September 9, 2024 ~ Singer, guitarist, actress Caterina Valente passed away in Lugano, Switzerland ~ Sings in various languages including French, German and English. Known for songs such as Malagueña, The Breeze And I, Dreh Dich Nicht Um, Gans Paris Traumt Von Der Liebe. Over the course of her lengthy career, Valente has collaborated with a wide array of artists including Kurt Edelhagen, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Claus Ogerman, Tommy Dorsey, Sy Oliver, Buddy Rich, and Edmundo Ros ~ Valente was born in 1931
September 9, 2022 ~ Carol Valère, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Carol Arnauld, passed away ~ Considered a one-hit wonder for C'Est Pas Facile taken of her 1986 eponymous Carol Arnauld debut album. The song tells of her struggle with her brother's death, killed by a reckless driver. The single would reach top 10 in her native France ~ Valère was born in 1961
September 9, 2022 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist Herschel Sizemore, full name Herschel Lee Sizemore, passed away in Roanoke, Virginia, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for penning and first recording the mandolin instrumental Rebecca, named after his mother. Member of the Dixie Gentlemen from 1957 through 1965. Subsequently a member of the Shenandoah Cut-Ups, Country Grass which also included Ricky Skaggs, the Dixie Pals and the Bluegrass Cardinals. Guested on recordings by Rual Yarbrough, Jim Eanes, David Parmley, Curly Seckler, and others ~ Sizemore was born in 1935
September 9, 2022 ~ Violinist Jorja Fleezanis, full name Jorja Kay Fleezanis, passed away ~ Best known as concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1989 through 2009. At the time of her appointment only the second female in the USA to hold such a title. Premiered John Adams' Violin Concerto in 1994, with then-music director Edo de Waart leading the orchestra. Married to classical music critic and author Michael Steinberg ~ Fleezanis was born in 1952
September 9, 2022 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion drummer Trevor Tomkins, full name Trevor Ramsey Tomkins, passed away ~ Backed Don Rendell for most of the 1960s and early-1970s. Would go on to work with Nucleus, David Becker, Henry Lowther, Gilgamesh (Another Fine Tune You've Got Me Into), Alan Gowen, and others ~ Tomkins was born in 1941
September 9, 2020 ~ Saxophonist, singer, songwriter Ronald Bell, full name Ronald Nathan Bell, passed away on US Virgin Islands ~ Saxophonist, co-founding member of R&B, disco outfit Kool & the Gang, which also included his brother Robert Kool Bell. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's best known songs including Celebration, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Summer Madness and Open Sesame ~ Bell was born in 1951
September 9, 2020 ~ Jazz fusion, punk, hardcore punk singer Sid McCray, full name Sidney Alexander McCray, passed away ~ Founded jazz fusion outfit Mind Power. Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of Bad Brains, one of the first American punk outfits and generally considered as pioneers of hardcore punk. McCray led the band in 1977 and 1978, leaving before the band's rise to fame ~ McCray was born in 1957
September 9, 2014 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Robert Young passed away in Hove, UK ~ Long-time member of alternative rock outfit Primal Scream, remaining with the band from its inception in 1984 through 2006. Initially the band's bassist, taking over guitar duties when Jim Beattie left shortly after the 1987 Sonic Flower Groove debut album. Has also guested on Felt's Me And A Monkey On The Moon album, released in 1989 ~ Young was born in 1964
September 9, 2005 ~ Jazz trombonist Mel Wanzo, full name Melvin Wanzo, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with Count Basie, serving as a member of Basie's orchestra from 1969 through 1980. Has also worked with Cannonball Adderley, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Woody Herman, and the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut ~ Wanzo was born in 1930
September 9, 2003 ~ Singer, percussionist, songrwriter, producer Bob Markley, full name Robert H Markley, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founded psychedelic rock band the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. The band is best known for their 1968 album Volume 3 (A Child's Guide To Good And Evil), considered a landmark album in psychedelic rock ~ Markley was born in 1935
