September 7, 2024 ~ Pianist, singer Jimmy Gilmer passed away ~ Fronted Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs, known for Sugar Shack which reached No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Other well known songs included Daisy Petal Pickin' and Bottle Of Wine ~ Gilmer was born in 1940
September 7, 2023 ~ Contemporary classical composer Akira Nishimura passed away ~ Best known for his orchestral works. Has also composed chamber music, piano works, choral pieces, and the opera Asters which premiered in 2019. Nishimura's works have been recorded by the likes of Nobuko Imai, the Lotus String Quartet, the Osaka Century Orchestra, Thomas Indermuhle, and Yu Kosuge ~ Nishimura was born in 1953
September 7, 2023 ~ Free jazz saxophonist, pianist, bassist, clarinetist, percussionist Charles Gayle passed away ~ After decades of obscurity rose to prominence in the late-1980s and 1990s, starting with the albums Always Born, Homeless and Spirits Before, three albums recorded in a single week. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader. Sideman on recordings by Cecil Taylor (Always A Pleasure), Henry Rollins, the Blue Humans, and William Parker ~ Gayle was born in 1939
September 7, 2023 ~ Operatic lyric soprano Margherita Rinaldi passed away in Impruneta, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in her native Italy and abroad during the 1960s and 1970s. Perhaps most acclaimed for her role as Giulietta in Vincenzo Bellini's I Capuletti E I Montecchi at La Scala in 1966 under the direction of Claudio Abbado. Has performed with renowned companies including the Dallas Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, alongside singers such as Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, and Grace Bumbry. Rinaldi would retire from the stage by the early-1980s yet continue to privately coach young singers ~ Rinaldi was born in 1935
September 7, 2021 ~ Radio host, historian, archivist Phil Schaap, full name Philip van Noorden Schaap, passed away ~ Historian and archivist specialized in Charlie Parker. Archivist for Savoy Jazz involved with re-issuing tapes of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, earning several Grammy Awards for his work as producer, engineer and historical writing. As a broadcaster, radio host known for hosting Bird Flight and Traditions In Swing on WKCR for four decades starting in 1981 ~ Schaap was born in 1951
September 7, 2021 ~ Warren Schexnider, commonly known as swamp pop, country drummer, singer, songwriter Warren Storm, passed away ~ Considered a pioneer of swamp pop, merging R&B, country, Cajun and black Creole music. Known especially for his recording of The Prisoner's Song and Mama Mama Mama (Look What Your Little Boy's Done). Member of the Shondells alongside Rod Bernard and Skip Stewart. Sessioned with artists such as Lazy Lester, Lightnin' Slim, Katie Webster, Lonesome Sundown, and others ~ Schexnider was born in 1937
September 7, 2018 ~ Malcolm James McCormick, commonly known as MC, rapper Mac Miller, passed away in Studio City, California, USA ~ First gained atttention with the mixtapes Kids and The Best Day Ever, leading up to a full-length studio debut album, Blue Slide Park, in 2011. McCormick has recorded half a dozen albums until his death of an accidental overdose at age 26. McCormick is best known as featured vocalist on Ariana Grande's 2013 Billboard Hot 100 No.9 hit The Way, Grande's first American top 10 hit lifted off her debut album. Grande and Miller would be romantically involved from 2016 through 2018, breaking up some months prior to his death ~ McCormick was born in 1992
September 7, 2015 ~ Classical, experimental, jazz, world music harpist Susan Allen passed away in Kirkland, Washington, USA ~ Revered harpist, best known for her use of the electric harp premiering works by contemporary composers such as Ruth Lomon, Elizabeth Walton Vercoe, Roger Bourland, Hayg Boyadjian and William Thomas McKinley. Has collaborated with Harold Budd, Adam Rudolph, Yusef Lateef, Mark Abel, and others ~ Allen was born in 1951
September 7, 2013 ~ Cellist, composer Fred Katz passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Among the earliest to establish the cello as viable improvising solo instrument in jazz. Classically trained. Studied under Pablo Casale. Played with several symphony orchestra before finding fame in jazz, perhaps most notably as a member of Chico Hamilton's 1950's quintet. Noted composer for TV and film soundtracks. Also worked with Carmen McRae, Dorothy Ashby, Paul Horn, Ken Nordine, Pete Rugolo, and others ~ Katz was born in 1919
