September 23, 2023 ~ Folk rock, sunshine pop percussionist, singer, songwriter Terry Kirkman, full name Terry Robert Kirkman, passed away in Montclair, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, percussionist, singer of the Association, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums and performed at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Kirkman wrote several of the band's best known including Enter The Young, Everything That Touches You, and perhaps their best known Cherish, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. The latter would be covered by over 40 artists including the Lettermen, the Four Tops, Petula Clark, Nina Simone, and Jodeci. Kirkman departed the band in late 1972, and rejoined by the late 1970s. Growing tired of touring Kirkman retired from music by the mid-1980s to work as an addictions counselor ~ Kirkman was born in 1939
September 23, 2021 ~ Alfred James Ellis, commonly known as saxophonist, songwriter Pee Wee Ellis, passed away ~ Key member of James Brown's backing band. Co-wrote several of Brown's classics including Cold Sweat (Part 1), Licking Stick Licking Stick (Part 1), and Mother Popcorn You've Got To Have A Mother For Me (Part 1) ~ Ellis was born in 1941
September 23, 2021 ~ Salsa percussionist, bandleader Roberto Roena, full name Roberto Roena Vázquez, passed away in Carolina, Puerto Rico ~ Original member of Cortijo & su Combo. Member of El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico. Formed and led El Apollo Sound since 1969, known for songs such as Y Tu Loco Loco, Traicion, Que Se Sepa and Herencia Rumbero and generally considered one of the premier salsa bands in Puerto Rico. Also known for his long-standing association with salsa supergroup the Fania All-Stars ~ Roena was born in 1940
September 23, 2021 ~ Eva Sue McKee, commonly known as pop, country singer Sue Thompson, passed away in Pahrump, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for her 1960s hits Sad Movies Make Me Cry, Norman and Paper Tiger. Also known as duet partner of Don Gibson in the 1970s, notably on songs such as I Think They Call It Love and Good Old Fashioned Country Love ~ McKee was born in 1925
September 23, 2020 ~ Sidney Selby, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer Guitar Crusher, passed away ~ Recording since the 1960s. Relocated to Germany in the 1980s, finding popularity across Europe playing clubs and festival across Europe with his backing unit the Midnight Rockers. Has worked with artists such as Katie Webster, Detroit Gary Wiggins, Alvin Lee, Benny Bailey, Thomm Jutz, and others ~ Selby was born in 1931
September 23, 2020 ~ Singer, actress Juliette Gréco passed away in Ramatuelle, France ~ Darling of intellectual circles in post-war France. Romantically involved with both Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. Debuted as a cabaret singer in the 1949 production of Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit. The song Michelle by the Beatles is said to be inspired by Gréco ~ Gréco was born in 1927
September 23, 2020 ~ Drummer WS Holland passed away in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Played with Carl Perkins, including on Blue Suede Shoes. Played with Johnny Cash as a member of Cash's backing bands the Tennessee Three, the Great Eighties Eight, and as a member of the Johnny Cash Show Band. Also drummed on the The Million Dollar Quartet sessions, backing Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Perkins and Cash ~ Holland was born in 1935
September 23, 2017 ~ Funk, soul, retro-soul singer Charles Bradley, full name Charles Edward Bradley, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Long remained in obscurity, mainly working as odd jobs while moonlighting as a James Brown-impersonator. Released his solo debut album No Time For Dreaming in 2011 to critical acclaim and recorded consistently until his death ~ Bradley was born in 1948
September 23, 2016 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Jerry Corbetta passed away ~ Co-founding member and frontman of Sugarloaf through 1978, known for hits such as Green-eyed Lady, co-written by Corbetta, and Don't Call Us (We'll Call You). Corbetta joined the Four Seasons at the tail end of the 1970s. He also co-wrote the Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson duet You're Looking Like Love To Me, co-wrote Eric Carmen's Come Back To My Love, and co-wrote Grace Jones's On Your Knees ~ Corbetta was born in 1947
