September 8, 2024 ~ George Bruno Money, commonly known as R&B, blues keyboardist, organist, singer Zoot Money, passed away ~ The definitive early-1960s organist in British blues and R&B. Though not as well known as contemporary John Mayall, Money was a highly respected bandleader and like Mayall's backing unit the Bluesbreakers the Money-led rock & roll-infused R&B outfit the Big Roll Band served as a finishing school for several musicians early on in their career. Artists who passed through the ranks of Money's band include pianist Dave Greenslade, drummer Jon Hiseman, bassist Tony Reeves, saxophonist Clive Burrows, and guitarist Andy Summers, the latter later rising to stardom as a member of the Police. Money was active with the Big Roll Band, briefly named Dantalian's Chariot at the end of their run, for most of the 1960s, the band best known for their sole UK top 30 hit single Big Time Operator, and for their 1966 Live At Klook's Kleek live album. Money has also recorded as a solo artist, and has appeared on albums by Alexis Korner, the Animals, Peter Green, Andy Roberts, Centipede, Mike McGear, Grimms (Rocking Duck), Long John Baldry, Kevin Ayers, Kevin Coyne, and Roger McGough. Money had taken his stage name “Zoot” after seeing jazz saxophonist Zoot Sims perform in concert ~ Money was born in 1942
September 8, 2023 ~ Christian rock, gospel, rock & roll singer, guitarist Mylon LeFevre, full name Mylon Rae LeFevre, passed away ~ Best known for writing Without Him. After Elvis Presley recorded the song for the 1967 How Great Thou Art album, it would be covered by over a hundred artists. LeFevre was a member of family outfit the LeFevres in his early teens, founded and fronted Broken Heart, and has recorded prolifically as a solo artist from the mid-1960s through the 1990s. Noted especially for the albums Mylon (We Believe) released in 1970 and Road To Freedom released in 1973, the latter a collaboration with Alvin Lee ~ LeFevre was born in 1944
September 8, 2022 ~ Rock singer, bassist, keyboardist Marciano Cantero passed away in Mendoza, Argentina ~ Influenced by the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Lead singer of Los Enanitos Verdes, which he co-founded with Felipe Staiti and Daniel Piccolo in 1979. Started a parallel solo career in 1990 with the Luna Nueva album. Has also collaborated with Andrés de León, Vanaz, Los Rancheros, and others ~ Cantero was born in 1960
September 8, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly guitarist, singer, songwriter Sonny West, full name Joseph Sonny West, passed away in Grove, Oklahoma, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s, recording a number of rockabilly singles which at the time made little impact but over time proved to be influential. Sharing a manager with Buddy Holly, West would become best known as co-author and original artist of All My Love and Rave On. Both songs would be covered by Holly, the former renamed to Oh Boy, and would become quintessential rockabilly songs ~ West was born in 1937
September 8, 2021 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Uno Loop passed away in Keila, Estonia ~ Active since the 1950s. Member of Sinilind, jazz group Metronoom, the Estonian Radio Male Quartet. Active as a solo singer since the 1960s, performing light pop, jazz, estrada music. Known for solo hits such as Loke Preerias and Mis Varvi On Armastus, and Heidy Tamme-duets such as Uued Laulud and Na-na-na ~ Loop was born in 1930
September 8, 2019 ~ Camilo Blanes Cortés, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Camilo Sesto, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Member of Los Dayson and of Los Botines in the 1960s. Went solo in 1970, known for songs such as Algo De Mi, Yo Soy Asi, Isabel, and Mienteme. Has written songs for Angela Carrasco, Miguel Bosé, Lucía Méndez, Charytin Goyco and José José ~ Cortés was born in 1946
September 8, 2017 ~ Singer, songwriter Don Williams, full name Donald Ray Williams, passed away in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Known as “the Gentle Giant” of country music. Formed the Pozo Seco Singers which also included Susan Taylor and Lofton Cline. Staff songwriter with Cowboy Jack Clement's music publishers. Strong influence on later country singers. Had his songs recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Lefty Frizzell, Josh Turner, Sonny James, Alison Krauss, Billy Dean, Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers, Lambchop, Alan Jackson, Tomeu Penya, Waylon Jennings, Pete Townshend, and others ~ Williams was born in 1939
September 8, 2016 ~ Cecil Bustamente Campbell, commonly known as singer, songwriter Prince Buster, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Highly influential on later reggae and ska artists. Helped define Jamaica's sound through a number of quintessential recordings in the 1960s, including Madness, The Ten Commandments Of Man, One Step Beyond, Al Capone, and Whine And Grine. His career slowed down in the 1970s to be rediscovered in the 1980s covered by British artists such as Madness and the Specials ~ Campbell was born in 1938