September 7, 2012 ~ Singer Dorothy McGuire, full name Ruby Christine McGuire, passed away in Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA ~ Formed the sibling outfit the McGuire Sisters with Christine McGuire and Phyllis McGuire. The close-harmony vocal trio would first gain attention in 1952 through Arthur Godfrey's talent contest Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, after which Godfrey hired them for several of his other TV shows. The trio remained active through the late-1960s, and are well known for songs such as Goodnight Sweatheart Goodnight, Muskrat Ramble, It May Sound Silly, Something's Gotta Give, and He. The sisters would top the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice, first with Sincerely in 1955, and again with Sugartime two years later. They have performed for five American presidents, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George HW Bush ~ McGuire was born in 1928
September 7, 2011 ~ Edwin Marshall, commonly known as jazz drummer Eddie Marshall, passed away ~ Influenced by Max Roach and Art Blakey. During the 1960s, Marshall backed artist such as Charlie Mariano, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Stan Getz, and Sam Rivers. Toured with Dionne Warwick. Member of 1960s fusion outfit the Fourth Way, 1970s unit Almanac, and of 1980s group Bebop & Beyond, the latter known for a string of tribute albums to the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. Marshall has also appeared on albums by Smiley Winters, John Klemmer, the Pointer Sisters (Pointer Sisters), Red Garland, Jon Hendricks, Art Pepper, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Harris (Tale Of Two Cities), Archie Shepp, and Freddie Hubbard, and taught at the San Francisco School of the Arts, San Francisco. Marshall recorded two albums as a leader, Dance Of The Sun released in 1977, and Holy Mischief released in 1999 ~ Marshall was born in 1938
September 7, 2009 ~ Jazz drummer Eddie Locke passed away in Ramsey, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Bop & Locke alongside drummer Oliver Jackson. Also worked with Dick Wellstood, Tony Parenti, Red Allen, Willie The Lion Smith, Teddy Wilson, Jo Jones, Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins, Tommy Flanagan, Major Holley, Ray Bryant, Kenny Burrell, Lee Konitz, and others ~ Locke was born in 1930
September 7, 2009 ~ Trumpeter Fred Mills, full name William Frederick Mills, passed away in Walton County, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Canadian Brass quintet, playing with the ensemble from 1972 through 1996. Also worked with the American Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the New York City Opera Orchestra, and others ~ Mills was born in 1935
September 7, 2006 ~ Jessie Lee Frealls, commonly known as blues singer Bonnie Lee, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Big-voiced blues singer dubbed “the Sweetheart of the Blues” and best known for her associations with pianist Sunnyland Slim and bassist Willie Kent. As a solo artist known for songs such as Sad & Evil Woman, I'm Good and Need Your Love So Vad ~ Frealls was born in 1931
September 7, 2006 ~ Singer, actress Rosie McClelland born in Essex, UK ~ Half of Sophia Grace & Rosie, the other half being her cousin Sophia Grace Browlee, becoming a Youtube sensation after posting a cover of Nicki Minaj's Super Bass. The pair would also become regular guests on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, eventually hosting their own segment, primarily interviewing musicians, and serving as red carpet events correspondents
September 7, 2005 ~ Singer, songwriter Sergio Endrigo passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Well over two dozen albums to his name starting in the early-1960s. Internationally best known for representing his native Italy at the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 10th place with Marianne. Other well known songs include L'Arca Di Noè, Lo Che Amo Solo Te and Adesso Si ~ Endrigo was born in 1933
September 7, 2003 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Warren Zevon, full name Warren William Zevon, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed a cult following. Best known for his 1978 hit Werewolves Of London. Early on in his career wrote for the Turtles (Like The Seasons, Outside Chance), backed the Everly Brothers, roomed with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Had his 1975 eponymous Warren Zevon major label debut album produced by Jackson Browne. The album featured guests such as Nicks, Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt. The latter would record several of Zevon's songs, including Carmelita, Poor Poor Pitiful Me and Hasten Down The Wind, on her 1976 Hasten Down The Wind album. Zevon would go on to record several critically acclaimed albums, enjoy a steady cult following and become an in-demand collaborator including with artists such as REM's Bill Berry, Peter Buck and Mike Mills in the side project Hindu Love Gods ~ Zevon was born in 1947