September 23, 2007 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Gary Primich, full name Gary Alan Primich, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1995 Mr Freeze album. Member of the Mannish Boys alongside Jimmy Carl Black. Has also worked with Steve James, Omar & the Howlers, John Juke Logan, Marcia Ball, Ruthie Foster, Nick Curran, Jimmie Vaughan, and others ~ Primich was born in 1958
September 23, 2004 ~ Singer André Hazes, full name André Gerardus Hazes, passed away in Woerden, the Netherlands ~ Hugely popular since the 1980s, known for numerous hits that became part of the Dutch pop canon, including De Vlieger, Een Beetje Verliefd, Volare, Zij Gelooft In Mij (translated from Kenny Rogers' She Believes In Me), Eenzame Kerst, Bloed Zweet & Tranen, and numerous others ~ Hazes was born in 1951
September 23, 1996 ~ British pop rock outfit the Beautiful South release their Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) single ~ Lead single off the band's Blue Is The Colour album. Written by Paul Heaton in a Rotterdam, the Netherlands, bar where he didn't feel welcome, entering the bar around 3 o'clock in the afternoon after an all-night drinking binge. As Heaton told The Guardian: “I probably smelled, and I'd walked into their bar and plonked my bag down. They probably thought: “Oh God, we don't want this bloke to be our regular. Let’s make sure he never comes back.’ So they were trying to think of different excuses to move me on, like: ‘You can't sit there, there's a private party coming in.’ I got really pissed off, and I wrote a short story that became a very bitchy song, scribbling it down while sitting there.”
September 23, 1995 ~ Lawrence Laury, commonly known as boogie-woogie, blues, gospel, jazz pianist, singer Booker T Laury, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by Roosevelt Sykes, Sunnyland Slim, and Speckled Red. Although Laury performed for most of his adult life, playing clubs and coffeehouses in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri, often working with Mose Vinson and lifelong friend Memphis Slim, Laury did not release his Nothing But The Blues solo debut album until well into his sixties ~ Laury was born in 1914
September 23, 1994 ~ Disco, dance producer, DJ, remixer Walter Gibbons passed away ~ One of the most important club DJs, remixers of the 1970s and early 1980s. Influential on Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan. Early pioneer of beat-mixing. Among the first to incorporate elements of dub reggae into dance music.. Regular DJ at Manhattan club Galaxy 21. Produced and remixed Double Exposure's 12" Ten Percent, the first commercially available 12" ~ Gibbons was born in 1954
September 23, 1988 ~ Gabriel Alberto Azucena, commonly known as Christian rap, hip-hop singer, producer, songwriter Gawvi, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Active since the late 2000s. Staff producer with Reach Records. Regular collaborator of Lecrae and Trip Lee. As a recording artist best known for the singles In The Water, God Speed featuring Andy Mineo and KB, and Rock n Roll featuring ELHAE. Notably guested on the 116 Clique single Angels, released in 2016
September 23, 1984 ~ Alternative rock, post-grunge, country rock, folk jazz, blues rock guitarist, dobroist, banjoist, keyboardist, singer Will Knaak, full name William Carter Knaak, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by artists such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, Chuck Berry, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson. As a solo artist debuted with the album The Only Open Road in 2016. Lead guitarist for alternative rock outfit Blue October since 2018. In-demand sideman, working with artists such as Jon Wolfe, the Royal Souhern Brotherhood, Kacy Crowley, Johnny Solinger, Wade Bowen, and others
September 23, 1983 ~ Drummer, singer Ryan Seaman, full name Ryan Eric Seaman, born in Oxnard, California, USA ~ Best known as Falling In Reverse drummer. Half of I Don't Know How But They Found Me, the other half being Dallon Weekes. Has also worked with Icon For Hire, I Am Ghost, the Bigger Lights, the Brobecks, My Favorite Highway, and Aiden
September 23, 1982 ~ Actor, singer, songwriter Jimmy Wakely, full names James Clarence Wakely, passed away in Mission Hills, California, USA ~ One of the last singing cowboys. Appeared in over two dozen westerns, usually as a side act. Had his own comic book series. Known for songs such Lonesome Guitar, My Kind Of Country, Twilight On The Trail, I'm Sending You Red Roses, I Love You So Much It Hurts. Also known for a number of duets such ar Slippin' Around and Broken Down Merry-go-round with Margaret Whiting, and Beautiful Brown Eyes with Les Baxter ~ Wakely was born in 1914