September 8, 2015 ~ Robert Lee Wilson, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Smokey Wilson, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Has been releasing solo records since the late-1970s. Fronted the house band at his own Pioneer Club Watts. Worked with Booba Barnes, Big Jack Johnson, Frank Frost, Big Joe Turner, Rod Piazza, Hollywood Fats, Percy Mayfield, Pee Wee Crayton, Albert Collins, and others ~ Wilson was born in 1936
September 8, 2014 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger Gerald Wilson passed away in Los Angeles, California, 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 ~ Johnson was born in 1918
September 8, 2010 ~ Bebop saxophonist, flutist Hadley Caliman passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Carlos Santana, Joe Henderson, Earl Hines, Freddie Hubbard, Jon Hendricks, Earl Anderza, Patrice Rushen, Don Ellis, Hampton Hawes, Bobby Hutcherson, Azar Lawrence, Malo, Julian Priester, the Fangs, Gerald Wilson, Thomas Marriott, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and with Pete Christlieb ~ Caliman was born in 1932
September 8, 2008 ~ Pierre Job, commonly known as composer, producer Hector Zazou, passed away in Paris, France ~ First gained attention as half of the duo ZNR alongside Joseph Racaille, noted for their 1976 Barricade 3 debut album. Would go on to become an in-demand producer and collaborator working with artists such as Sandy Dillon, MImi Goese, Barbara Gogan, Sevara Nazarkhan, Carlos Núnez, Anne Grete Preus, and others ~ Zazou was born in 1948
September 8, 2000 ~ Raul Salvador Intini Pepe, commonly known as actor, singer Raul Roulien, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Widely considered the first male Brazilian star in Hollywood. As a singer enjoyed popularity in his native Brazil during the late-1920s. Moved to Hollywood by the early 1930 where he would feature in over a dozen films, notably 1933's Flying Down To Rio starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers ~ Intini was born in 1905
September 8, 1992 ~ Experimental, rock, blues, jazz singer, songwriter Tom Waits releases his Bone Machine album ~ Released to near-universal critical acclaim, and retrospectively included on several Best Albums of the 1990s lists, including by Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. Recorded in a room in the cellar area of Prairie Sun Recording Studios, Cotate, California, described by Waits as “just a cement floor and a hot water heater”, the album is noted for its rough, stripped-down style. David Hidalgo, Les Claypool, and Keith Richards guest on the album. Bone Machine was the first Waits album on which he played drums and percussion extensively. Around the time of its release, Waits stated: “I like to play drums when I'm angry. At home I have a metal instrument cal, metal objects, and I like playing it with a hammer. I love it. Drumming is therapeutic. I wish I'd found it when I was younger.”
September 8, 1991 ~ Folk pop singer, guitarist Alex Kinsey born ~ Cites Jason Mraz as his biggest influence. Formed the duo Alex & Sierra with Sierra Deaton, gaining attention winning the third season of the US edition of talent contest The X-Factor USA aired on Fox in 2013. They would release a full-length album, It's About Us, the following year spawning the modest hit Scarecrow
September 8, 1991 ~ Isadore Soifer, commonly known as songwriter Alex North passed away in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Film composer, songwriter perhap best remembered for co-penning Unchained Melody with Hy Zaret. The song was originally written for the 1955 film of the same name and first recorded by Todd Duncan. The song would become a standard and be covered by hundreds of artists, perhaps most notably by the Righteous Brothers in 1965. North has also worked on many renowned film scores, nominated for an Academy Award fifteen times but never winning one. Film scores written or co-written by North include A Streetcar Named Desire, Viva Zapata, Spartacus and Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf ~ Soifer was born in 1910
September 8, 1989 ~ Tim Bergling, commonly known as producer and DJ Avicii, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Rose to prominence with the 2011 single Levels. Also known for songs such as Wake Me Up, Hey Brother, Addicted To You, and I Could Be The One ~ Bergling passed away in 2018
September 8, 1987 ~ Choreographer, director, dancer Justin Peck born in Washington DC, USA ~ Has choreagraphed over 25 works for companies such as the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Miami City Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet, and others. Has worked with composers such as Sufjan Stevens, the National's Bryce Dessner, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass
