This Day In Music: September 1
August 31 ~ Birthdays/All ~ September 2
 
September 1, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett passed away ~ Active since the early 1970s, recording to a devoted fanbase dubbed “parrotheads”. Known for his laidback island escapism lifestyle and witty lyrics as evidenced in songs such as Margaritaville, Changes In Latitudes Changes In Attitudes, Come Monday, Pencil Thin Mustache, A Pirate Looks At Forty and Cheeseburger In Paradise, often recorded with his backing unit the Coral Reefer Band ~ Buffett was born in 1946
September 1, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano Milka Stojanović passed away in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Debuted at the the Belgrade Opera at age 22 portraying the role of Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi's Un Ballo In Maschera. Would go on to become an in-demand international guest singer with appearances with the Graz Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Hamburg State Opera, amongst others ~ Stojanovic was born in 1937
September 1, 2023 ~ Hardcore punk guitarist Robert Becerra passed away ~ Member of the Stains, one of the earliest Los Angeles punk groups, founded in 1976. The band is considered influential on peers, merging elements from heavy metal into punk, and noted especially for their 1983 eponymous The Stains album. Becerra's guitar playing would serve as an inspiration for more well-known artists, perhaps most notably Black Flag's Greg Ginn ~ Becerra was born ca.1959
 
September 1, 2021 ~ Carol Augustus Anthony, commonly known as soul blues, swamp pop singer, pianist, songwriter Carol Fran, passed away ~ Known for a number of 1960s singles, notably a 1962 swamp pop version of The Great Pretender. Has worked with artists such as Guitar Slim, Nappy Brown, Lee Dorsey, Joe Tex. Resurged in the 1990s releasing a string of albums, often collaborating with her husband guitarist Clarence Hollimon, including the Soul Sensation album released in 1992 ~ Anthony was born in 1933
 
September 1, 2018 ~ Jazz, world fusion pianist Randy Weston, full name Randolph Edward Weston, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ A disciple of Thelonious Monk, also influenced by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. Closely associated with trombonist Melba Liston, a regular collaborator. Weston recorded some 50 albums as a leader or co-leader, and is particularly noted for Jazz A La Bohemia, Uhuru Afrika, and Tanjah. As a composer, Weston is perhaps best known for Hi-Fly, first recorded by Weston in 1958 and covered by numerous artists including Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, Eric Dolphy, and Dexter Gordon. Once described as America's African Musical Ambassador, Weston has been quoted as saying: “What I do I do because it's about teaching and informing everyone about our most natural cultural phenomenon. It's really about Africa and her music” ~ Weston was born in 1926
 
September 1, 2015 ~ Owen Castleman, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Boomer Castleman, passed away ~ As a solo artist known for the 1975 single Judy Mae. Toured with John Denver before Denver adopted the Denver monniker. Co-founded the Survivors with Michael Nesmith. Co-founded Lewis & Clarke Expedition with John London and Michael Martin Murphey. Wrote or co-wrote, often with Murphey, songs recorded by the Monkees (What Am I Doing Hangin' Around), Royal Guardsmen (The Airplane Song (My Airplane)), George Hamilton IV (West Texas Highway), Lyle Lovett, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and by Rusty Wier (Texas Morning). Backed Tammy Wynette, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, George Jones, Roy Clark, and others ~ Castleman was born in 1945
 
September 1, 2012 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Hal David, full name Harold Lane David, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as songwriting partner of Burt Bacharach on songs such as Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Don't Make Me Over and Walk On By (Dionne Warwick), What's New Pussycat (Tom Jones), (They Long To Be) Close To You (the Carpenters), One Less Bell To Answer (originally by Keely Smith, later a huge hit for the 5th Dimension), and The Look Of Love (Dusty Springfield). Also collaborated with other songwriters, Albert Hammond, Sherman Edwards, Paul Hampton, co-writing songs such as To All The Girls I've Loved Before (Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias), Broken-hearted Melody (Sarah Vaughan), and Sea Of Heartbreak (Don Gibson) ~ David was born in 1921
September 1, 2012 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, flutist Sean Bergin passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ During apartheid performed illegally with blacj musicians. Part of a large diaspora of South Africans to flee the country to find succes in Europe. Over a dozen albums as a leader, most acclaimed for the 1999 Copy Cat album. Sideman on recordings by the Abstract Truth, Burton Greene, Ernst Reijseger, the ICP Orchestra, Louis Moholo, Miriam Makeba, and the Dedication Orchestra ~ Bergin was born in 1948
 