September 23, 1981 ~ Singer, TV personality Natalie Horler, full name Natalie Christine Horler, born in Bonn, West Germany ~ Co-founding member of Cascada alongside DJ Manian and Yanou, known for songs such as Bad Boy, Miracle, Evacuate The Dancefloor, and perhaps their best-known Everytime We Touch, the latter also reaching the American top 10
September 23, 1981 ~ Singer, pianist, dancer Sam Costa, full name Samuel Gabriel Costa, passed away in London, UK ~ Popular singer, crooner during Britain's dance band era, comic actor on the 1940s, 1950s Much Binding In The Marsh radio show. Has worked with Bert Firman, Jack Jackson, Lew Stone, Harry Leader, Maurice Winnick, Jay Wilbur, and others. Would work as a radio host, DJ from the 1950 onwards ~ Costa was born in 1910
September 23, 1980 ~ Houston Gaff, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Houston Stackhouse, passed away in Helena, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by Blind Blake, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tommy Johnson, and Lonnie Johnson. Best known for his association with Robert Nighthawk, the Mississippi Sheiks, Robert Johnson, Charlie McCoy, Walter Vinson, Joe Willie Wilkins, Pinetop Perkins, Frank Frost, Boyd Gilmore, and others ~ Goff was born in 1910
September 23, 1978 ~ Guitarist, drummer, songwriter Benjamin Curtis born in Lawton, Oklahoma, USA ~ Brother of bassist Brandon Curtis. Influenced by Michael Rother, Yoshimi P-We and U2's the Edge. Co-founding member of acts such as Secret Machines, the School of Seven Bells and UFOFU. Drummer for Tripping Daisy from 1997 through 1999 ~ Curtis passed away in 2013
September 23, 1978 ~ New wave, pop rock outfit Blondie release their Parallel Lines album ~ The band had two albums under their belt working with producer Richard Gottehrer, which gave them some chart success, especially in the UK, but it would be Parallel Lines, the first of four consecutive albums with producer Mike Chapman, that elevated them to international pop stars. Gravitating more towards a slicker, fine-tuned pop format, while still maintaining their new wave roots, Parallel Lines would be the band's first to reach top 10 Billboard Hot 200 and top the UK charts. Two of the album's singles, Heart Of Glass and Sunday Girl, reached the No.1 spot in the UK, while the former also topped the American Billboard Hot 100
September 23, 1978 ~ Dominick Antron Wickliffe, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Crooked I, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, alongside Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". Debuted as a solo artist with the album Apex Predator in 2013. Has also worked with Statik Selektah, Frost Gamble, Bronze Nazareth, Luniz, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Ja Rule, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Yukmouth, Chamillionaire, French Montana, Busta Rhymes, Termanology, Cryptik Soul, and others
September 23, 1975 ~ Steven Howse, commonly known as rapper Layzie Bone, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Founding member of hip-hop group Bone-Thugz-n-Harmony, which also included Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, his cousin Wish Bone and his brother Flesh-n-Bone. The group would be discovered by NWA's Eazy E and release a debut EP in 1994 which spawned the hit Thuggish Ruggish Bone featuring Shatasha Williams. Subsequent hits included 1st Of Da Month, Tha Crossroads, Look Into My Eyes and I Tried featuring Akon. Layzie alo recorded as a solo artist, teamed up with bandmate Bizzy under the moniker the Bone Brothers, and collaborated with Big Sloan, Poetic Hustla'z, Gerald Levert, Fat Joe, TQ, Konishiki, Outlawz, Yukmouth, and others
September 23, 1974 ~ Alternative rock, hard rock singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist Franky Perez, full name Frank Xavier Perez, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Cuban-tinged rock drawing from blues, roots rock, 80s rock and pop. Best known as a solo artist, debuting in 2003 with the Poor Man's Son album which spawned the modest hit Something Crazy. Has recorded steadily since and is an in-demand collaborator and touring member for the likes of Scars On Broadway, Slash, Dave Kushner, Apocalyptica, and others