September 8, 1987 ~ Cameron Jibril Thomaz, commonly known as rapper Wiz Khalifa born in Minot, North Dakota, USA ~ Debuted in 2006 with the album Show & Tell. Topped the US singles chart the next year with the single Black And Yellow. Has been recording, and scoring hits, regularly since. Also known for songs such as Work Hard Play Hard, We Them Boys, and See You Again. Collaborated with Curren$y, Rick Ross, Wale, Stargate, Tinie Tempah, 50 Cent, Ty Dolla $ign, Charlie Puth, Miley Cyrus, Juicy J, and others
September 8, 1986 ~ Leah Labelle Vladowski, commonly known as singer Leah Labelle, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Sang in the Total Experience Gospel Choir during childhood. Finalist in third season of American Idol in 2004. Backup singer for Keri Hilson. Robin Thicke, Jordin Sparks, the Jonas Brothers, Britney Spears, Eric Benét, and others. Released a sole solo album, Pharrel Williams & Jermain Dupri Present Leah Labelle, in 2012 ~ Vladowski passed away in 2018
September 8, 1982 ~ Progressive metal, drummer, guitarist, keyboardist Hannes Grossmann born ~ Drummer for Necrophagist, notably present on the band's 2004 Epitaph sophomore album. Member of Obscura alongside Christian Muenzer and Jeroen Paul Thesseling. Member of industrial metal outfit Blotted Science, present on the 2011 The Animation Of Entomology EP. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Radial Covenant released in 2014, and collaborated with Shapeshift, Asurim, Alkaloid, Fractured Dimension, Hate Eternal, Gomorrah, Triptykon, and others
September 8, 1981 ~ Zanamari Lalic, commonly known as singer Zanamari Percic, born in Makarska, Croatia ~ Rose to fame in the mid-2000s after winning the first edition of the talent contest Hrvatski Idol, the Croatian equivalent of Pop Idol. Would release her Zanamari the following year. Would form the pop rock group J'Animals in 2010, with whom she has recorded three albums starting with Druga Vrsta released in 2011
September 8, 1980 ~ Pop, rock, power pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Eric Hutchinson born ~ Recorded and self-released his Sounds Like This debut album in 2007, after his record label shut down, and has recorded steadily since. Known for songs such as Rock & Roll, OK It's Alright With Me, Not There Yet, Watching You Watching Me and Tell The World. His 2012 Moving Up Living Down album would crack the Billboard Hot 200 top 30, peaking at No.29
September 8, 1979 ~ Alecia Beth Moore, commonly known as singer P!nk, born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Named Madonna and Janis Joplin as biggest influences. Member of the Choice. Debuted in 2000 with the album Can't Take Me Home, working with producers such as Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Kandi Burruss, and Christopher Tricky Stewart. The album spawned the US top 10 hits There You Go and Most Girls. Has been charting hits since including Get The Party Started, Just Like A Pill, So What, Just Give Me A Reason, and Raise Your Glass. Has collaborated with Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Linda Perry, Dallas Austin, Scott Storch, William Orbit, Tim Armstrong, Damon Elliott, Max Martin, Billy Mann, Christopher Rojas, Butch Walker, Dr Luke, the Indigo Girls, India Arie, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Eminem, Nate Ruess, TI, Dallas Green, and Elton John
September 8, 1978 ~ Sibling outfit the Jacksons release Blame It On The Boogie, lead single off their Victory album ~ First recorded by British singer Mick Jackson, no relation to the Jacksons, who has co-written the song in hopes of selling it to Stevie Wonder. However, when producer Bobby Colomby discovered the song he quickly brought it to the attention of the Jacksons, who recorded the song for their upcoming Destiny album. Lead singer Michael Jackson in particular liked the song, stating “ it was an uptempo, finger-poppin-time type song that was a good vehicle for the band approach we wanted to cultivate”. Both versions would be released about the same time, however the cover by the Jacksons would become the bigger hit, surpassing Mick Jackson's single on both the American and British charts. Though only a modest hit for the Jacksons on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, stalling at No.54, it did do well on the Billboard R&B charts, where it peaked at No.3 and in Europe. Over time the version by the Jacksons has earned acclaim, and is considered a disco classic to this day. Singer and co-writer, Mick Jackson, has later stated his original version “had 100% of our heart and soul in it, but the Jacksons version had the magic extra 2% that made it incredible”
September 8, 1973 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, Here I Am (Come And Take Me) by Al Green peaks at No.10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Green and Teenie Hodges, who would also co-write Love And Happiness, Take Me To The River, and LOVE (Love). Issued as a single off Call Me, an album considered by many to be Green's masterpiece, Here I Am (Come And Take Me) would be Green's sixth Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Over the years, the song would be covered by some two dozen artists including Marcia Griffiths, Al Jarreau, Michael Jackson, UB40, Etta James, and Seal
