~ Ian Donald Calvin Euclid Zappa, commonly known as rock guitarist, actor Dweezil Zappa, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of musical genius Frank Zappa. Immersed in music from a young age and able to learn from his father as well as his father's collaborators and family friends released his first single, My Mother Is A Space Cadet produced by Eddie Van Halen, at age 12. A full-length album, Havin' A Bad Day, would follow four years later. Dweezil would become known especially for fronting Zappa Plays Zappa, covering his father's songs and at times featuring Zappa alumni such as Napoleon Murphy Brock, Steve Vai and Terry Bozzio
September 5, 1969 ~ Piedmont blues, country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, civil rights activist Josh White, full name Joshua Daniel White, passed away in Manhasset, New York, USA ~ Trailblazer bluesman since the early 1930s, responsible for introducing white audiences to folk-blues. First black musician to perform at the White House in 1941, and a personal favorite of the Roosevelts. Known for songs such as Evil Hearted Me, I'm A Mean Mistreater, and Timber. Slandered during the McCarthy era as a communist for his political songs, which seriously hindered his career. Hugely influential on numerous artists including Pete Seeger, Alexis Korner, Elvis Presley, Merle Travis, Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, Blind Boy Fuller, Lena Horne, Ray Charles, and others ~ White was born in 1914
September 5, 1969 ~ Mitchell Agress, commonly known as orchestra leader, violinist, composer, arranger Mitchel Ayress, passed away in Winchester, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for his association with Perry Como and as musical director for Hollywood Palace variety show aired on ABC ~ Agress was born in 1909
September 5, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Arnel Pineda, full name Arnel Campaner Pineda, born in Tondo, Philippines ~ First gained attention in the 1980s in the Philippines. Worked with several bands, including the Iljos Band, AMO, New Age, Most Wanted and the Zoo, throughout the mid-2000s. On the strength of Youtube videos was asked by Neal Schon to audition for Journey, which he joined as lead singer in 2007
September 5, 1965 ~ Andrew Pinching, commonly known as drummer Pinch, born in Grantham, UK ~ Foundng member of the English Dogs. Member of punk outfit the Damned from 1999 to 2019
September 5, 1964 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their 4th British tour at the Astoria Theatre, London, UK ~ The band commence on their 4th British tour in two years, playing 64 shows over 32 dates through mid-October. The set list includes songs such as Not Fade Away, Walking The Dog, Around And Around, and It's All Over Now, the latter a cover of the Valentinos tune they picked up while touring the USA. The version by the Rolling Stones would become the more famous one. It was also their first UK No.1
September 5, 1963 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton records There I've Said It Again ~ Written by Redd Evans and David Mann. The song would be a hit for Vaughn Monroe, for Jimmy Dorsey, and for the Modernaires featuring Paula Kelly, all in 1945. Sam Cooke released a notable version in 1959, though only a modest hit at the time. Vinton would release his Bob Morgan-produced version in late 1963, paired with The Girl With The Bow In Her Hair on the flip side, earning him his third Billboard Hot 100 No.1 after Roses Are Red (My Love) and Blue Velvet
September 5, 1963 ~ Singer Terry Ellis, full name Terry Lynn Ellis, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of En Vogue, alongside Dawn Robinson, Maxine Jones, Cindy Herron. Sang lead on Lies and Don't Let Go (Love) of the quartet's 1990 debut Born To Sing album, co-lead on Free Your Mind of the Funky Divas sophomore album. Ellis left the group by the end of 1995 but would continue to sing with the group through the mid-2000s and join Cindy Herron in 2012 suing then-defunct member Maxine Jones for unauthorized use of the name
September 5, 1962 ~ Country singer Patsy Cline records Leavin' On Your Mind at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Wayne Walker and Webb Pierce. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released the following January as the last single, paired with Tre-le-la-le (Triangle) on the B-side, before her untimely death in a plane crash in March 1963. During the same session Cline also recorded the Hank Cochran-penned Why Can't He Be You, released as a single in October 1962