September 1, 2008 ~ Jerry Reed Hubbard, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Jerry Reed, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Guitar Man, US Male, A Thing Called Love, Alabama Wild Man, Amos Moses, When You're Hot You're Hot, Lord Mr Ford, East Bound And Down, and others. Member of country supergroup Old Dogs, which also included Mel Tillis, Bobby Bare and Waylon Jennings ~ Reed was born in 1937
 
September 1, 2007 ~ James Reginald Riley, commonly known as jazz fusion, R&B percussionist Juma Santos, passed away ~ Enjoyed a career spanning four decades in jazz, fusion and R&B. Perhaps best known for touring with trumpeter Miles Davis for about a year and appearing on the seminal Bitches Brew jazz fusion album released in 1970. Other notable credits include Compost, Roy Ayers (He's Coming), Paul Pena, Andy Pratt (Andy Pratt), Larry Young, Michael Gibbs, David Sanborn, Chico Freeman, Freddie Hubbard, and Taj Mahal ~ Riley was born in 1948
 
September 1, 2005 ~ Guitarist RL Burnside passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Performed, albeit part-time, for most of his life but success eluded him until collaborations with Jon Spencer in the mid 1990s drew attention and brought his gritty, rough blues, blues-rock to new audiences. Started touring with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in 1995, both as an opening act and sitting in with the band. The collaborative A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey would be released the next year and lauded by critics, Billboard writing it “sounded no other blues album ever released” and gaining praise from musicians such as Bono and Iggy Pop. It turned out to be Burnside's big break. Subsequent albums would feature his rough blues-rock rooted in old blues styles such as rural blues, hill country, Delta and Chicago blues, but drawing from idioms as diverse as punk, techno, hip-hop and downtempo ~ Burnside was born in 1926
 
September 1, 2004 ~ Blues harpist, singer Raful Neal passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Bandmate of Buddy Guy in the Clouds. Critically acclaimed for a number of 1990s solo albums. Also worked with Tab Benoit and with the Hoodoo Kings. Nine of his ten children are also blues musicians, including singer Jackie Neal and guitarist Kenny Neal ~ Neal was born in 1936
 
September 1, 2002 ~ Sylvester Austin, commonly known as saxophonist Sil Austin, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Cites Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Sonny Stitt as major influences. Active since the 1940s. Has worked with Roy Eldridge, Cootie Williams and Tiny Bradshaw before setting out on his own, scoring jazzified hits of pop tunes such as Danny Boy, Slow Walk and My Mother's Eyes ~ Austin was born in 1929
 
September 1, 1997 ~ Soprano singer Natalya Rozhdestvesnkaya, full name Natalya Petrovna Rozhdestvenskaya, passed away ~ Long-time soloist for the Russian All-Union Radio radio station starting in the late 1920s, performing concert performances of operas, often conducted by her husband Nikolai Anosov. The couple's son is conductor Gennnady Rozhdestvensky ~ Rozhdestvenskaya was born in 1900
 
September 1, 1996 ~ Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, singer, actress, commonly known simply as Zendaya, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Former child model, backup dancer, Disney Channel actress. Released self-recorded singles Zwag It Out and Watch Me in 2011, the latter a collaboration with Bella Thorne. Her major-label debut followed with 2013's Replay, which reached No.40 US singles, and the eponymous album Zendaya, peaked at No.51 US albums chart. Currently best known as an actress in feature films
 
September 1, 1987 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, producer, engineer, songwriter Dann Hume born in Feilding, New Zealand ~ Member of Evermore alongside his brothers Peter Hume and Jon Hume. Has co-written songs such as Running, Light Surrounding You and It's Too Late. Has also served as producer and songwriter for artists such as Lisa Mitchell, Matt Corby (Telluric), Amy Shark (Weekends), Alpine, Troye Sivan, Sticky Fingers (Caress Your Soul), Tones And I and Kita Alexander
 