September 7, 2002 ~ R&B singer Erma Franklin, full name Erma Vernice Franklin, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Elder sister of singer Aretha Franklin. Best known for recording the original version of Piece Of My Heart in 1967, which reached top 10 Billboard R&B and earned Franklin a Grammy Award nomination. However, the song would become best known as covered by Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin the following year. Franklin's original remained her sole charting single ~ Franklin was born in 1938
September 7, 1993 ~ Swing, dixieland, jazz harpist Adele Girard, full name Adele Beatrice Girard, passed away in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Married to clarinetist Joe Marsala. Has worked with Harry Sosnik, Dick Stabile, Jack Teagarden, and Frankie Trumbauer ~ Girard was born in 1913
September 7, 1993 ~ Walter Williams, commonly known as Chicago blues guitarist, singer Lefty Dizz, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Earned his nickname by playing a right-handed Stratocaster left-handed. Noted for his energetic flamboyant stage presence. Best known for fronting Shock Treatment and for his associations with Junior Wells, JB Lenoir and Hound Dog Taylor. Has also worked with Lacy Gibson, Earl Hooker, Junior Cannady, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Big Moose Walker, Louisiana Red, and others. Also appears on Muddy Waters' 1981 live album Live At The Checkerboard Lounge which also featured the Rolling Stones-members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood ~ Williams was born in 1937
September 7, 1981 ~ Synth-pop, new wave, alternative rock outfit Depeche Mode release Just Can't Get Enough, lifted off their Speak & Spell debut album ~ The final single to be written by co-founding member keyboardist Vince Clarke, who would leave the band the following November. Just Can't Get Enough, paired with Any Second Now on the flip side, became the band's first UK top 10 hit, peaking at No.8, and over time one of the band's best known. A 1985 live version would reach top 10 in the Netherlands
September 7, 1978 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Dan Elkan born in Nevada City, California, USA ~ Best known as singer, guitarist of Them Hills. Has also worked with Broken Bells, Hella, Kim Deal. Guested on recordings by Team Sleep, Norah Jones, Zach Hill. Produced the 2007 Aaron Ross album Shapeshifter
September 7, 1978 ~ Rock, hard rock drummer Keith Moon, full name Keith John Moon, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as drummer of the Who, as well as its predecessor the High Numbers. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as I Need You, Cobwebs And Strange, In The City, Girl's Eyes. Also worked with Jeff Beck (Beck's Bolero), the Plastic Ono Band, Ringo Starr, Curly Smith, Jim Keltner, and others ~ Moon was born in 1946
September 7, 1975 ~ Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd begin recording their Gimme Back My Bullets album at the Record Plant, Los Angeles, California ~ Over the course of three days, the band record the first three tracks for their upcoming album, Every Mothers Son, the JJ Cale-cover I Got The Same Old Blues, and Cry For The Bad Man. The remainder of the tracks would be recorded at the end of November in Macon, Georgia. Reportedly, the band had originally intended to name the album Ain't No Dowd About It in honor of Tom Dowd, the album's producer
September 7, 1969 ~ Keyboardist, percussionist, singer, songwriter Jean-Benoît Dunckel born in Versailles, France ~ Worked with Orange in the 1980s. Best known as half of Air, the other half being Nicolas Godin, formed in the mid-1990s. Debuted as a solo artist, using the moniker Darkel, in 2006. Has also worked with the New Young Pony Club's Lou Hayter and with Baroi Johansson
September 7, 1969 ~ Guitarist Liam Tyson, full name Liam Sean Tyson, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of Pyramid Dream. Lead guitarist of the Cast, present on all of band's original three studio albums All Change, Mother Nature Calls and Magic Hour. Backed Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant in the mid-2000s Plant side project Strange Sensation. Rejoined a reformed reincarnation of the Cast in 2010
September 7, 1968 ~ Rock band Led Zeppelin kick off their debut tour at the Gladsaxe Teen Club, Gladsaxe, Denmark ~ The band play a little over a dozen dates across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, on their debut tour running a little over two weeks. Left as the sole remaining member with rights to the name the Yardbirds and contractual obligations for a series of concerts, the band was billed as the Yardbirds or the New Yardbirds. Page would later comment: “We realized we were working under false pretences, the thing had gone quickly beyond where the Yardbirds left off. We all agreed there was no point in retaining ‘the New Yardbirds’ tag so when we got back from Scandinavia we decided to change the name of the band. It was a fresh beginning for us all.”