September 9, 1998 ~ Singer, songwriter Lucio Battisti passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Important figure in Italian music with close to 20 albums to his name. Regularly reached the higher echelons of the Italian charts in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Best known for songs such as Mi Ritorni In Mente, Anna, Pensieri E Parole, Il Mio Canto Libero, Ancora Tu, and Una Donna Per Amico ~ Battisti was born in 1943
September 9, 1997 ~ Bandleader, mandolinist, songwriter Bill Monroe passed away in Springfield, Tennessee, USA ~ Commonly referred to as “the Father of Bluegrass,” the genre defined by Monroe. Led the Bluegrass Boys. Known for songs such as Blue Grass Breakdown, Blue Moon Of Kentucky, and Molly And Tenbrooks ~ Monroe was born in 1911
September 9, 1997 ~ Pop, soul singer, pianist, songwriter Jamie Miller born in Cardiff, UK ~ First gained attention in 2017, reaching third place on the sixth season of talent show The Voice UK. Other finalists were Into The Ark, Michelle John and winner Mo Jamil. Following his success on the show Miller has released a number of singles, leading up to his Broken Memories EP in 2022
September 9, 1993 ~ Bandleader, singer Art Mooney, full name Arthur Joseph Mooney, passed away in North Miami, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed success in the 1940s and 1950s with songs such as I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover, Baby Face, and Nuttin' For Christmas. His 1955 Honey-Babe million-seller would be used in the motion picture Battle Cry ~ Mooney was born in 1911
September 9, 1993 ~ James Deuchar, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, arranger Jimmy Deuchar, passed away in Dundee, UK ~ Taught the trumpet by John Lynch. Rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, to become regarded as one of Britain's premier bebop trumpeters. As a leader, especially renowned for his eponymous 1953 Jimmy Deuchar album. Closely associated with Tubby Hayes, and the Clarke-Boland Big Band, recording over half a dozen albums with each. An in-demand sideman into the 1990s, Deuchar has appeared on albums by Victor Feldman, Georgie Fame, Mark Murphy, Charlie Watts (Live At Fulham Town Hall), Jack Sharpe, Chris Barber, the Jazz Couriers, Monica Zetterlund, Ronnie Scott, Johnny Keating, Allen Eager, and Zoot Sims ~ Deuchar was born in 1930
September 9, 1991 ~ Country singer, songwriter Hunter Hayes, full name Hunter Easton Hayes, born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA ~ Plays over 30 instruments including guitar, piano and accordion. Released his eponymous Hunter Hayes debut album in 2011, which spawned the hit single Wanted. It would make Hayes the youngest country singer to top the Billboard Country charts. Other well known songs include I Want Crazy, Everybody's Got Something But Me featuring Jason Mraz and Iinvisble. Has collaborated with Lady Antebellum, Victoria Justice, Brad Paisley, John Legend, the Doobie Brothers, Brett Kissel, Echosmith, Catherine McGrath, and others
September 9, 1987 ~ Nick van de Wall, commonly known as DJ, songwriter Afrojack, born in Spijkenisse, the Netherlands ~ Started DJ-ing at local clubs at age 14. Known for songs such as Drop Down (Do My Dance} with the Partysquad, Take Over Control featuring Eva Simons, Can't Stop Me with Shermanology, and Ten Feet Tall featuring Wrabel. Also worked with Pitbull, NERVO, Jay Sean, and David Guetta
September 9, 1985 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, trumpeter, trombonist, songwriter Justin Levinson born in Vergennes, Vermont, USA ~ Son of singer, songwriter Bob Levinson. Released his 1175 Boylston debut album in 2006 while still a student at the Berklee College of Music, Boston, featuring his father on guitar, bass and drums on some of the tracks. Has recorded consistently since to critical acclaim, his earlier work critical compared to Ben Folds. Levinson is also known for writing and performing the song Love You Goodbye for the 2013 slasher film The Den
September 9, 1982 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Ai Otsuka born in Osaka, Japan ~ Learned the piano at age 4. Writes and co-produces most of her work, ranging from ballads to upbeat pop rock. Best known for her 2003 Sakuranbo hit single which stayed on the charts in her native Japan for nearly two years. Has recorded about a dozen albums since the mid-2000s and is most acclaimed for her 2008 Love Letter album