September 5, 1958 ~ Jazz bassist, composer, producer Lars Danielsson born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Worked with Dave Liebman, Bobo Stenson, Jon Christensen, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Mike Stern, Billy Hart, Charles Lloyd, Terri Lyne Carrington, Leszek Mozdzer, Joey Calderazzo, Gino Vanelli, Dave Kikoski, Alex Acuña, John Abercrombie, Kenny Wheeler, Rick Margitza, Niels Lan Doky, Cæcilie Norby, and others
September 5, 1957 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Blue Christmas at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Billy Hayes and Jay Johnson. First recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948, the song would become most closely associated with Presley. Presley was backed by Scotty Moore guitar, Bill Black double bass, Dudley Brooks piano, DJ Fontana drums and the Jordanaires notably providing the backing vocals. The song would be covered by the Beach Boys in 1964, used as the flip side of their The Man With All The Toys single
September 5, 1952 ~ Bassist, guitarist Luico Hopper born in Bassett, Virginia, USA ~ In-demand studio, session, touring bassist. Worked with Phyllis Hyman, Gato Barbieri, the Players Association, Roberta Flack, Gil Evans, Diana Ross, Earl Klugh, Jonathan Butler, Stephanie Mills, Johnny Gill, Gloria Lynne, Luther Vandross, Bryan Ferry, Eartha Kitt, and others
September 5, 1951 ~ Drummer, songwriter Jamie Oldaker born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Worked with the Rogues Five, Bob Seger, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton Band, Frehley's Comet, the Tractors, the Bellamy Brothers, Asleep At The Wheel, Peter Frampton, Stephen Stills, Freddie King, the Bee Gees, Vince Gill, JJ Cale, Willie Nelson, Ronnie Dunn, Bonnie Bramlett, and others ~ Oldaker passed away in 2020
September 5, 1951 ~ Bassist Tony Mitchell born in Sydney, Australia ~ Rose to fame in the 1970s as member of Sherbet. Co-wrote some of the band's best known with keyboardist Garth Porter including Magazine Madonna and Howzat. The latter would reach top 10 in the UK and top the chart's in the band's native Australia
September 5, 1949 ~ Guitarist Clem Clempson born in Tamsworth, UK ~ Member of blues-rock trio Bakerloo. Member of Colosseum from 1969 through 1971. Joined Humble Pie in 1971 replacing Peter Frampton, remaining until the band's disbandement in 1975. Member of Strange Brew alongside Greg Ridley and Cozy Powell. Auditioned for Deep Purple but lost to Tommy Bolin. Has also worked with the Assembly, Jack Bruce, Billy Cobham, David Sancious, Roger Waters, Manfred Mann, Bob Dylan, Chris De Burgh, Kiri te Kanawa, Karl Jenkins, Jon Anderson, and others
September 5, 1947 ~ George Allen Miles Jr, commonly known as drummer Buddy Miles, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known as founding member of Electric Flag, drummer for Jimi Hendrix, and as founder of the Buddy Miles Band. Also worked with Ruby & the Romantics, the Delfonics, Wilson Pickett, Mike Bloomfield, David Hull, Adrian Gurvitz, Bootsy Collins, Muddy Waters, John McLaughlin, Santana, Jeff Berlin, and others ~ Miles passed away in 2008
September 5, 1947 ~ Charles Wesley Shaw, commonly known as free jazz drummer Charles Bobo Shaw, born in Pope, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Human Arts Ensemble. Member of the Black Artists Group. Also worked with Lester Bowie, Frank Lowe, Hamiet Bluiett, John Mixon, Oliver Lake, Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, Frank Wright, Alan Silva, Michel Portal, Cecil Taylor, Richard Martin, Frank Lowe, Julius Hemphill, Billy Bang, Luther Thomas, Defunkt, and others ~ Shaw passed away in 2017
September 5, 1947 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Mel Collins born in Isle Of Man ~ Best known for his association with King Crimson, first from 1970 through 1972, rejoining in 2013. Also known for his work with Camel, the Alan Parsons Project, Kokomo, Chris Squire. Sessioned for a host of other R&B, rock, jazz others, including 10cc, Alexis Korner, Clannad, Eric Clapton, Pino Daniele, the Dire Straits, Bryan Ferry, Marianne Faithfull, the Rolling Stones (sax solo on Miss You), Roger Waters, Gerry Rafferty, Tears For Fears, Go West, Joan Armatrading, Tina Turner (sax solo on Private Dancer), Alvin Lee, Jim Capaldi, Bad Company, and others