September 23, 1974 ~ Drummer Robbie McIntosh, full name Robert Broderick James McIntosh, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of funk, R&B, pop outfit the Average White Band. Also worked with Herbie Mann, the Senate, Mal & the Primitives, and the Oblivion Express ~ McIntosh was born in 1950
September 23, 1973 ~ Jermaine Dupri Mauldin, commonly known as producer, label founder, singer Jermaine Dupri, born in Asheville, North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Kris Kross, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jay-Z, Nelly, Monica, Migos, Da Brat, Xscape, Janet Jackson, TLC, Aretha Franklin, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, and others
September 23, 1970 ~ André Robert Raimbourg, commonly known as actor, singer André Bourvil, passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known as an actor closely associated with Louis De Funes. Also known as a singer with some 300 songs to his name, including La Tendresse, Salade De Fruits and La Tactique Du Gendarme ~ Raimbourg was born in 1917
September 23, 1970 ~ Angela Maria Difranco, commonly known as singer, songwriter, activist Ani DiFranco, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Cites Pete Seeger among her mentors. Has released over 20 albums, all on her own label. Plays folk-rock with influences from punk, gunk, hip-hop and jazz. Critically acclaimed. Known as a political activist and committed champion of various causes
September 23, 1968 ~ Folk, rock, pop singer, songwriter Cristina Donà born in Rho, Italy ~ Encouraged by indie rock singer Manuel Agnelli released her Tregua debut album to critical acclaim in 1997. Would soon open for the likes of Ben Harper and David Byrne. Had Canterbury icon Robert Wyatt arrange the track Goccia on her 1999 Nido sophomore album. Has continued to record to critical acclaim and admiration from peers since
September 23, 1966 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their British tour at the Royal Albert Hall, London, UK ~ The band played some two dozen shows through early October, starting in the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. The band come in to their own as they focus more on originals rather than covers, the set list including songs such as Paint It Black, Lady Jane, 19th Nervous Breakdown, and I Can't Get No Satisfaction, although they do still play the occasional cover such as Buddy Holly's Not Fade Away
September 23, 1965 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Barbara Ann at United Western Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Previously recorded by doo-wop outfit the Regents, whose 1961 single would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and later be used in the 1973 American Graffiti coming-of-age film. Written by Fred Fassert. Produced by Brian Wilson. Singer Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean, who would later also record the song, shares lead vocals with Wilson. Included on the 1965 Beach Boys Party album. Also issued as a single, b/w Girl Don't Tell Me
September 23, 1963 ~ Songwriter, music publisher Reg Connelly, full name Reginald John Connelly, passed away in Poole, UK ~ Frequent songwriting, music publishing partner of Jimmy Campbell, the pair at times publishing or writing music under the common moniker Irving King. The pair wrote or co-wrote a number of oft-covered 1920, 1930s songs including Show Me The Way To Go Home (the New Princes Toronto Band, the California Ramblers, Julie London), If I Had You (the Piccadilly Players, Ben Selvin, Art Tatum), Goodnight Sweetheart (the New Mayfair Dance Orchestra, Ruth Etting, Dean Martin, the Flamingos, Connie Francis), By The Fireside (Buddy Campbell, Vera Lynn, Jo Stafford), Try A Little Tenderness (Jack Payne, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding), and Just An Echo In The Valley (Bing Crosby, Ray Noble, Rudy Vallée) ~ Connelly was born in 1895
September 23, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist Steve Conte born ~ Active since the mid-1980s, serving as musical director, guitarist for Jill Jones, and sessioning for the likes of Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight. Founded blues outfit the Hudson River Rats, which also included his brother John Conte. Would go on to work with Peter Wolf, Maceo Parker, the Company Of Wolves, Yoko Kanno, Crown Jewels, the New York Dolls, and others
September 23, 1954 ~ Blues, alternative rock, grunge bassist John Baker Saunders, full name John Baker Saunders Jr, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Began as a blues bassist, working with traditional artists such as Hubert Sumlin and Sammy Fender. Member of the Walkabouts. Member of grunge rock supergroup Mad Season alongside Layne Staley, Mike McCready and Barrett Martin ~ Saunders passed away in 1999