September 9, 1981 ~ Jazz keyboardist, saxophonist, violinist Fernand Coppieters passed away in Brussels, Belgium ~ Father of jazz pianist Francis Coppieters. Wored with Bistroulle-ADO, the Red Mills Ragtime Band, the Rhytmic Novelty Dance Orchestra, Fud Candrix, René Compère, Robert de Kers, Oscar Alemán, Josephine Baker, Roland Dorsay, Willie Lewis, and others ~ Coppieters was born in 1905
September 9, 1979 ~ Jazz double bassist Wilbur Ware passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 was born in 1923
September 9, 1978 ~ Avant-garde saxophonist, clarinetist, guitarist Kaoru Abe passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Influential alto saxophonist who performed extensively from age 17 onwards though he has released some solo recordings. Has collaborated with Motoharu Yoshizawa, Takehisa Kosugi, Yosuke Yamashita, Derek Bailey, Milford Graves. Portrayed by punk rock singer Ko Machida in the 1997 The Endless Waltz film ~ Abe was born in 1949
September 9, 1977 ~ Maria Rita Camargo Mariano, commonly known as MPB, jazz, samba singer Maria Rita, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Daugher of pianist, arranger Cesar Camargo Mariano and singer Elis Regina, sister of singer Pedro Mariano and producer João Marcelo Boscoli. Debuted in 2003 with the eponymous Maria Rita album, winning three Latin Grammy Awards and has since recorded to commercial succes. Songs such as A Festa, Ta Perdoado, Corçãlo Em Desalinho and Amor E Musica all reached top 20 in her native Brazil
September 9, 1977 ~ Saulo Jorge Fernandes Navarro de Oliveira, commonly known as axé singer, guitarist, songwriter Saulo Fernandes, born in Barreiras, Brazil ~ Lead singer of Banda Chica Fe. Subsequently lead singer of Banda Eva joining the band in 2002, present on hits such as Nao Me Conte Seus Problemas, Eu Vou No Eva and Toda Linda. Has focused on his solo career since departing the band in 2013
September 9, 1976 ~ Indie rock, baroque pop, alternative pop singer, songwriter Kevin Drew born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of late-1990s outfit KC Accidental, with whom he recorded two albums. Perhaps best known for co-founding Toronto-based baroque pop outfit Broken Social Scene with Brendan Canning, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is best known for the singles Force To Love/All To All and Halfway Home. Drew has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Spirit If released in 2007. Drew is also noted for co-producing the Tragically Hip's 2016 album Man Machine Poem, the last album featuring lead singer Gord Downie, as well as Downie's last two solo albums, 2016's Secret Path and 2017's Introduce Yerself. Downie passed away in 2017
September 9, 1975 ~ Traditional pop, swing, easy listening, jazz singer Michael Bublé born in Burnabyk, Canada ~ Debuted in 2003 with his eponymous Michael Bublé album, which would reach the top 10 in the UK and the singer's native Canada. Would shoot to international stardom with his 2005 sophomore It's Time album, reaching the top 10 of album charts across the globe including America, the UK, Canada and across Europe. Best known for songs such as Home, Everything, Haven't Met You Yet, It's A Beautiful Day, and Baby It's Cold Outside, the latter a duet with Idina Menzel
September 9, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist Ana Carolina, full name Ana Carolina Souza, born in Minas Gerais, Brazil ~ Debuted in 1999 with the eponymous Ana Carolina album, which included the Brazilian No.1 hit Garganta. Has recorded steadily since, to critical acclaim and commercial succes. Subsequent singles such as Quem De Nóis (La Mia Storia Tra Le Dita), Encostar Na Tua, Elevador, E Isso Ai (The Blower's Daughter) featuring Seu Jorge and Rosas also reached the top spot in her native Brazil
September 9, 1974 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton releases his My Melody Of Love single ~ Based on Herzen Haben Keine Fenster, a schlager song penned by Henry Mayer, a hit in Germany and Austria for Elfi Graf. The song had also been translated by Peters & Lee in 1974, renamed to Don't Stay Away Too Long, which reached top 10 in the duo's native UK. Vinton's adaptation, which used both English and Polisch lyrics, would be his biggest hit since Mr Lonely a decade later, and reach top 10 in both the USA and Canada