September 7, 1967 ~ Drummer, keyboardist Chris Frazier, full name Christopher Ridgeway Frazier, born in Bethesda, Maryland, USA ~ Worked with Steve Vai, Eddie Money, Whitesnake (including on their 2010 album Good To Be Bad), Doug Aldrich, Edgar Winter, Tak Matsumoto Group, Jack Blades, Eric Martin, Foreigner, Tribe After Tribe, and others
September 7, 1967 ~ Jazz cornetist Rex Stewart, full name Rex William Stewart Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the early-1920s. Best known for his association with Duke Ellington, working with Ellington's orchestra for a little over a decade starting in 1934. Other notable collaborations include Willie Lewis, Elmer Snowden, Horace Henderson, Fess Williams, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and the Chocolate Dandies ~ Stewart was born in 1907
September 7, 1966 ~ Shoegaze, pop rock drummer Chris Acland, full name Christopher John Dyke Acland, born in Lancaster, UK ~ Co-founding member of Lush, considered one of the earliest as well as one of the top shoegazer bands of the 1990s. Their third and final album, Lovelife released in 1996, would become their best known and spawn the UK top 30 hits Single Girl, Ladykillers, and 500 (Shake Baby Shake). Singer, guitarist Emma Anderson had written the latter about the Fiat 500 car model, as she had just passed her driver's exam during the writing of the album. Following Acland's death of suicide at age 30, the band disbanded ~ Acland passed away in 1996
September 7, 1966 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record Hazy Shade Of Winter at Columbia 52nd Street Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Paul Simon. Produced by Simon, Art Garfunkel, and Bob Johnston. Initially released as a stand-alone single, paired with For Emily (Whenever I May Find Her) on the flip side, it would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. The track would later be included on Bookends album, released in 1968. A 1987 cover version by the Bangles, recorded for the Less Than Zero soundtrack, would surpass the original, peaking at No.2
September 7, 1965 ~ Angela Burlacu, commonly known as o6peratic soprano Angela Gheorghiu, born in Adjud ~ Active since the early-1990s. Married to tenor Robert Alagna from 1996 to 2013. Widely regarded as one of opera finest voices. Has worked with major orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, La Scala, and the Vienna State Opera
September 7, 1965 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Ron Blake born in Virgin Islands ~ Worked with Roy Hargrove, Bobby Broom, David Byrne, Marc Cary, Joey DeFrancesco, Cucu Diamantes, Denise Donatelli, Kat Edmonson, Art Farmer, Tia Fuller, Benny Golson, Morgan James, Sean Jones, Christian McBride, Terell Stafford, Dianne Reeves, Katy Perry, Pharez Whitted, Vanessa Williams, Gerald Wilson, and others
September 7, 1965 ~ Dong Hwa Chung, commonly known as DJ, guitarist Towa Tei, born in Yokohama, Japan ~ Best known as member of Deee-lite, notably for his contrbitions to the 1990 hit single Groove Is In The Heart. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Future Listening in 1994. Has collaborated with artists such as Joi Cardwell, Bebel Gilberto, MC Kinky, Hiroshi Takano, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono, Toshihiko Mori, Satoshi Tomiie, Yuichi Oki, Maki Nomiya, Verbal, Mademoiselle Yulia, and others
September 7, 1963 ~ Punk rock, surf rock bassist, guitarist, singer Brent Liles, full name Brent Harold Liles, born ~ Member of Social Distortion from 1981 through 1984. Member of Agent Orange from 1988 through 1992. Retired from music by the mid-1990s running a nursing home since. Died after a traffic accident, hit by a truck while cycling ~ Liles passed away in 2007
September 7, 1963 ~ Nicholas Caruana, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Nicky Bomba, born ~ Fronts the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and funk, reggae outfit Bomba. Also worked with Hey Gringo, the John Butler Trio and Truth. Brother of Michael Caruana, brother of Mama Kin singer Danielle Caruana, the latter married to John Butler since 1999