September 23, 1952 ~ Country singer Hank Williams records Take These Chains From My Heart at Castle Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Hy Heath and Fred Rose, the latter also serving as producer. Recorded during Hank's final recording session before his untimely death. Backed by fiddler Tommy Jackson, steel guitarist Don Helms, lead guitarst Chet Atkins, rhythm guitarist Jack Shook and bassist Floyd Chance. Paired with Ramblin' Man on the flip side released as a single the next April. Also recorded Your Cheatin' Heart during the same session
September 23, 1950 ~ Jazz saxophonist George Garzone born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Fringe, Joe Lovano, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, Danilo Pérez, Rachel Z, Bob Weir, Ratdog, Don Alias, Kenny Barron, Dennis Chambers, Stanley Crowell, Anton Fig, Danny Gottlieb, Tom Harrell, Dave Holland, Dave Liebman, Cecil McBee, Bob Moses, Gary Peacock, Marvin Smith, Bill Stewart, Harvie Swartz, Lenny White, and others
September 23, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, harmonica player, songwriter Bruce Springsteen, full name Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen, born in Freehold, New Jersey, USA ~ Blue collar heartland rock, rock & roll singer known for his socially conscious lyrics and energetic, lengthy concerts often backed by the E Street Band. Sold over 150 million records, his commercially most successful albums probably being 1984's Born In The USA album and the 1986 3-album Live 1975-85 box set. Acclaimed for albums such as 1975's Born To Run, 1980's The River and 2002's The Rising. Known for songs such as 4th Of July Asbury Park (Sandy), Born To Run, Tenth Avenue Freeze-out, Hungry Heart, Dancing In The Dark, Born In The USA, Better Days, Streets Of Philadelphia, The Ghost Of Tom Joad, and others
September 23, 1949 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Kostas Tournas ~ Co-founding member of Poll, a pioneering Greek rock outfit known best for Anthrope Agapa (Ti Fotia Stamata) which is considered the first Greek anti-war protest song. As a solo artist acclaimed for his 1973 rock opera Aperanta Horafia, considered a landmark of Greek rock and and an act of resistance against the then-ruling military junta
September 23, 1948 ~ Guitarist Dan Toler, full name Daniel Lee Toler, born in Connersville, Indiana, USA ~ First gained attention as member of Dickey Betts & Great Southern, appearing on the albums Dickey Betts & Great Southern and Atlanta's Burning. Also a member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1979 through 1982, appearing on the albums Enlightened Rogues, Reach For The Sky and Brothers Of The Road. Has also worked with Gregg Allman, Mark Pettey, the Townsend Toler Band, the Renegades Of Southern Rock, Jason Black, and others ~ Toler passed away in 2013
September 23, 1948 ~ Percussionist Gasper Lawal born in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria ~ Known for merging Nigerian percussion with rock and jazz styles. Released a number of solo albums, starting with Ajomase released in 1980. In-demand session musician, appearing on recordings by the Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood, Joe Cocker, Stephen Stills, Elkie Brooks, the Pogues, Joan Armatrading, Eddy Grant, Vinegar Joe, Hugh Masekela, Elvin Jones, Clancy, Ginger Baker, Funkadelic, and others
September 23, 1947 ~ Pianist, songwriter, producer Don Grolnick born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader, sideman, in-demand session musician. Member of Steps Ahead and of Dreams, in both alongside Michael Brecker. Present on albums by John Scofield, Bonnie Raitt (Streetlights), Gato Barbieri, Harry Chapin, Bette Midler, Steely Dan (Aja), Marcus Miller, the Manhattan Transfer, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Roberta Flack (Blue Lights In The Basement), Chaka Khan, Ringo Starr, Paul Simon (One Trick Pony), Aaron Neville, and others ~ Grolnick passed away in 1996
September 23, 1947 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Jerry Corbetta born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Co-founding member and frontman of Sugarloaf through 1978, known for hits such as Green-eyed Lady, co-written by Corbetta, and Don't Call Us (We'll Call You). Corbetta joined the Four Seasons at the tail end of the 1970s. He also co-wrote the Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson duet You're Looking Like Love To Me, co-wrote Eric Carmen's Come Back To My Love, and co-wrote Grace Jones's On Your Knees ~ Corbetta passed away in 2016