September 1, 1986 ~ All-female pop rock, power pop, paisley underground group the Bangles release Walk Like An Egyptian, lifted off their Different Light sophomore album ~ Songwriter Liam Sternberg was inspired when he watched people clumsily walking, trying to keep their balance on a ferry crossing the English Channel as they hit choppy waters. It reminded him of the depictions of human figures in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings, and he scribbled down the words “walk like an Egyptian” in his notebook. Sternberg recorded a demo version with singer Marti Jones, featuring percussion with kitchen implements. The song would first be offered to Toni Basil, who turned it down, and Lene Lovich, who recorded a demo version before taking a break from music. When a demo reached producer David Kahne, he took it to the Bangles, who recorded the song for their Different Light album. It would become the band's first Billboard Hot 100 No.1
September 1, 1986 ~ Adegbenga Adejumo, commonly known as dubstep, UK garage producer Benga, born in London, UK ~ Released his full-length Newstep debut album in 2006. Best known for songs such as Pour Your Love featuring Marlene and Forefather featuring Kano. Member of Magnetic Man alongside Skream and Artwork
 
September 1, 1985 ~ Country singer, songwriter Charlie Worsham born in Grenada, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Old Crow Medicine Show, member of Kingbilly. Toured with Taylor Swift. Opened for Miranda Lambert and Wade Bowen. Debuted in 2013 with the Rubberband album, featuring guest appearances by Vince Gill and Marty Stuart
 
September 1, 1984 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist Joe Trohman, full name Joseph Mark Trohman, born in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Fall Out Boy, known for songs such as Sugar We're Going Down, Dance Dance and This Ain't A Scene (It's An Arms Race). Also worked with the Damned Things, With Knives, and others
 
September 1, 1982 ~ Classical pianist Clifford Curzon, full name Clifford Michael Curzon, passed away in London, UK ~ Studied and taught at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Married to harpsichordist Lucille Wallace, with whom he adopted the two sons of soprano Maria Cebotari after she and her husband died. In-demand soloist, known for premiering works by Germaine Tailleferre, John Ireland, Alan Rawsthorne, and Lennox Berkeley. Recorded prolifically since the late 1930s, though highly self-critical Curzon would veto many of his recordings, some of which would be released after his death ~ Curzon was born in 1907
 
September 1, 1981 ~ Singer, bassist, actress Shinga Shoniwa, full name Shingai Elizebeth Maria Shoniwa, born in London, UK ~ Bassist of indie rock band the Noisettes, known for their 2009 hit Don't Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go). Also worked with artists such as Guillemots, Annie Lennox, Dennis Ferrer, and others
 
September 1, 1978 ~ Coralie Biolay, commonly known as singer Coralie Clément, born in Villefanche-sur-Saône, France ~ Influenced by Françoise Hardy, Jane Birkin, Serge Gainsbourg. Debuted in 2001 with the album Salle De Pas Pardus. Known for songs such as Dorénavant
 
September 1, 1977 ~ Singer Ethel Waters passed away in Chasworth, California, USA ~ 1920s blues singer known for recordings such as Stormy Weather, Taking A Chance On Love, Supper Time, Am I Blue, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, and others. Would go on to perform jazz, swing, pop and star in Broadway musicals ~ Waters was born in 1896
 
September 1, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter Angaleena Presley, full name Angaleena Loletta McCoy Presley, born in Beauty, Kentucky, USA ~ One third of the Pistol Annies, alongside Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe. Debuted as a solo artist with the American Middle Class album in 2014
September 1, 1976 ~ Scott Hoffman, commonly known as glam rock, alternative pop bassist, keyboardist, saxophonist, guitarist, banjoist, singer Babydaddy, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Scissor Sisters. Co-wrote Kylie Minogue's I Believe In You with bandmate Jake Shears. Has also served as producer and remixer for artists such as the Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, and Tinashe
 
September 1, 1974 ~ Singer, actor Filip Nikolic born in St Ouen, France ~ Actor, singer. Best known as lead singer of boy band 2BE3. Also a member of Ima Robot. Was in the process of making a solo debut album when he died at 35 of a heart attack induced by a fatal mix of sleeping pills ~ Nikolic passed away in 2009
 