September 7, 1961 ~ Saxophonist LeRoi Moore, full name LeRoi Holloway Moore, born in Dunn, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums prior to his death at age 46 following an all-terrain vehicle accident. Arranged a considerable amount of the band's material, and notably co-wrote the early singles Too Much and Stay (Wasting Time). Moore is also especially acclaimed for the Code Magenta side project, combining improvised jazz grooves with spoken-word poetry on the 1995 eponymous Code Magenta album, and has collaborated with John d'Earth, the Secrets, and Samantha Farrell ~ Moore passed away in 2008
September 7, 1960 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, jam rock bassist, saxophonist, clarinetist Brad Houser, full name John Bradley Houser, born ~ Co-founding member of the New Bohemians, fronted by singer Edie Brickell. Present on the band's acclaimed and best known album Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars released in 1988. Also co-founded Critters Buggin with Mike Dillon, Skerik, and Bohemians bandmate Matt Chamberlain. In-demand collaborator, has also worked with Patrice Pike, Steve Wedemeyer, Zydeco Blanco, the Mingtones, and Aimee Bobruk ~ Houser passed away in 2023
September 7, 1958 ~ Jazz pianist Bruce Barth born in Pasadena, California ~ Started playing piano at age 5. As a sideman Barth recorded with Randy Johnston, Steve Wilson, and with Terell Stafford. As a leader Barth has been releasing records since the early-1990s, backed by musicians such as Steve Wilson, Lewis Nash, Robert Hurst, Sam Newsome, Pat O'Leary, and Adam Cruz
September 7, 1957 ~ Bassist, composer Anders Jormin born in Jököping, Sweden ~ Known especially for his collaborations with Bobo Stenson, Charles Lloyd, and Tomasz Stańko. Has also worked with Elvin Jones, Don Cherry, Lee Konitz, Joe Henderson, Paul Motian, Rita Marcotulli, Norma Winstone, Mike Mainieri, Mats Gustafsson, Albert Mangelsdorff, Dino Saluzzi, Marilyn Crispell, and Kenny Wheeler
September 7, 1957 ~ Singer, dancer Jermaine Stewart, full name William Jermaine Stewart, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his 1986 recording We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Started out as a dancer on Soul Train show where he befriended Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. All three of them auditioned for Shalamar as backup singers. Stewart lost out but would join the band as a dancer. Sang backup on Culture Club's Miss Me Blind ~ Stewart passed away in 1997
September 7, 1956 ~ Songwriter Diane Warren, full name Diane Eve Warren, born in Van Nuys, California, USA ~ Renowned songwriter. Scored her first hit with Laura Branigan's Solitaire, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1983. Warren would go on to write or co-write, and often produce, songs for a wide array of pop, country, rock, R&B artists including Céline Dion (Because You Loved Me), En Vogue, Whitney Houston, Belinda Carlisle, Britney Spears, DeBarge (The Rhythm Of The Night), Marcia Hines, Christina Aguilera (I Turn To You), Beyoncé, TLC, Aaliyah (The One I Gave My Heart To), Elton John, Cher (If I Could Turn Back Time), Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, Selena, Air Supply, Xscape (The Arms Of The One Who Loves You), Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Streisand, Chicago (Look Away), Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Milli Vanilli (Blame It On The Rain), Trisha Yearwood, Michael Bolton (Completely), Patti Labelle, Gloria Estefan and NSYNC (Music Of My Heart), Paloma Faith, Russell Watson, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith (I Don't Want To Miss A Thing), Meat Loaf, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton (Un-break My Heart), LeAnn Rimes, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, and numerous other
September 7, 1954 ~ Eric Lynn Wright, commonly known as rapper, producer Eazy E, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Influenced by Redd Foxx, King T, Bootsy Collins, Run-DMC, the Egyptian Lover, Too $hort, Prince, Sugarhill Gang and George Clinton. Regarded as “the Godfather of gangsta rap”. Fronted iconic rap outfit NWA, co-founded with Ice Cube and Dr Dre. Other members, at times, included the Arabian Prince, DJ Yella and MC Ren ~ Wright passed away in 1995