September 8, 1973 ~ Trombonist, keyboardist, singer Gabrial McNair born ~ Perhaps best known for his association with No Doubt, first appearing on the band's 1994 The Beacon Street Collection sophomore album. Also noted for his work with Green Day, present on the band's 1997 Nimrod album. Formed alternative, indie rock outfit Oslo
September 8, 1971 ~ Luis Armando Lozada Cruz, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer, songwriter Vico C, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Regarded as founding father of reggaeton, a style originating from Puerto Rico merging hip-hop, dancehall, bomba and plena. Active since the late-1980s, reportedly the first to rap entirely in Spanish. Known especially for the early-1990s singles Saborealo and Maria. Turning evangelical Christian Cruz semi-retired from music for a while to reemerge in the late-1990s
September 8, 1970 ~ Pop, rock singer, actor Benny Ibarra, full name Benny Ibarra de Llano, born ~ Son of actress, singer Julissa and actor, singer Benny Ibarra Sr, brother of actor, singer Alejandro Ibarra. First gained attention as member of pop unit Timbiriche in the early-1980s, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. Ibarra has been recording as a solo artist since the early-1990s and is known for hits such as Sin Ti, Cielo, Mia, Uno, Si Puedo Vovlerte A Ver featuring Miguel Bosé, and Calavera featuring Lila Downs
September 8, 1970 ~ Pianist, conductor Lars Vogt born in Duren, West Germany ~ 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, and Camille Saint-Saëns ~ Vogt passed away in 2022
September 8, 1970 ~ Singer, songwriter Neko Case born in Alexandria, Virginia, USA ~ Critics' darling acclaimed for her solo albums and for her work as a member of indie rock group the New Pornographers. Has collaborated with artists such as the Sadies, Carolyn Mark, and with kd Lang and Laura Veirs. Voted Sexiest Babe in Indie Rock in a 2003 Playboy poll but decline the offer to pose for the magazine saying she “would be really irritated if after a show someone would ask to sign a naked picture of herself instead of a CD.”
September 8, 1969 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, progressive rock drummer Andie Rathbone born in Chester, UK ~ Third and final drummer of Mansun, joining the band shortly before the release of their 1997 Attack Of The Grey Lantern debut album. The band had previously asked Rathbone to join but he declined due to his commitments to the DNA Cowboys and because he thought they played “Britpop shite.”
September 8, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter Carola, full name Carola Maria Häggkvist, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Sweden's most prominent female singer known for songs such as Framling, Tommy Tycker Om Mig, All The Reasons To Live, and Evighet. Has sung in various languages including Swedish, Dutch, German, English and Japanese. Represented Sweden at Eurovision Songfestival three times, namely in 1983 ranking third, in 1991 winning with Fångad Av En Stormvind, and in 2006 ranking fifth
September 8, 1966 ~ Christian pop, Christian rock singer, drummer, guitarist Peter Furler, full name Peter Andrew Furler, born in McLaren Vale, Australia ~ Co-founder, lead singer of Christian rock band the Newsboys, initially departing the band in 2009 and rejoining on occasion in later years. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his On Fire debut album in 2011 which included the Billboard Christian top 20 hits Reach and I'm Alive
September 8, 1965 ~ Actress, singer, dancer Dorothy Dandridge, full name Dorothy Jean Dandridge, passed away in West Hollywood, California, USA ~ First African-American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, namely for her role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. As a singer performed in classic venues such as The Cotton Club and Apollo Theater. Member of the female trio the Dandridge Sisters active from the mid-1930 until 1940 and known for songs such as Undecided, If I Were Sure Of You, You Ain't Nowhere and That's Your Red Wagon ~ Dandridge was born in 1922
September 8, 1965 ~ David Edmund Turin, commonly known as singer, songwriter Emit Bloch, born ~ Best known for co-founding Banyan, an experimental jam band which also included Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, the Minutemen's bassist Mike Watt, the Beastie Boys keyboardist Money Mark and Wilco guitarist Nels Cline
September 8, 1962 ~ In its seventh week on the charts, You Don't Know Me by Ray Charles peaks at No.2 Billboard Hot 100 ~ First recorded in 1956 by country singer Eddy Arnold, who co-wrote the song with noted songwriter Cindy Walker who had previously written songs for the likes of Bob Wills, Al Dexter, and Gene Autry. Prior to Ray Charles, the song had also been a hit for Jerry Vale, who covered the song shortly after Arnold. The best selling version however would be Ray Charles's, held off the Billboard Hot 100 top spot by Tommy Roe's Sheila. For Charles, it was the second hit off his Modern Sounds In Country & Western Music album, after the No.1 hit I Can't Stop Loving You. Over the years, You Don't Know Me would be recorded by over an estimated 300 artists