September 1, 1970 ~ Alt-country singer, guitarist Brent Best born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Frontman of Slobberbone, acclaimed for their 2000 Everything You Thought Was Right Was Wrong Today album. The album included Gimme Back My Dog, referenced by fan Stephen King in his Black House novel
 
September 1, 1968 ~ Regina Aparecida Saraiva, commonly known as singer, dancer, actress Regina Queen Alcasid, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Enjoyed chart and club succes across Europe from the late 1990s through the early 2000s with a number of Eurodance hits including Killing Me Softly and perhaps her best-known Day By Day
 
September 1, 1964 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer Dave O'Higgins born in Birmingham, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, Michael Brecker, and others. Worked with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Jim Mullen, Martin Taylor, Sebastiaan de Krom, Geoff Gascoyne, Graham Harvey, Matt Bianco, Roadside Picnic, Trudy Kerr, US3, Matthew Herbert, Roisin Murphy, Kyle Eastwood, Nasio Fontaine, Jazzanova, and others
 
September 1, 1963 ~ Singer Carola Smit born in Volendam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as female lead of BZN from 1984, succeeding Anny Schilder, until the band's disbandement in 2007. Present on songs such as The Summertime, Amore, The Banjo Man and Wedding Bells. Released her eponymous Carola Smit debut album in 2008, spawning a modest local hit with With You (I'm In Heaven)
 
September 1, 1961 ~ James Oppenheim, commonly known as saxophonist, songwriter Boney James, born in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Acclaimed as one of the premier contemporary jazz artists. Heavily influenced by R&B, especially Motown and Grover Washington Jr. Well over a dozen albums to his name starting with 1992's Trust. Has had artists such as Raheem DeVaughn, Faith Evans, George Benson, George Duke, Dwele, Al Jarreau, Earth Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey, Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benét, Stokley Williams, Avery Sunshine, Kenny Lattimore and Angie Stone guest on his albums
 
September 1, 1959 ~ John Godfrey Knauff, commonly known as vaudeville singer, songwriter Jack Norworth, passed away in Laguna Beach, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Take Me Out To The Ball Game with Albert von Tilzer, first performed by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes. The song would become the anthem of North American baseball. Neither of the song's authors had actually ever been to a ball game ~ Knauff was born in 1879
 
September 1, 1957 ~ Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo Garcia, commonly known as Latin pop, dance-pop singer Gloria Estefan, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Fronted the Miami Sound Machine. Known for hits such as Conga, Anything For You, The Rhythm's Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, Get On Your Feet and Turn The Beat Around
 
September 1, 1956 ~ Bassist Essiet Essiet born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Worked with Famoudou Don Moye, Abdullah Ibrahim, Art Blakey, Marty Cook, Ralph Peterson Jr, George Adams, Ron Affiff, Kenny Barron, the Blue Note All-Stas, Paul Bollenback, Donald Brown, Bruce Cox, Kurt Elling, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Jim Hartog, David Hazeltine, Freddie Hubbard, Victor Jones, Joe Locke, Kevin Mahogany, Cedar Walton, Bobby Watson, George Cables, Vincent Herring, Frank Morgan, and others
September 1, 1956 ~ Jazz singer Hilde Hefte born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Debuted in 1999 with the critically acclaimed Round Chet's Midnight album. Has since recorded steadily, including collaborations with Jon Larsen, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Ola Kvernberg, Paul Weeden, and others
 
September 1, 1955 ~ Rock, punk rock, new wave, mod revival bassist Bruce Foxton, full name Bruce Douglas Foxton, born in Woking, UK ~ Rose to prominence as key member of the Jam alongside drummer Rick Buckler and singer Paul Weller, known for songs such as All Around The World, Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, The Eton Rifles, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and Beat Surrender. After the band disbanded has recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1984's Touch Sensitive, and has worked with the Casbah Club, Sharp and perhaps most notably Stiff Little Fingers
September 1, 1955 ~ Jazz, experimental rock keyboardist Wayne Horvitz born in New York, New York, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s New York Downtown scene. Married to singer, pianist Robin Holcomb, with whom he also collaborated. Founded the New York Composers Orchestra. Closely associated with John Zorn, including in the ensembles Naked City and Pigpen. As a leader especially acclaimed for the early 2000s albums American Bandstand and Forever. In-demand sideman and collaborator, present on albums by Elliott Sharp, Peter Kuhn, Bobby Previte, Bill Frisell, Marty Ehrlich, and Warne Marsh
 