September 7, 1953 ~ Keyboardist, pianist, songwriter Benmont Tench born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Best known as founder and longtime member of Tom Petty's backing unit the Heartbreakers. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Feargal Sharkey's You Little Thief, Rosanne Cash's Never Be You, Hal Ketchum's Stay Forever, Kimmie Rhodes' Play Me A Memory and Lone Justice's Sweet Sweet Baby (I'm Falling). Member of supergroup the Scrolls, alongside Sean Watkins, Sara Watkins, Greg Leisz, and Davey Faragher. Guested on albums by Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, and U2
September 7, 1953 ~ Jazz organist, pianist Dan Wall born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Played with Karl Ratzer, Jeremy Steig, Ike Isaacs, Maxine Sullivan, Steve Ellington, Steve Grossman, Jimmy Madison, Henry Mancini, David Earle Johnson, Eddie Gomez, John Abercrombie, Adam Nussbaum, Christoph Schweitzer, Jerry Bergonzi, and others
September 7, 1951 ~ Singer Chrissie Hynde, full name Christine Ellen Hynde, born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Frontwoman, lead singer, guitarist of the Pretenders, known for hits such as Brass In Pocket, I Go To Sleep, Don't Get Me Wrong, and Back On The Chain Gang. Has a daughter with the Kinks singer Ray Davies. Has a daughter with the Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr. Has collaborated with Frank Sinatra (Luck Be A Lady), U2 (Pride (In The Name Of Love)), UB40 (I Got You Babe), and Cher, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton (Can Build A Bridge)
September 7, 1950 ~ Mark Klingman, commonly known as producer, pianist, songwriter Moogy Klingman born in Great Neck, New York, USA ~ Joined Jimmy James & the Blue Flames at age 16, which also included Jimi Hendrix and Randy California. Founding member of Utopia, best known for also including Todd Rundgren. Played on ten Rundgren solo albums. Member of Glitterhouse. Longtime collaborator of Bette Midler, starting with producing the 1976 Midler/ Bob Dylan duet Buckets Of Rain and staying on as musical director, replacing Barry Manilow. Released a number of solo albums with its songs covered by Johnny Winter, Carly Simon, James Cotton, Thelma Houston, Eric Clapton, Barry Manilow and Guns 'n Roses. Has also worked with Lou Reed, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Jeff Beck, Keith Emerson, Mitch Mitchell, Harvey Mandel, Linda Ronstadt, and others ~ Klingman passed away in 2011
September 7, 1948 ~ Mandolinist, fiddler Charles O'Connor born in Middlesbrough, UK ~ Best known as a member of Horslips, initially commercially unsuccessful but over time regarded as one of the defining bands of the Celtic rock genre, playing concertina, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and sharing lead vocals with Barry Devlin and Johnny Fean
September 7, 1948 ~ Dennis Tomich, commonly known as garage rock, proto-punk drummer Dennis Thompson or Dennis Machine Gun Thompson, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Elvin Jones, Keith Moon, and Mitch Mitchell. Last surviving member of pioneering proto-punk outfit MC5, one of the rawest and most outspoken bands in American rock. They are especially acclaimed for their 1969 Kick Out The Jams debut album. Thompson's fast and hard drumming, earning him the nickname “Machine Gun”, was an essential element of the band's sound, and proved influential on punk and metal. The MC5 had been nominated for inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame six times, and was set to be inducted at a ceremony in October 2024. Upon Thompson's death at age 75, his son Chris McNulty told Detroit News: “He was a true, free-spirited rock and roller up until the very last day” ~ Tomich passed away in 2024
September 7, 1948 ~ Folk, blues, jazz, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Erik Moll born in Wisconsin, USA ~ American-born Norwegian singer emerged from the Bergen scene in the 1960s. Formed Hole In The Wall with Rune Walle. Featured in the original cast of the Norwegian production of Hair in 1970. Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with Bolingo, Erik Hokkanen, the Texanos, and others.