September 5, 1946 ~ Farrokh Bulsara, commonly known as singer Freddie Mercury, born in Stone Town, Zanzibar ~ Frontman, lead singer for Queen, known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's best known songs including Killer Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody To Love, Seven Seas Of Rye, Don't Stop Me Now, Bicycle Race, Play The Game, We Are The Champions, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Outside the band Mercury has released two albums, 1985's Mr Bad Guy and 1988's Barcelona, the latter a collaboration with Montserrat Caballé, as well as a number of singles, perhaps most notably the Platters cover The Great Pretender released in 1987 ~ Bulsara passed away in 1991
September 5, 1946 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Loudon Wainwright III, full name Loudon Snowden Wainwright III, born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Enjoys a cult following and revered by peers. One of many singers once tagged as “the new Bob Dylan”, a fact which he satirized in his 1992 song Talking New Bob Dylan. Over two dozen albums to his name, including the Grammy Award-winner High Wide & Lonesome. Formerly married to singer, songwriter Kate McGarrigle with whom he has two children, singer Rufus Wainwright and singer Martha Wainwright. Also previously romantically involved with singer Suzzy Roche, with whom he has one daughter, singer Lucy Wainwright Roche
September 5, 1945 ~ Alastair Ian Stewart, commonly known as singer, songwriter Al Stewart born in Greenock, UK ~ Best known for his 1976 smash hit Year Of The Cat. Seen as an influential key figure in British music through his earlier albums though, especially 1973's Past Present & Future, portraying a unique blend of folk-rock songs with delicately woven lyrical tales. Played at the first ever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, knew Yoko Ono before she met John Lennon, and once shared a London flat with a then young and unknown Paul Simon
September 5, 1941 ~ Engineer, producer Elliot Mazer born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with acts such as Chubby Checker, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Crosby Stills & Nash, Y&T, Barclay James Harvest, Mike d'Abo, James Cotton, Area Code 615, the Tymes, and others. Notable production credits include Big Brother & the Holding Company's Cheap Thrills, Neil Young's Harvest and Tonight's The Night, and the Band's The Last Waltz ~ Mazer passed away in 2021
September 5, 1939 ~ Folk, pop singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter John Stewart, full name John Coburn Stewart, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known as songwriter, including penning the Monkees No.1 hit Daydream Believer. Others who recorded his songs include Lovin' Spoonful, Nanci Griffith, Rosanne Cash (Runaway Train), and Joan Baez. Member of the Cumberland Three. Member of the Kingston Trio from 1961 through 1967. Married singer Buffy Ford in 1975, with whom he would also regularly work. Also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Gold of his 1979 Bombs Away Dream Babies album ~ Stewart passed away in 2008
September 5, 1938 ~ Composer, pianist Piotr Lachert born ~ Composed over 200 works including concertos, chamber music, sonatas, musical theatre ~ Lachert passed away in 2018
September 5, 1931 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger Richie Powell born in New York, New York, USA ~ Baby brother of pianist Bud Powell. Worked with Paul Williams, Johnny Hodges, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dinah Washington, Clifford Brown, and others. Brown, Powell and his wife were killed in a car crash travelling from Philadelphia to Chicago ~ Powell passed away in 1956