September 8, 1962 ~ René Lodweijk Alexander Abdullah, commonly known as singer, model René Klijn, born 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 passed away in 1993
September 8, 1961 ~ Blues harpist, singer Sonny Boy Williamson II records One Way Out in Chicago, Illinois ~ Written by Willie Dixon and Williamson. Paired with Nine Below Zero on the flip side the single would be released the following January. Williamson on harmonica and vocals, backed by Otis Spann piano, Robert Lockwood Junior and Luther Tucker guitars, Dixon bass, Fred Below drums
September 8, 1960 ~ Singer Aimee Mann, full name Aimee Elizabeth Mann, born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Influenced by Leonard Cohen, Stephen Sondheim, Fiona Apple, Jimmy Webb, and Michael Penn. Co-founding member of 1980s new wave band Til Tuesday. Formed the duo the Both with Ted Leo. Released her solo-debut, Whatever, in 1993 and has recorded to a devoted fanbase since
September 8, 1960 ~ Jazz, bebop, third stream double bassist, cellist Oscar Pettiford passed away in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Primarily a bassist yet also known as a pioneering cellist. Discovered Cannonball Adderley. One of the earliest, and defining, musicians in bebop. Over a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially noted for a string of critically acclaimed mid-1950s albums including Discoveries, OP's Jazz Men and Deep Passion. As a sideman present on albums by Wynton Kelly, Duke Ellington, Julius Watkins (New Faces New Sounds), Kenny Dorham (Afro-Cuban), Stan Getz, Boyd Raeburn (Boyd Meets Stravinsky), Urbie Green, Lucky Thompson (Tricotism), Zoot Sims, Miles Davis (Round About Midnight), Milt Jackson (Ballads & Blues), Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Ernie Henry, Ray Charles, Max Roach (Deeds Not Words), Sonny Rollins (Freedom Suite), and Red Garland ~ Pettiford was born in 1922
September 8, 1958 ~ R&B singer, guitarist David Lewis born ~ Member of Atlantic Starr which also included sibling Wayne Lewis and Jonathan Lewis. The band is known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles Secret Lover, Always and Masterpiece, the first two co-written by Lewis, the latter written by Kenny Nolan. Lewis departed the band in 1994 to return to his Christian roots, founding the Light Ministries with his wife Marian traveling the globe spreading the word of God through music and testimony
September 8, 1957 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist Adrian Lee born in UK ~ Best known as a member of Mike + the Mechanics from 1985 to 1995. Also worked with Red Hot (L-l-lazy Days), Toyah (co-wrote Thunder In The Mountains), Space Monkey, Stephen Bishop, Joan Armatrading, Chris De Burgh, and 10cc
September 8, 1956 ~ Jazz accordionist, pianist, bandleader Eivin One Pedersen born in Stavanger, Norway ~ Released his Solo Mio solo debut album in 1984. Perhaps best known as an early member of jazz trio Detail alongside Frode Gjerstad and John Stevens, and for his collaborations with the likes of Katja Medbøe, Calling Signals, Ciwan Haco, and Morten Abel ~ Pedersen passed away in 2012
September 8, 1956 ~ Bandleader Fred Rich, full name Frederic Efrem Rich, passed away in California, USA ~ Active from the 1920s through the 1950s. Known for songs such as I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, So Beats My Heart For You, A Peach Of A Pair, Cheerful Little Earful, and I'm Tickled Pink With A Blue Eyed Baby. Rich has employed sidemen and vocalists such as Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, Bunny Berigan, Benny Goodman, Elmer Feldkamp, and Eddie Lang ~ Rich was born in 1898
September 8, 1954 ~ Folk flutist, songwriter Hans Fredrik Jacobsen born in Risør, Norway ~ Married to singer Tone Hulbækmo, with whom he also worked. The couple's sons Hans Hulbækmo and Alf Hulbækmo are also professional musicians, respectively playing percussion and piano. Jacobsen has also worked with medieval music group Kalenda Maya, the Secret Garden, Halldis Moren Vesaas, Ragnar Bjerkreim, Annbjorg Lien, Henning Sommerro, and others
September 8, 1953 ~ Contemporary classical composer Akira Nishimura born in Osaka, Japan ~ 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 passed away in 2023
September 8, 1952 ~ Singer, banjoist, mandolinist, whistler, songwriter Andy M Stewart, full name Andrew McGregor Stewart, born in Alyth, UK ~ Fronted Silly Wizard for over a decade, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums. Considered the premiere Celtic folk act during its day, they are especially acclaimed for 1981's Wild & Beautiful album. Stewart has also recorded as a solo artist, as well as with Manus Lunny, the duo especially noted for their 1987 Dublin Lady collaborative album ~ Stewart passed away in 2015