September 7, 1947 ~ Gloria Fowles, commonly known as singer Gloria Gaynor born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for the powerful belter I Will Survive, a 1978 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit which has become one of the most beloved, enduring and timeless songs of perseverance and survival and an anthem of female empowerment. Hardly a one-hit wonder, Gaynor has been active since the mid-1960s as a singer with jazz, R&B outfit the Soul Satisfiers and has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist since the mid-1970s. Well-known songs include Never Can Say Goodbye, Let Me Know (I Have A Right), and I Am What I Am
September 7, 1946 ~ Singer Alfa Anderson born ~ Backup singer on Chic's 1977 eponymous Chic debut album. Also contributed to the Nile Rodgers/ Bernard Edwards-produced 1979 We Are Family album by Sister Sledge
September 7, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Frank Crumit passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Vaudeville, radio performer. Made his stage debut at age 5 in a minstrel show. Appeared in the 1918 Broadway musical Betty Be Good. As a solo artist and songwriter especially popular during the 1920 and early-1930s scoring hits with Frankie & Johnny, A Gay Caballero, The Prune Song, There's No One With Endurance Like The Man Who Sells Insurance and I Learned About Women From Her. Married to singer, musical actress Julia Sanderson in 1928, with whom he would also work as a radio team lovingly dubbed “the Singing Sweethearts of the Air” ~ Crumit was born in 1889
September 7, 1941 ~ Daniel Dorisse, commonly known as jazz, blues vibraphonist, bandleader Dany Doris, born in Boissy-St-Leger, France ~ Worked with Mickey Baker, Don Byas, Dominique Chanson, Bill Coleman, Peanuts Holland, Memphis Slim, Tete Montoliu, Albert Nicholas, Gerald Badini, Charles Barrie, Al Jones, Michel Sardaby, Yannick Singer, Georges Arvanitas, Lou Bennett, Milt Buckner, Wild Bill Davis, Michel Dennis, Lionel Hampton, Eddie Jones, Duffy Jackson, Butch Miles, and others
September 7, 1941 ~ Rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Peter Smith born in South Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ On par with John Prine and Steve Goodman, though never became a household name. Best known for penning and first recording The Dutchman, popularized by Goodman and covered by numerous artists including Suzy Bogguss, John McDermott, the New Kingston Trio, Tom Russell, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Over a dozen albums to his name including collaborations with Anne Hills, James Lee Stanley, Jamie O'Reilly and several with Barbara Barrow ~ Smith passed away in 2020
September 7, 1940 ~ Operatic tenor Giuseppe Giacomini born ~ Made his debut in 1966 in Vercelli starring as Pinkerton in a production of the Giacomo Puccini-opera Madame Butterfly. Would go on to work with renowned orchestras and opera houses including the Staatsoper Munchen, the Teatro Colón, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera ~ Giacomini passed away in 2021
September 7, 1940 ~ Pop, country singer, songwriter Ronnie Dove, full name Ronald Eugene Dove, born in Herndon, Virginia, USA ~ Active since the late-1950s. Best known for a number of mid-1960s Billboard top 20 hits including Right Or Wrong, One Kiss For Old Times Sake and A Little Bit Of Heaven. Would occasionaly hit the country charts in the 1970s and 1980s
September 7, 1939 ~ Benjamin William Latimore, mononymously known blues, R&B singer, pianist, songwriter Latimore, born in Charleston, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as the 1973 T-Bone Walker-cover Stormy Monday, the 1974 gender-modified Gladys Knight-cover If You Were My Woman and perhaps his best known Let's Straighten It Out later the same year. Would score a number of moderate single hits throughout the mid-1980s and release albums well throughout the 2010s. Has also worked as a sesion pianist, notably on the Joss Stone albums The Soul Sessions and Mind Body & Soul
September 7, 1936 ~ Charles Hardin Holly, commonly known as singer, songwriter Buddy Holly, born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Quintessential 1950s rock & roll singer. Influenced later artists such as Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, the Hollies, Marshall Crenshaw, and Linda Ronstadt. Known for songs such as That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On and Not Fade Away. Passed away in the same plane crash that killed Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson, an event that became known as “the day the music died” ~ Holly passed away in 1959