September 23, 1947 ~ Drummer Neal Smith born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as drummer for Alice Cooper from 1967 through 1974, including on the breakout Love It To Death and subsequent hit albums Killer, School's Out, and Billion Dollar Babies. Split from Cooper with bandmates Michael Bruce and Dennis Dunaway to form the band Billion Dollar Babies, releasing one album, 1977's Billion Dollar Babies, while continously in a legal battle with Cooper over the use of the name. Is also one third of BDS, consisting of Joe Bouchard, Dunaway and Smith. Smith has guested on albums by Buck Dharma (Flat Out), the Plasmatics (Beyond The Valley Of 1984), Deadringer (Electrocution Of The Heart), Bruce Cameron (Midnight Daydream), and by the Hollywood Vampires (Hollywood Vampires)
September 23, 1947 ~ Country singer, gutarist, songwriter Pat Alger born in La Grange, Georgia, USA ~ Member of the Woodstock Mountain Revue, alongside Happy Traum, Artie Traum, Arlen Roth, and Maria Muldaur. Toured with the Everly Brothers. Backed Nanci Griffith and co-wrote several of her songs including Once In A Very Blue Moon and Lone Star State Of Mind. Also had his songs recorded by the likes of Kathy Mattea (Going Gone, She Came From Fort Worth), Hal Ketchum, Trisha Yearwood, Don Williams, Mark Collie, Peter Paul & Mary, Dolly Parton, Lyle Lovett, Brenda Lee, Crystal Gayle, and Garth Brooks (Unanswered Prayers, The Thunder Rolls)
September 23, 1945 ~ Singer, actor Paul Petersen born in Glendale, California, USA ~ A child actor himself on Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club at age 10, Petersen later founded the organization Minor Consideration following the suicide of Rusty Hamer to support child stars and other child laborers through legislation, education, personal intervention and counseling. Also a novelist with 16 books to his name
September 23, 1944 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Eric Bogle born in Peebles, UK ~ Influenced by Lonnie Donegan, Elvis Presley, Ewan MacColl. Best known for penning and first recording And The Band Played Waltzing Mathilda, later notably covered by June Tabor, Johnny McEvoy and the Dubliners, for No Man's Land (Green Fields Of France), covered by Iain Mackintosh and the Fureys, and for Leaving Nancy covered by Danny Doyle and the Clydesiders
September 23, 1943 ~ Singer Julio Iglesias, full name Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva, born in Madrid, Spain ~ One of the best-selling Spanish artists with over 100 million records sold worldwide. Recording since the late 1960s with well over three dozen albums to his name. Scored international hits working with Diana Ross (All Of You), the Beach Boys (The Air That I Breathe), Willie Nelson (To All The Girls I've Loved Before), Stevie Wonder (My Love), and others
September 23, 1943 ~ Pop rock bassist Steve Boone born ~ Member of 1960s pop rock outfit Lovin' Spoonful, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Do You Believe In Magic, You Didn't Have To Be So Nice, Daydream, Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind, Summer In The City and Rain On The Roof
September 23, 1943 ~ Twin brothers Wallace Scott and Walter Scott born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Original members of R&B group the Whispers, founded in 1963 and best known for the early 1980s hits And The Beat Goes On and It's A Love Thing
September 23, 1942 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock flutist Jeremy Steig born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the earliest jazz-rock flutists, and considered an outstanding soloist on practically the entire flute family. Recorded some two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for Flute Fever, This Is Jeremy Steig, and Mama Kuku. Composed the music for several animated adaptations of books written by his father, cartoonist William Steig. Performed the role of The Pied Piper, exclusively on flute, in the film Shrek Forever After, based on the character created by his father. As a sideman, Steig has worked with the likes of Sandy Hurvitz, Richie Havens, Johnny Winter, Yoko Ono, Eddie Palmieri, Hank Crawford, Urbie Green, Mike Mainieri, and Joe Henderson. For their 1994 single Sure Shot, the Beastie Boys would prominently sample Steig's song Howlin' For Judy ~ Steig passed away in 2016