September 8, 1952 ~ Bassist Will Lee, full name Wlliam Franklin Lee IV, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Has worked with Dreams, Fuse One, the Beatles tribute band Fab Faux, the Mark & Clark Band (notably on the hit Worn Down Piano), Ace Frehley, Patti Austin, Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Joe Beck, Melissa Manchester, Joan Armatrading, Neil Sedaka, Glenn Medeiros, the CBS Orchestra, Barbra Streisand, George Benson, Sheena Easton, Michael Bolton, Irene Cara, Peabo Bryson, Christopher Cross, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Michael Franks, Diane Schuur, Liza Minnelli, Phoebe Snow, Steve Lukather, Carole Bayer Sager, Cher, the Brecker Brothers, Hiram Bullock, Cissy Houston, Ringo Starr, Mariah Carey, Linda Clifford, Bette Midler, d'Angelo, Dusty Springfield, Chaka Khan, Art Farmer, Yusef Lateef, Randy Crawford, Don Sebesky, Mike Stern, Fred Lipsius, and others
September 8, 1950 ~ Singer, accordionist, guitarist, songwriter Zachary Richard, full name Ralph Zachary Richard, born in Scott, Louisiana, USA ~ Well over a dozen studio albums to his name over a career spanning four decades, drawing from Cajun and Zydeco. Noted especially for the albums Mardi Gras Mambo, Women In The Room and perhaps his most acclaimed Cap Enragé released in 1997
September 8, 1947 ~ Benjamin Orzechowski, commonly known as bassist Benjamin Orr born in Lakewood, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as singer, bassist, co-founder of the Cars. Sang lead on Cars-songs such as Just What I Needed, Let's Go, and Drive. Previously a member of the Grasshoppers known for a pair of 1965 singles, Mod Socks and the Orr-penned Pink Champagne & Red Roses. As a solo artist Orr would score a modest hit with Stay The Night in 1987 ~ Orzechowski passed away in 2000
September 8, 1946 ~ Pianist, organist Dean Daughtry, full name William Dean Daughtry, born in Kinston, Alabama, USA ~ Keyboardist for Classics IV after Joe Wilson left, appearing on the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Spooky. Co-founding and sole constant member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums. The band is best known for the late-1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits So In To You and Imaginary Lover. Other well known songs include Doraville, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, and Do It Or Die ~ Daughtry passed away in 2023
September 8, 1946 ~ Folk, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Ronnie Burns, full name Ronald Leslie Burns, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Fronted early-1960s outfit the Flies. Subsequently recorded as a solo artist through the 1970s, notably known for the singles Coalman and Smiley. Teamed up with Russell Morris and former Zoot lead singer Darryl Cotton in the 1990s in the trio Burns Cotton & Morris
September 8, 1945 ~ Cathy Jean Giordano, commonly known as singer Cathy Jean, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Teamed up with the Roommates for their first recording, billed to Cathy Jean & the Roommates. Please Love Me Forever would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. When the single was issued Cathy Jean and the band had never met in person. The group would subsequently chart several other singles, notably Glory Of Love, but would be unable to repeat the success of their debut single and disbanded in 1965
September 8, 1945 ~ Michael William Groucutt, comonly known as bassist, singer Kelly Groucutt, born in Coseley, UK ~ Best known for his association with the Electric Light Orchestra. Joined the band in 1975 replacing Mike de Albuquerque, remained through 1983. First appeared on the Face The Music album. As a singer mostly sang backup and occasionally lead, most notably on the songs Nightrider and The Diary Of Horace Wimp. Released his Kelly solo debut album in 1983, produced by arranger, conductor Louis Clark and bandmates Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy and Mik Kaminski. Has also worked with spin-off band ELO Part II, later renamed to simply the Orchestra
September 8, 1944 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Peter Bellamy, full name Peter Franklyn Bellamy, born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Young Tradition with Royston Wood and Heather Wood, no relation. The trio recorded three albums through the late-1960s, The Young Tradition, So Cheerfully Round, and Galleries, and unlike other British folk outfits of the era are known for their traditional material and stripped down sound. The group would split in 1969 over artistic differences, with Bellamy wanting to pursue pure traditional music. Bellamy has since recorded as a solo artist, his Mainly Norfolk solo debut album released while still with the band, earning critical acclaim and enjoying a small yet devoted fanbase. Bellamy committed suicide at age 46, broke, unable to land gigs, and depressed with the state of his career, yet his death baffled many in the folk community. Bellamy is perhaps best remembered for his 1977 folk ballad opera The Transports, and has been acknowledged as a major influence by the likes of Damien Barber, Oli Steadman, and Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden ~ Bellamy passed away in 1991