September 9, 1972 ~ Rodney Hylton Smith, commonly known as rapper, producer Roots Manuva, born in UK ~ Debuted in 1994. Described as one of the most influential rappers in British music history. Has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Chali 2na, Jamie Cullum, DJ Shadow, Mr Scruff, UNKLE, the Fun Lovin' Criminals, Nightmares On Wax, the Cinematic Orchestra, Beth Orton, Herbaliser, Leftfield, the Salan Supa Crew, Coldcut, Gorillaz, and others
September 9, 1972 ~ Folk rock, soft rock duo Seals & Crofts release their Summer Breeze album ~ The duo's fourth album would become their major commercial breakthrough, aided by the success of the title track released the previous August. The Summer Breeze single would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day. A follow-up single, Hummingbird, would reach top 20. The album itself reached top 10 Billboard Hot 200
September 9, 1970 ~ André Weston, commonly known as hip-hop, hardcore hip-hop MC Dray, born ~ Formed the hip-hop duo Das EFX with Skoob, praised for their lyrical delivery and socially conscious topics. Well known songs include They Want EFX, Mic Checka, Straight Out The Sewer, Freakit and Microphone Master, the latter featuring Mobb Deep
September 9, 1969 ~ Jazz pianist Cedric Haywood passed away ~ As a teenager, still in high school, played with Arnett Cobb. His first professional gig was with Chester Boone's band in 1934. Went on to play with Milt Larkin, whose line-up at the time included Illinois Jacquet, Tom Archia and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. Haywood also played with Floyd Ray, Lionel Hampton, Sidney Bechet, Saunders King, Cal Tjader, Kid Ory, Brew Moore, and with Lightnin' Hopkins ~ Haywood was born in 1914
September 9, 1969 ~ Vincent Edwards, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap rapper CPO Boss Hogg, born in Compton, California ~ Influenced by George Clinton, Prince, Barry White, Michael Jackson, Chuck D, KRS One, LL Cool J. Formed Capitol Punishment Organization with DJ Train, known for their sole To Hell And Back album released in 1990. Has since guested on recordings by NWA, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur (Picture Me Rollin'), E-A-Ski, Warren G, and Tha Chill ~ Edwards passed away in 2022
September 9, 1968 ~ Saxophonist David Sánchez born in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday. First gained attention in the early-1990s backing Dizzy Gillespie, who became Sanchez' mentor. Would go on to work with Slide Hampton, Charlie Sepulveda, Roy Hargrove, Kenny Drew Jr, Ryan Kisor, Danilo Pérez, Hilton Ruiz, Miguel Zenón, Ray Barretto, Kenny Barron, Charlie Haden, Lalo Schifrin, and others
September 9, 1968 ~ Alternative rock singer Edwin Ghazal born in Toronto, Canada ~ Lead singer of I Mother Earth through 1997, present on some of the band's best known including One More Astronaut and Another Sunday both taken of the band's 1996 Scenery And Fish sophomore album. Lead singer of supergroup Crash Karma, which also included Mike Turner, Jeff Burrows and Amir Epstein. Starting with Another Spin Around The Sun released in 1999 has also recorded as a solo artist, generally focusing on more pop-oriented, danceable songs
September 9, 1968 ~ Latin, Latin rock singer, guitarist, Lila Downs, full name Ana Lila Downs Sanchez, born in Tiaxiaco, Mexico ~ Debuted with the album Ofrenda in 1994, containing traditional songs as well as originals. Broke through nationally with 1999's La Sandunga, internationally with 2001's Border
September 9, 1965 ~ Actor, singer, comedian Charles Esten, full name Charles Esten Puskar III, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for his role as country singer Deacon Claynourne on the ABC/ CMT TV drama Nashville from 2012 which kickstarted a moderate musical career. Released a handful of singles from the TV series, two of which reached the Billboard Country top 40 in 2012, Undermine with Hayden Panettiere and No One Will Ever Love You with Connie Britton
September 9, 1964 ~ Pop, jazz, rock singer Cæcilie Norby born in Frederiksberg, Denmark ~ Daughter of classical composer Erik Norby and opera singer Solveig Lumholt. Co-founding member of Street Beat. Member of jazz-rock outfit Frontline. Worked with Nina Forsberg in One-Two. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Cæcilie Norby album in 1995 and has recorded steadily since