September 5, 1928 ~ Trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff born in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany ~ Free jazz innovator. Brother of saxophonist Emil Mangelsdorff who introduced him to jazz during the Nazi regime while it was strictly forbidden. In the 1950s Mangelsdorff played with Joe Klimm, Hans Koller, and Jutta Hipp. Led a revered quintet in the 1960s and toured internationally. The 1970s showed expanding into new territory, experimenting with multiphonics, playing with the Globe Unity Orchestra, Peter Brötzmann, Elvin Jones, Jaco Pastorius, Alphonse Mouzon, John Surman, Barre Phillips, and Stu Martin. Co-founded the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble. Would go on to collaborate internationally in various ensembles from the 1980s onwards including with Chico Freeman, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, Eric Watson, John Lindberg, Ed Thigpen, and Ernst Reijseger ~ Mangelsdorff passed away in 2005
September 5, 1917 ~ Arthur Goldberg, commonly known as label executive, producer Art Rupe, born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Founded Specialty Records in the mid-1940s, a pivotal record label in the development of R&B, blues and early rock & roll. Perhaps best known for his association with Little Richard, starting with 1955's Tutti Frutti which is widely considered one of the records that defined rock & roll. Other notable artists on the label's roster include gospel acts such as the Soul Stirrers which featured Sam Cooke, the Swan Silvertones, Alex Bradford, Wynona Carr and R&B and rock & roll artists including Lloyd Price, Guitar Slim, Don & Dewey, Roy Montrell, and Roddy Jackson ~ Goldberg passed away in 2022
September 5, 1914 ~ Composer, music director, violinist Gail Kubik, full name Gail Thompson Kubik, born in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, USA ~ Staff composer for NBC Radio. Music director for Motion Picture Bureau during World War II, composing and conducting scores for motion pictures. Won the 1952 Pullitzer Prize for Music for his composition Symphony Concertante ~ Kubik passed away in 1984
September 5, 1912 ~ Lyricist Ray Gilbert born ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Zip-a-dee-doo-dah with Allie Wrubel, performed by James Baskett in the 1946 film Song Of The South. Others who have recorded his songs include Kay Kyser, Benny Goodman (All The Cats Join In), the Andrews Sisters, Count Basie, and Slim Whitman ~ Gilbert passed away in 1976
September 5, 1907 ~ Trova singer, guitarist, songwriter Lorenzo Hierrezuelo born in El Caney, Cuba ~ Half of Los Compadres, the other half being Compay Segundo, one of the most successful Cuban duos of their day ~ Hierrezuelo passed away in 1993
September 5, 1906 ~ Albert Luandrew, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Sunnyland Slim, born near Vance, Mississippi, USA ~ Helped define Chicago blues. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the mid-1940s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Midnight Jump and Slim's Shout, both released in 1969. Has accompanied blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Lockwood Junior, Little Walter, and rockers such as Canned Heat and Mick Taylor ~ Luandrew passed away in 1995
September 5, 1900 ~ Double bassist, bandleader Rafael Muñoz, full name Rafel Muñoz Medina, born in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico ~ Enjoyed popularity with his orchestra from the late 1920s through his retirement in the 1950s, playing guaraches, congas, and boleros. Well-known songs include Sandunguera, El Hueso De Maria, La Conga Del 39, and Ojos Malvados. Muñoz also served as musical director for the 1934 film Romance Tropical, the first Puerto Rican movie with sound ~ Muñoz passed away in 1961
September 5, 1892 ~ Classical violinist Joseph Szigeti born ~ Child prodigy enjoying an international career since his early teens. Dubbed “the Scholarly Virtuoso.” Performed regularly and recorded extensively from the 1920s until retiring from music altogether in 1960. Had several notable pieces composed especially for him such as Ernest Bloch's Violin Concerto, Béla Bartók's Rhapsody No.1 and Eugène Ysaÿe's Solo Sonata No.1 ~ Szigeti passed away in 1973
September 5, 1791 ~ Jacob Liebmann Beer, commonly known as opera composer Giacomo Meyerbeer, born ~ Linked Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Richard Wagner. Merged the German orchestra style with Italian vocal tradition. Known for operas such as Robert Le Diable and Il Crociato In Egitto ~ Beer passed away in 1864