September 7, 1934 ~ James Milton Campbell Jr, commonly known as R&B, electric blues, soul, funk singer, guitarist Little Milton, born in Inverness, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for Who's Cheating Who, Let Me Down Easy, That's What Love Will Do, So Mean To Me, What It Is, and perhaps his best known the 1959 hit record We're Gonna Make It. Influenced by T-Bone Walker. Worked with the Rhythm Aces, Ike Turner, and others. As a producer helped bring Albert King and Fontella Bass to fame ~ Campbell passed away in 2005
September 7, 1930 ~ Saxophonist Sonny Rollins born in New York, New York, USA ~ Regarded as one of the most important tenor saxophonists in jazz with over sixty albums as a leader over a seven-decade career. Wrote a number of jazz standards including St Thomas, Oleo, Doxy and Pent-up House. Especially acclaimed for his 1956 breakthrough album Saxophone Colossus, considered one of the all-time greatest jazz albums. Also appeared on albums by Art Farmer, Miles Davis (Bags Groove), Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Abbey Lincoln, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Gary Burton, JJ Johnson (Looking Back), and others
September 7, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Harry South born in London, UK ~ Worked with Joe Harriott, Dizzy Reece, Tony Crombie, Tubby Hayes, Les Condon, Joe Temperley, Sammy Walker, Lennie Dawes, Ashley Kozak, Dick Morrisey, Phil Seamen, Keith Christie, Ronnie Scott, Ian Carr, Georgie Fame, Humphrey Lyttelton, Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughan, Jimmy Witherspoon, Annie Ross, Vic Ash, Jimmy Deuchar, Sonny Stitt, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ South passed away in 1990
September 7, 1926 ~ Aaron Harold Schröder, commonly known as songwriter, producer, publisher Aaron Schroeder, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Founded Musicor Records. Discovered and managed Gene Pitney. Penned or co-penned over 1500 songs. Had his first success as a songwriter with At A Sidewalk Penny Arcade, a 1948 hit for Rosemary Clooney. Wrote five Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits for Elvis Presley, I Got Stung, A Big Hunk O' Love, It's Now Or Never, Stuck On You, and Good Luck Charm. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Schroeder include Guy Mitchell, Johnnie Ray (No Wedding Today), Carl Perkins, Conway Twitty, the Isley Brothers (I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door), Gene Vincent, Brook Benton, Bobby Vee (Rubber Ball), and Dusty Springfield ~ Schroeder passed away in 2009
September 7, 1921 ~ Pianist, producer Arthur Ferrante born in New York, New York, USA ~ Half of piano duo Ferrante & Teicher, the other half being Lou Teicher ~ Ferrante passed away in 2009
September 7, 1920 ~ Guitarist, composer, arranger Al Caiola born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked prolifically as a studio musician during the 1950s. Became a recording star in his own right in the 1960s, scoring hits such as The Magnificent Seven and Bonanza. Spanned a variety of music genres and has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Elvis Presley, Ray Conniff, Ferrante & Teicher, Frank Sinatra, Percy Faith, Buddy Holly, Mitch Miller, and Tony Bennett ~ Caiola passed away in 2016
September 7, 1912 ~ Trumpeter Alvin Alcorn born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with the Sunny Side Syncopators, Don Albert, Paul Barbarin, Sidney Desvigne, Papa Celestin, Octave Crosby, Kid Ory, Chris Barber, Louis Cottrell Jr, and with the Olympia Brass Band on the Bond Live & Let Die soundtrack. Alcorn would also play a minor part in the film as a killer. ~ Alcorn passed away in 2003
September 7, 1897 ~ Avrum Sherman, commonly known as songwriter Al Sherman, born in Kyiv, Russian Empire ~ Prolific Tin Pan Alley-songwriter perhaps best remembered for co-writing For Sentimental Reasons with Edward Heyman and Abner Silver, first recorded by Kay Kyser in 1926 with vocalist Ginny Simms. The song would become a standard, recorded by numerous artists including Tommy Dorsey, Mildred Bailey, and Patti Page. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Sherman include Ruth Etting, Gene Austin, Vernon Dalhart, Helen Kane, Maurice Chevalier, Rudy Vallée, Billie Holiday (It's Like Reaching For The Moon), Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Peggy Lee (Save Your Sorrow For Tomorrow), Kay Starr, Doris Day, Helen Humes, Cyndi Lauper (He's So Unusual), and Diana Krall. Sherman's sons Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman would both follow in their father's footsteps and also become professional songwriters ~ Sherman passed away in 1973