September 9, 1962 ~ Lo-fi, indie rock, alt-country, folk, southern gothic singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussion, producer, songwriter Mark Linkous, full name Frederick Mark Linkous, born in Arlington, Virginia, USA ~ Fronted Sparklehorse. Also worked with Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Daniel Johnston, Radiohead, Frank Black, Julian Casablancas, Danger Mouse, the Dancing Hoods, and Sage Francis ~ Linkous passed away in 2010
September 9, 1962 ~ Doie Hensley Owens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Tex Owens, passed away in New Baden, Texas, USA ~ Owens wrote over 100 songs, but is best remembered for penning Cattle Call. The song would be recorded by himself in 1934, to little success, and be popularized about a decade later by Eddy Arnold. The song has since gone on to become a country standard, covered by numerous artists. Inspiration for the song came to Owens, while in Kansas City, Oklahoma, watching the snow fall: “Watching the snow, my sympathy went out to cattle everywhere, and I just wished I could call them all around me and break some corn over a wagon wheel and feed them. That's when the words ‘cattle call’ came to my mind. I picked up my guitar, and in thirty minutes I had written the music and four verses to the song” ~ Owens was born in 1892
September 9, 1960 ~ Stefano Righi, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, songwriter Johnson Righeira, born in Turin, Italy ~ Formed the duo Righeira with Michael Righeira, known best for Vamos A La Playa of their 1983 eponymous Righeira debut album. The single would reach top 10 across Europe and to this day is still regarded as one of the classic Italo disco recordings. Both the 1985 non-album single L'Estate Sta Finendo and Innamoratissimo of their 1986 Bambini Forever would also reach top 10 in their native Italy
September 9, 1959 ~ Pop, dance, electronic guitarist, percussionist, film composer Eric Serra born in Saint-Mandé, France ~ Son of songwriter Claude Serra. Best known as a film composer, closely associated with director Luc Besson scoring most of the latter's films starting with 1983's Le Dernier Combat. Internationally best known for writing most of the soundtrack for the 1995 GoldenEye Bond soundtrack
September 9, 1958 ~ Bluegrass singer, guitarist James King, full name James Elroy King, born in Martinsville, Virginia, USA ~ Dubbed “the Bluegrass Storyteller” by Tom T Hall for his ability to infuse his story songs with emotion and authenticity. First gained attention working with the Stanley Brothers, appearing on the albums Stanley Brothers Classics and Reunion With George Shuffler. Recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with It's A Cold Cold World released in 1989 ~ King passed away in 2016
September 9, 1953 ~ Punk rock singer, songwriter, author Giovanni Lindo Ferretti born in Cerreto Alpi, Italy ~ Considered one of the founders of Italian punk rock. Known for his radical left political views. Co-founded the highly influential CCCP Fedeli Alla Linea with Massimo Zamboni in 1982, leaving behind the established idea of punk rock, drawing from rock, industrial music, folk, world music, electropop and chamber music. Also fronted Consorzion Suonatori Indipendenti which also included Zamboni, fronted Per Grazia Ricevuta, and recorded as a solo artist
September 9, 1952 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer, producer, songwriter Dave Stewart, full name David Allan Stewart, born in Sunderland, UK ~ Rose to fame as half of Eurythmics, the other half being singer Annie Lennox, known for hits such as Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Love Is A Stranger, Who's That Girl, Here Comes The Rain Again, There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), Thorn In My Side and I Saved The World Today. After the band disbanded would go on to become an acclaimed solo artist, notably with his backing unit the Spiritual Cowboys, and in-demand collaborator and producer. Has worked with Terry Hall, Candy Dulfer, Paul McCartney, Bono, Stevie Nicks, Martina McBride, Superheavy, Jon Stevens, and others
September 9, 1952 ~ Krautrock, electronic, minimalistic, ambient, experimental guitarist, songwriter Manuel Göttsching born in Berlin, West Germany ~ One of the most influential krautrock guitarists. Best known as leader of Ash Ra Tempel, co-founded with Klaus Schulze. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1972 Schwingungen sophomore album. After the group disbanded by the mid-1970s Göttsching recorded as a solo artist and with Ashra ~ Göttsching passed away in 2022