September 8, 1942 ~ Engineer, mixer, producer Chuck Plotkin, full name Charles Richard Plotkin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen, including on the albums Nebraska, The River, and Born In The USA. Has also worked on albums by the Floating House Band, Rod Taylor, Andrew Gold, Orleans (Let There Be Music), Harry Chapin, Wendy Waldman, Bob Dylan (Shot Of Love), Bette Midler (No Frills), Harry Chapin, and Sonia Dada (My Secret Life)
September 8, 1942 ~ Salvatore Willard Spampinato, commonly known as singer Sal Valentino, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Lead singer of the Beau Brummels, known for songs such as Laugh Laugh and Just A Little. In the early-1970s fronted Stoneground with whom he recorded three albums. Left the music business for the next decade and a half before returning to various Brummels revivals. Valentino released a debut solo album, Come Out Tonight, in 2006
September 8, 1941 ~ Drummer Phillip Wilson born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as founding member of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago and as member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Formed jazz-rock band Full Moon with fellow Butterfield Band member Buzz Feiten, known for their 1972 eponymous Full Moon which is now considered one of the finest early jazz fusion works. Has also jammed with Jimi Hendrix and collaborated with artist such as the Last Poets, Fontella Bass, Olu Dara, Hamiet Bluiett, Julius Hemphill, Sam Lazar, Roscoe Mitchell, David Murray, Anthony Braxton, Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, Bill Laswell, and others. Murdered at age 50. The killer, Marvin Slater, was caught and eventually sentenced to 33 years after attention from the America's Most Wanted TV show ~ Wilson passed away in 1992
September 8, 1938 ~ Conductor, pianist, composer Reinbert de Leeuw born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Became a household name in the Netherlands for his renditions of Erik Satie's compositions in the early-1980s, especially Early Piano Works Volume 1 & 2. Closely associated with Louis Andriessen. Founded the Schonberg Ensemble. Internationally renowned conductor, worked with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the New Sinfonietta Amsterdam, ASKO, the Netherland Wind Ensemble, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ De Leeuw passed away in 2020
September 8, 1937 ~ Jazz, classical, rock guitarist, banjoist, violinist Jimmy Stewart born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Playing professionally since age 15. Best known for his association with Gábor Szabó. Released about a dozen albums as a solo artist. In-demand session musician appearing on over an estimated 1200 recordings. Musical director for Lainie Kazan. Arranger for Andy Williams. Has coached artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Juice Newton, Lee Ritenour
September 8, 1935 ~ Hard bop, jazz saxophonist, flutist James Clay, full name James Earl Clay, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Larance Marable, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, Ornette Coleman, Roosevelt Wardell, Frank Butler, Ray Charles, Lowell Fulson, Don Cherry, Lorraine Geller, David Newman, Nat Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Hank Crawford, Wes Montgomery, Frank Morgan, David Fathead Newman, and Cornell Dupree ~ Clay passed away in 1995
September 8, 1934 ~ David William Kearney, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Guitar Shorty, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Formative influence on a young Jimi Hendrix as well as Buddy Guy. As a solo artist debuted in 1957 with the single Irma Lee b/w You Don't Treat Me Right produced by Willie Dixon and featuring Otis Rush on second guitar. Over the course of his six-decade career Kearney has worked with Ray Charles, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and others ~ Kearney passed away in 2022
September 8, 1934 ~ Composer, conductor Peter Maxwell Davies born in Salford, UK ~ Enfant terrible of the 1960s. Frequently shocked audiences and critics. Prolific composer who wrote in a variety of styles and idioms often combining disparate styles in one piece. Co-founded the Pierrot Players ensemble with Harrison Birtwistle ~ Davies passed away in 2016
September 8, 1932 ~ Jazz, vocal jazz singer Al Bowlly, backed by Ray Noble & Orchestra, records Love Is The Sweetest Thing at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Noble it would be a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, giving singer Bowlly his first American succes. Other early versions of the song would be recorded by Jack Hylton featuring Pat O'Malley, and by Hal Kemp featuring Skinnay Ennis. Over the years it would also be covered by Perry Como, Artie Shaw, Frankie Vaughan, and Dinah Washington