September 23, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Tim Rose born in Washington DC, USA ~ Member of the Big 3, alongside Cass Elliott and James Hendricks. As a solo artist best known for his renditions of Morning Dew and Hey Joe. Most active in the 1960s and 1970s backed by sidemen such as Bob Bowers, Felix Pappalardi, alan Seidler, Tina Charles, Pierre Tibbs, BJ Cole, Colin Winston Fletcher, Micky Wynne, John Bonham, Les Podraza, Aynsley Dunbar, Alex Daomvsky, John McVie, Andy Summers, Eric Weissberg, Russ Kunkel, Randall Elliot, Pete Sears, Mike Baxter, Shelly Scot, Bob Zinner, Larry Knight, and others ~ Rose passed away in 2002
September 23, 1939 ~ Jerald Edward Kolbrak, commonly known as rock, country guitarist Jerry Cole, born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA ~ In-demand session musician, often uncredited, throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Has appeared on songs such as Mr Tambourine Man and I Knew I'd Want You by the Byrds, These Boots Are Made For Walkin' by Nancy Sinatra, and Kicks by Paul Revere & the Raiders. Appeared on the Beach Boys 1966 landmark album Pet Sounds. Co-founded Happy Tiger Records with Ray Ruff in 1969, best known for signing a post-Van Morrison Them. Cole also played on the band's 1969 eponymous Them album. Other collaborations included Lee Hazlewood, Roger McGuinn, Roger Miller, Gary Usher, and TG Sheppard ~ Kolbrak passed away in 2008
September 23, 1939 ~ Leroy Buchanan, commonly known as guitarist Roy Buchanan, born in Ozark, Kansas, USA ~ Never became a household name but held in the highest regard by peers and critics. Influential on Jimi Hendrix, Danny Gatton, Jerry Garcia, Nils Lofgren, Jeff Beck, the latter dedicating his Cause We've Ended As Love to Buchanan. Playing professionally since his teens, backing Johnny Otis at a mere age 15. Played on Dale Hawkins's My Babe. Member of Ronnie Hawkins's rock & roll unit the Hawks where he mentored Robbie Buchanan. As a solo artist actively recording since the early 1970s, noted in particular for his eponymous 1972 Roy Buchanan album and the 1975 Live Stock live album ~ Buchanan passed away in 1988
September 23, 1935 ~ Jazz, soul jazz pianist, singer, songwriter Les McCann, full name Leslie Coleman McCann, born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the early 1960s. Noted for his 1969 Swiss Movement album, which also featured saxophonist Eddie Harris and trumpeter Benny Bailey. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit Compared To What, later covered by over 250 artists including Roberta Flack. McCann also collaborated with Teddy Edwards, Richard Groove Holmes, Lou Rawls (Stormy Monday), Stanley Turrentine, Cash McCall, and Herbie Mann ~ McCann passed away in 2023
September 23, 1934 ~ Joseph Valery Jr, commonly known as electric blues singer, guitarist Little Joe Blue, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Encourage Me Baby, Don't Start Me Talking, How Could You Do It To Me and Dirty Work Going On. The latter would be covered by Magic Sam, Shakey Jake Harris and by Willie Kent & the Gents ~ Valery passed away in 1990
September 23, 1932 ~ Singer Travis Edmonson born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Considered a folk music pioneer, influential on later artists including notably the Kingston Trio. Member of folk quartet the Gateway Singers. Following his departure from the quartet in 1958 formed the duo Bud & Travis with Bud Dashiell, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums through the mid-1960s. Edmonson has also recorded as a solo artist ~ Edmonson passed away in 2009
September 23, 1931 ~ Recording engineer Joseph Tarsia born ~ Started his career in music in the early 1960s at Cameo Parkway Records, eventually becoming the label's chief engineer working with artists such as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, the Orlons, and others. Founded his own Sigma Sound recording studio in 1968, which would become home to numerous Philly soul artists including Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin, the O'Jays, and the Stylistics. His success led to opening more recording facilities, his client list including Stevie Wonder, BB King, David Bowie, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Billy Joel, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, and others ~ Tarsia passed away in 2022