September 9, 1951 ~ Actor, singer Tom Wopat, full name Thomas Steven Wopat, born in Lodi, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known for the role of Luke in the TV series The Dukes Of Hazzard. Enjoyed moderate success on the country charts in the late-1980s with singles such as The Rock & Roll Of Love, Put Me Out Of My Misery, and A Little Bit Closer
September 9, 1950 ~ Experimental composer Christopher Hobbs born in Hillingdon, UK ~ Pioneering experimental composer. Member of AMM, present on the albums The Crypt and Laminal. Has also worked with the Scratch Orchestra, for whom he wrote Voicepiece which is considered a classic in the genre. Co-founded the Promenade Theater Orchestra, a group specialising in music for toy pianos and reed organs
September 9, 1950 ~ Rock, country, blues, jazz guitarist, dobroist, banjoist, mandolinist, violinist, cellist, singer John McFee born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ Founding member of Clover, best known for their 1977 Unavailable album. In-demand session musician from the early-1970s onward, present on albums by Janey & Dennis, Boz Scaggs (Moments), Van Morrison (Tupelo Honey), Norman Greenbaum, the Grateful Dead, the Steve Miller Band (Fly Like An Eagle), Bill Wyman, Norton Buffalo, Elvis Costello (My Aim Is True), Nick Lowe, Nicolette Larson, Emmylou Harris, and Southern Pacific. Joined the Doobie Brothers as a full member by the end of the 1970s, first appearing on their 1980 One Step Closer album for which McFee also co-wrote the title track with Keith Knudsen and Carlene Carter
September 9, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter Jean-Paul Cara born in Montpellier, France ~ Along with Joe Gracy wrote Marie Myriam's L'Oiseau Et L'Enfant, 1977 Eurovision Songfestival winner. Cara also co-wrote Catherine Ferry's Un Deux Trois that came in second place the previous year
September 9, 1947 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Freddy Weller born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Paul Revere & the Raiders, also penning the band's 1969 hit We Gotta All Get Together. Also backed Billy Joe Royal and Joe South. As a solo artist best known for Games People Play, Promised Land, and Indian Lake. Co-wrote Dizzy and Jam Up & Jelly Tight, both hits for Tommy Roe
September 9, 1947 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter, composer Morris Pert, full name Morris David Brough Pert, born in Arbroath, UK ~ Worked in jazz-rock, as a session musician, and as a contemporary classical composer composing symphonies, choral music and sonic landscapes. As a composer cites Arne Nordheim, Karlheinz Stockhausen and Iannis Xenakis as influences. Has worked with Stomu Yamashta, Isotope, Brand X, Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Williams, Kate Bush (The Kick Inside), Elkie Brooks, Chris De Burgh, Mike Oldfield (QE2), Marianne Faithfull (Broken English), Peter Gabriel, Jon Anderson, Elvis Costello (Punch The Clock), John Martyn, Bryan Ferry, Talk Talk (It's My Life), Rod Argent, Lucio Battisti, Colin Blunstone, Donovan, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Alexis Korner, and others ~ Pert passed away in 2010
September 9, 1946 ~ Keyboardist, organist, singer Doug Ingle, full name Douglas Lloyd ingle, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Co-founding member, organist, lead singer, primary songwriter of Iron Butterfly. The band is best known for their 1968 hit In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, the title a slurred pronounciation of “in the Garden of Eden”. The 17-minute album version, which became a rock classic, came about by accident. In order to set his levels at the start of the recording session, engineer Don Casale asked the band to jam through a practice run. They kept on jamming for 17 minutes, not knowing that Casale had already hit the “record” button. That first practice run ended up being the master take and made it to the album of the same name. A shortened version would be released as a single, and make it to No.30, their highest-charting of four singles to reach the Billboard Hot 100. The band broke up in 1971, and has been reincarnated with various line-ups since but to considerable lesser success and no new recordings since 1975. The classic line-up will however forever be remembered for their epic 17-minute In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, providing a dramatic sound which helped pave the way for hard rock and heavy metal ~ Ingle passed away in 2024