September 1, 1953 ~ Donald Blackman, commonly known as jazz, funk, R&B, soul pianist, singer, songwriter Don Blackman, born in Jamaica, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his eponymous Don Blackman debut album released in 1982. Best known as an in-demand session musician, present on albums by Lenny White, Bernard Wright, Roy Ayers, Kurtis Blow, Najee, the World Saxophone Quartet, Sting (Brand New Day), and Wayman Tisdale ~ Blackman passed away in 2013
September 1, 1953 ~ Violinist Jacques Thibaud passed away inear Barcelonnette, France ~ Had to rebuild his technique after being injured in World War I. Noted for his performances as a soloist as well in small chamber ensembles, notably in a trio with Alfred Cortot and Pablo Casals. Has also toured with Yves Nat and George Enescu. Had 2nd Sonata For Solo Violin written especially for him by close friend Eugène Ysaÿe. Thibaud, his daughter-in-law, and pianist René Herbin were killed in the 1953 Air France Flight 178 plane crash ~ Thibaud was born in 1880
 
September 1, 1946 ~ Barry Alan Crompton Gibb, commonly known as singer, songwriter Barry Gibb, born in Douglas, Isle Of Man ~ Co-founding member of sibling outfit the Bee Gees, known for songs such as New York Mining Disaster 1941, Massachusetts, I Started A Joke, Lonely Days, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, Jive Talkin', You Should Be Dancing, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, Tragedy, and You Win Again
September 1, 1946 ~ Rock, hard rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Shalom Hanoch born in Kibbutz Mishmarot, Israel ~ Known as “the King of Israeli Rock”, having delivered some of the first Israeli rock albums especially in partnership with Arik Einstein. Has also worked with the High Windows, the Churchills, Shmulik Kraus, Josie Katz, Tamouz, and others
 
September 1, 1944 ~ Singer Archie Bell born in Henderson, Texas, USA ~ While still in junior high school formed the Drells, known especially for the hit Tighten Up. Has also released solo work and ventured into country music working with country producer Tommy Allsup
 
September 1, 1940 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Kimmel born ~ Worked with Linda Ronstadt, the Stone Poneys, Kenny Edwards, Shep Cooke, Kit Alderson, the Floating House Band, Doc Watson, Merle Watson, Jo Wilkinson, I Hear Voices, the 4 Corners, BK Special, and others
 
September 1, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter Alton Ellis, full name Alton Nehemiah Ellis, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Pivotal to development of rocksteady. Half of Alton & Eddy, the other half being Eddy Parkins, known for recordings such as Muriel, Lullabye Angel and I'm Never Gonna Cry. As a solo artist best known for the quintessential rocksteady songs Girl I've Got A Date, featuring Gladstone Anderson, Paul Douglas, Hux Brown, Lynn Tait and Al Jackson Jr, and for Rocksteady, the song that actually named the genre. Ellis also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Vincent Chin, John Holt, Duke Reid, Winston Jarrett, Tommy McCook, Lloyd Charmers, Phyllis Dillon, the Heptones, Bunny Lee, Keith Hudson, and Aspo ~ Ellis passed away in 2008
 
September 1, 1935 ~ Conductor Seiji Ozawa born in Mukden, Japan ~ Closely associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, serving as its music director for nearly three decades. Has also worked with the San Francisco Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and others
 
September 1, 1934 ~ Shirley Enid Avery, commonly known as jazz singer Teri Thornton, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Recorded a number of albums in the early 1960s only to fade from view by the end of the decade. Rediscovered in the late 1990s, which prompted the 1999 I'll Be Easy To Find album ~ Avery passed away in 2000
 