September 8, 1932 ~ Virgini Patterson Hensley, commonly known as singer Patsy Cline born in Gore, Virginia, USA ~ Country superstar with crossover appeal. Viewed as icon on the level of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Helped pave the way for women headliners. Known for songs such as Walkin' After Midnight, I Fall To Pieces, She's Got You, Crazy, and Sweet Dreams. ~ Cline passed away in 1963
September 8, 1930 ~ Jazz saxophonist Walter Benton born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Kenny Clarke, Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Pérez Prado, Quincy Jones, Victor Feldman, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Albert Tootie Heath, Julian Priester, Abbey Lincoln, Eric Dolphy, Slide Hampton, Gerald Wilson, John Anderson, and others ~ Benton passed away in 2000
September 8, 1927 ~ Songwriter, singer Harlan Howard born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Singer. Best known as revered songwriter who wrote or co-wrote classics such as Pick Me Up On Your Way Down, Heartaches By The Number, I Fall To Pieces, Everglades, The Key's In The Mailbox, Life Turned Her That Way, and Busted. Had his songs recorded by Ray Price, Guy Mitchell, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, the Kingston Trio, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Patty Loveless, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Jim Reeves, John Conlee, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Mel Tillis, the Forester Sisters, Brenda Lee, the Judds, and others ~ Howard passed away in 2002
September 8, 1927 ~ Harvey Blackston, commonly known as blues harpist Harmonica Fats, born in Mcdade, Louisiana, USA ~ Cited Sonny Terry as a major influnce. Best known for his early-1960s recordings Tore Up, a cover of a Hank Ballard song, and its follow-up Mama Mama Talk To Your Daughter For Me. Worked with the Houserockers, Johnny Dyer, Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Bobby Darin, Tina Turner, Etta James, and others ~ Blackston passed away in 2000
September 8, 1927 ~ Charles Wright, commonly known as jazz drummer Specs Wright, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Sideman. has worked with Jimmy Heath, Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Percy Heath, Milt Jackson, Earl Bostic, Kenny Drew, Cannonball Adderley, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae, Hank Mobley, Billy Root, Curtis Fuller, Ray Bryant, Tommy Bryant, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, Betty Carter, Red Garland, Coleman Hawkins, and others ~ Wright passed away in 1963
September 8, 1923 ~ Jazz double bassist Wilbur Ware born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Recorded with JR Monterose, Toots Thielemans, Tina Brooks, Zoot Sims, Grant Green, Art Blakey, Sonny Clark, Walt Dickerson, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Matthew Ge, Johnny Griffin, Ernie Henry, Clifford Jordan, Herbie Mann, Blue Mitchell, Thelonious Monk, Cecil Payne, Rita Reys, Sonny Rollins, and others ~ Ware passed away in 1979
September 8, 1921 ~ Flutist, saxophonist Norris Turney born in Wilmington, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Tiny Bradshaw, Billy Eckstine, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, the Savoy Sultans, he Newport All-Stars, Oliver Jackson, Roy Eldridge, Red Richards, Randy Weston, Sam Woodyard, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, and others ~ Turney passed away in 2001
September 8, 1916 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer René Touzet, full name René Touzet y Monte, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Wrote No Te Importe Saber, which with lyrics by Mitchell Parish was recorded as Let Me Love You Tonight by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and by Dean Martin. Collaborated with Desi Arnaz, Xavier Cugat, Stan Kenton, Gene Norman, and others ~ Touzet passed away in 2003
September 8, 1896 ~ Music publicist, lyricist, songwriter Howard Dietz born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lyricist best remembered for his three-decade on-and-off songwriting collaboration with composer Arthur Schwartz, starting with the Broadway revue The Little Show in 1929. The pair would go on to write songs such as Something To Remember You By (Libby Holman, Dinah Shore, Jo Stafford), Dancing In The Dark (Jack Barker, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone). New Sun In The Sky (Fred Astaire, Keely Smith), Alone Together (Leo Reisman, Margaret Whiting, Woody Herman), I See Your Face Before Me (Evelyn Laye, Mildred Bailey, Frank Sinatra), and Haunted Heart (John Tyers, Guy Lombardo, Perry Como). Dietz is also known as a publicist, advertising director, and executive with the film production companies Goldwyn Pictures and subsequently MGM, eventually rising to the position of Vice President with the latter serving until his retirement in 1957 ~ Dietz passed away in 1983
September 8, 1841 ~ Composer Antonín Dvorák, full name Antonin Leopold Dvorak, was born in Nelahozeves, Bohemia ~ One of the first Czech composers to achieve worldwide recognition ~ Dvorák passed away in 1904