September 9, 1946 ~ Rock & roll, pop singer, guitarist Jim Keays born in Glasgow, UK ~ Fronted rock, rock & roll outfit Masters Apprentices from 1965 until its disbandement in 1972. The band is best known for songs such as Undecided, 5:10 Man, Think About Tomorrow Today, Turn Up Your Radio and Because I Love You, all of which reached top 20 in their native Australia. The band also launched the career of bassist Glenn Wheatley, who found later succes as a talent manager for the Little River Band and John Farnham ~ Keays passed away in 2014
September 9, 1946 ~ Peter Leslie Rowney, commonly known as drummer Pete Gavin, born in Lewisham, UK ~ Member of Bluesology during the mid-1960s. Member of Heads Hands & Feet, best known for their 1971 Tracks sophomore album. Briefly a member of Vinegar Joe in 1973 and 1974
September 9, 1945 ~ Dione LaRue, commonly known as R&B singer Dee Dee Sharp, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the early-1960s. Sang backup for the likes of Lloyd Price, Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Jackie Wilson. As a solo artist known for a number of 1960s R&B hits, notably Mashed Potato Time, Gravy For My Mashed Potatoes, Ride and Do The Bird. Enjoyed a brief resurgence during the disco era scoring a moderate hit with her 10cc-cover I'm Not In Love. Member of the Philadelphia International All-Stars, including on their best known Let's Clean Up The Ghetto. Married to producer Kenny Gamble from 1967 to 1980
September 9, 1944 ~ Jiri Mraz, commonly known as jazz bassist, saxophonist George Mraz, born in Pisek, Czechoslovakia ~ Leader, co-leader and sideman. Perhaps best known as a member of the New York Jazz Quartet from the mid-1970s through the early-1980s, including on the acclaimed Blues For Sarka album. Also worked extensively with Oscar Peterson, Pepper Adams, Roland Hanna, Tommy Flanagan, John Abercrombie, and with Toshiko Akiyoshi ~ Mraz passed away in 2021
September 9, 1942 ~ Singer Inez Foxx born in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Half of R&B, soul duo Inez & Charlie Foxx, best known for their hit single Mockingbird which reached the Billboard top 10 in 1963
September 9, 1942 ~ Singer Luther Simmons Jr born in New York, New York, USA ~ Original member of R&B, soul outfit Main Ingredient, remaining with the band through the mid-1970s, reuniting in later years. Present on the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Everybody Plays The Fool and Just Don't Want To Be Lonely. Songs such as [title-main-ingredient-im-so-proud], Black Seeds Keep On Growing, [title-main-ingredient-youve-got-to-take-it-if-you-want-it], and [title-main-ingredient-happiness-is-just-around-the-bend] also did well on the Billboard R&B charts ~ Simmons passed away in 2016
September 9, 1942 ~ Producer, arranger Raymond Donnez born ~ Cult hero among Eurodisco fans. Played keys on several Cerrone tracks including on Love In C-Minor. Produced Santa Esmeralda's hit cover Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. Served as conductor for Eurovision Songfestival in 1974, 1976 and 1977 ~ Donnez passed away in 2019
September 9, 1942 ~ Pianist, composer William Murdoch, full name William David Murdoch, passed away in Holmbury St Mary, UK ~ Known for his sparkling technique. By the mid-1910s considered one of the finest interpreters of Frédéric Chopin and Claude Debussy. Participated in the premieres of Edward Elgar's Violin Sonata In E Minor and Piano Quintet In A Minor. Formed the Chamber Music Players with Albert Sammons, Lauri Kennedy, and Lionel Tertis ~ Murdoch was born in 1888
September 9, 1941 ~ Raymond Leslie Howard, commonly known as blues, rock & roll singer Duffy Power, born in Fulham, UK ~ Discovered by impresario Larry Parnes in the late-1950s, who also managed artist such as Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, Vince Eager, and Georgie Fame. Power would enjoy moderate success, initially with covers of American pop songs before emerging himself in the growing London blues scene. Noted for teaming up with Graham Bond, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and John McLaughlin, recording a cover of I Saw Her Standing There in 1963, one of the first covers of any song by the Beatles. Especially acclaimed for his 1970 Innovations album ~ Howard passed away in 2014