September 1, 1933 ~ Harold Lloyd Jenkins, commonly known as country, rock & roll, pop singer, songwriter Conway Twitty, born in Friar's Point, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for a string of duets with Loretta Lynn as well as his own hits including It's Only Make Believe, Next In Line, Hello Darlin', Lead Me On, You've Never Been This Far Before, and others ~ Twitty passed away in 1993
September 1, 1933 ~ Eugene Haire, commonly known as jazz pianist Gene Harris born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA ~ Blues and gospel infused jazz pianist. Member of the Three Sounds from 1956 through 1970, alongside Andy Simpkins and Bill Dowdy. Also worked with Ray Brown, Stanley Turrentine, Mickey Roker, Ron Escheté, Herb Ellis, Frank Wess, Jack McDuff, Ernie Watts, Red Holloway, Martin Drew, Nat Adderley, James Clay, Anita O'Day, Ernestine Anderson, Milt Jackson, Benny Carter, BB King, Marian McPartland, and others ~ Haire passed away in 2000
 
September 1, 1931 ~ Jazz hornist, bassist Willie Ruff, full name Willie Henry Ruff Jr, born in Sheffield, Alabama, USA ~ Half of longtime duo the Mitchell-Ruff Duo, the other half being pianist Dwike Mitchell. The duo has recorded well over a dozen albums and made history in 1959 when they became the first jazz act to play in the Soviet Union since World War II. Half of Pisano & Ruff, the other half being John Pisano. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Ruff has appeared on albums by Clifford Coultier, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Benny Golson, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, Leonard Cohen (Songs Of Leonard Cohen), Jimmy Smith, and Sonny Stitt. Ruff was also particularly known as a music scholar and teacher, graduating in 1954 from the Yale School of Music, New Haven, Connecticut, and serving as a professor at his alma mater from 1971 through 2017 ~ Ruff passed away in 2023
September 1, 1931 ~ R&B, gospel singer Zilla Mays, full name Zilla Florine Mays, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ As a singer known for a number of early 1950s R&B, gospel recordings, notably I'll Keep Singing My Song, If You Were On The Other Side, Seems Like You Just Don't Care, and Don't Take My Good Love Away. Best known as a radio host and community leader in Atlanta from the mid-1950s until her death four decades later, hosting a number of shows on WAOK ~ Mays passed away in 1995
 
September 1, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Grassella Oliphant born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Ahmad Jamal, Sarah Vaughan, Gloria Lynne, Shirley Scott, Harold Ousley, Bobby Hutcherson, Ray McKinney, John Patton, Grant Green, Clark Terry, Major Holley, Tony Scott, Herman Foster, Joe Kennedy Jr, and others ~ Oliphant passed away in 2017
 
September 1, 1925 ~ Arthur Edward Pepper Jr, commonly known as saxophonist Art Pepper, born in Gardena, California, USA ~ First gained attention backing Stan Kenton. Though early on his career was regularly interrupted serving several stints in prison on drug charges, Pepper overcame his addiction and would go on to become a leading figure in bop and cool jazz. Pepper has recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for albums such as Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section, Plus Eleven, and Intensity. An in-demand sideman, Pepper has appeared on albums by Shorty Rogers, Shelly Manne, Annie Ross, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Joe Morello (The Joe Morello Sextet), Marty Paich, Chet Baker, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Herb Ellis, Gerry Mulligan, Art Blakey, Barney Kessel (Some Like It Hot), Helen Humes, Buddy Rich, and Dizzy Gillespie ~ Pepper passed away in 1982
 
September 1, 1898 ~ Mary Ellen Reynolds, commonly known as dancer, actress, singer Marilyn Miller, born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most popular Broadway musical stars of the 1920s and 1930s. Rose to fame with her appearances in the 1918 Ziegfeld Follies and headlining the next year's edition playing the role of producer Florenz Ziegfeld Jr's wife. Rumored to be Ziegfeld's mistress, though this was never proven. Also known for roles in stage productions of Peter Pan, Sunny and Rosalie, becoming the highest-paid Broadway star by the late 1920s ~ Reynolds passed away in 1936
 
September 1, 1878 ~ Conductor, musical director Tullio Serafin born ~ Leading opera conductor known for reviving many 19th century bel canto operas by Vincenzo Bellini, Gioachino Rossini, and Gaetano Donizetti. Closely associated with La Scala, the Teatro Colón, and the Metropolitan Opera. Incremental to the careers of Rosa Ponselle, Magda Olivero, Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, and most notably Maria Callas ~ Serafin passed away in 1968