September 9, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter Otis Redding, full name Otis Ray Redding Jr, born in Dawson, Georgia, USA ~ Pivotal R&B, soul singer. Quit school at age 15 to join Little Richard's backing unit the Upsetters. Has also worked as a backup singer and driver with Johnny Jenkins' band the Pinetoppers when an unscheduled improptu session at Stax led to a contract resulting in his 1962 debut single, These Arms Of Mine, and a full-length debut album, Pain In My Heart, two years later. Would record half a dozen albums over the next few years, tour Europe and regularly reach the higher echelons of the R&B charts before his untimely death in a plane crash in 1967. At the time of his death Redding was on the verge of breaking through to mainstream audiences. His post-humously released single, (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay, recorded just days before his death, would earn him his first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 ~ Redding passed away in 1967
September 9, 1940 ~ Jose Negroni, commonly known as rock & roll, doo-wop singer Joe Negroni, born 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 passed away in 1978
September 9, 1929 ~ Singer, songwriter Claude Nougaro born in Toulouse, France ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Marcel Amont (Le Balayeur Du Roi), Philippe Clay (La Sentinelle), Edith Piaf (Mephisto). Debuted as a solo singer in the early-1960s, immediately rising to fame with songs such as Une Petite Fille and Cécile Ma Fille. Would continue to record to critical acclaim and commercial success well into the 1990s ~ Nougaro passed away in 2004
September 9, 1927 ~ Modal jazz, avant-garde, hard bop, post-bop drummer Elvin Jones born in Pontiac, Michigan, USA ~ Brother of pianist Hank Jones and trumpeter Thad Jones. Considered one of the premier jazz drummers of the post-bop era, bridging the gap between hard bop and avant-garde. Influential on rock drummers such as Jimi Hendrix-drummer Mitch Mitchell, Cream's Ginger Baker, the Doors' John Densmore, and Sleater-Kinney's Janet Weiss. As a leader especially acclaimed for the late-1960s albums The Ultimate Elvin Jones and Poly-Currents. As a sideman has backed artists such as Miles Davis, Charles Mingus (Pithecanthropus Erectus), Sonny Rollins, Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lee Konitz, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter (Night Dreamer), Grant Green (Talkin' About), John Coltrane (A Love Supreme), Bob Brookmeyer, Freddie Hubbard (Blue Spirits), Jaki Byard, Ornette Coleman, and Chico Freeman (Beyond The Rain) ~ Jones passed away in 2004
September 9, 1926 ~ R&B singer Jake Carey born in Pulaski, Virginia, USA ~ Member of the Flamingos, which also included his cousin Zeke Carey. The band is best known for their 1959 single I Only Have Eyes For You b/w Goodnight Sweetheart, a top 20 hit on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 in 1959. Previously the singles A Kiss From Your Lips and I'll Be Home, both released in 1956, reached top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts ~ Carey passed away in 1997
September 9, 1923 ~ Marcel Zannini, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, bandleader Marcel Zanini, born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Best known for Tu Vuex Ou Tu Veux Pas, an adaptation of Wilson Simonal's Nem Vem Que Não Tem. Worked with Léo Missir, Georges Arvanitas, Eddy Louiss, and others. Father of writer, painter, jazz guitarist Marc-Edouard Nabe, with whom he occasionally worked ~ Zannini passed away in 2023
September 9, 1906 ~ Blues pianist, composer Hershal Thomas born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Despite dying of food poisoning at a mere 19 years of age, Thomas left a huge imprint nevertheless. Boogie-woogie pianists Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis both cite Thomas as a major influence. His sister was Sippie Wallace and has recorded several of his compositions, including A Jealous Woman Like Me, A Man For Every Day Of The Week, I Feel Good, and Trouble Everywere I Roam. He recorded with King Oliver and Louis Armstrong ~ Thomas passed away in 1926
September 9, 1894 ~ Arthur Grossman, commonly known as lyricist, film producer Arthur Freed, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known as a film producer, awarded an Academy Award for 1951's An American In Paris and one for 1958's Gigi. Producer and co-lyricist for the 1952 Singing In The Rain musical comedy ~ Grossman passed away in 1973