September 23, 1930 ~ Jazz singer Irene Reid born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Tried for an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater and won the competition for five straight weeks. This led a a two-year stint at the Savoy Ballroom under the direction of Dick Vance, from 1948 to 1950. Sang with the Count Basie Orchestra in the early 1960s. Recorded her debut in 1965, Room For One More, with arrangements and conducting by Oliver Nelson and backed by the days best of the best including Charlie Mariano, Jerome Richardson, Phil Woods, Jerry Dodgion, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Jimmy Cleveland, Urbie Green, JJ Johnson, Kenny Burrell, Bob Cranshaw, Roger Kellaway, and Grady Tate. Reid would continue to perform and record well into the 2000s, ranging from a Broadway production of the musical Broadway Wiz to collaborations with Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, and BB King ~ Reid passed away in 2008
September 23, 1930 ~ Ray Charles Robinson, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Ray Charles, born in Albany, Georgia, USA ~ Hugely influential R&B, soul pianist. Influenced by Nat King Cole, Louis Jordan and Charles Brown. Pioneered soul by drawing from blues, jazz, R&B, pop and gospel music. Discovered Betty Carter. Discovered Stevie Wonder. Has recorded over 40 albums, starting with the eponymous Ray Charles in 1957. Especially acclaimed for the albums Ray Charles At Newport, The Genius of Ray Charles, and Modern Sounds In Country & Western Music. Well-known songs include I Got A Woman, What I'd Say (Part I & II), Hallelujah I Love Her So, Georgia On My Mind, Hit The Road Jack, One Mint Julep, and Unchain My Heart ~ Charles passed away in 2004
September 23, 1929 ~ Dorothy Rosalie Glaimo, commonly known as jazz drummer, singer Dottie Dodgion, born in Brea, California, USA ~ Sang with Charles Mingus as a teenager. Would go on to work with Carl Fontana, Benny Goodman, Marian McPartland, Eddie Gomez, Al Grey, Wild Bill Davison, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Ruby Braff, Joe Venuti, her husband Jerry Dodgion, Walter Norris, George Mraz, Melba Liston, George Wein, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Frank Wess, Jimmy Rowles, Carol Sloane, Pepper Adams, Tommy Flanagan, Roland Hanna, Sal Nistico, Herb Ellis, Chris White, Bob Cranshaw, Joe Newman, Harold Danko, and others
September 23, 1928 ~ Tenor, soprano saxophonist, flutist, arranger, composer Frank Foster born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association wth Count Basie. Has also worked with Frank Wess, Jimmy Smith, Pepper Adams, Lorez Alexandria, Elvin Jones, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Earl Coleman, Matthew Ge, Elmo Hope, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, Thelonious Monk, Woody Shaw, Cedar Walton, George Benson, and others ~ Foster passed away in 2011
September 23, 1928 ~ Jazz double bassist Michel Gaudry born in Eu, France ~ Worked with Michel Hausser, Billie Holiday, Quentin Jackson, Carmen McRae, Art Simmons, Elek Bacsik, Kenny Clarke, Sonny Criss, Stéphane Grappelli, Bud Powell, Stuff Smith, Billy Strayhorn, Jack Dieval, Gerald Badini, Jimmy Owens, Irvin Stokes, and other ~ Gaudry passed away in 2019
September 23, 1927 ~ Joseph Young Jr, commonly known as blues guitarist Mighty Joe Young, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Especially acclaimed for a handful of mid-1970s albums including Chicken Heads (1974) and the eponymous Mighty Joe Young (1976). Worked with Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Jimmy Rogers, Willie Dixon, Tyrone Davis, Jimmy Dawkins, and others ~ Young passed away in 1999
September 23, 1926 ~ Jazz bassist Jimmy Woode, full name James Bryant Woode, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Flip Phillips, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Nat Pierce, Sidney Bechet, Billie Holiday, Jaki Byard, Earl Hines, Jimmy Witherspoon, Clark Terry, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Kenny Clarke, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Art Farmer, Svend Asmussen, Mal Waldron, and others ~ Woode passed away in 2005
September 23, 1926 ~ Bebop, hard bop, free jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, full name John William Coltrane, born in Hamlet, USA ~ Pioneering jazz saxoponist. Present, either as a sideman or as a leader, on several albums considered pivotal to the development of jazz. Especially acclaimed for his 1958 Blue Train album, 1965 A Love Supreme album and 1966 Ascension album. Worked with Johnny Hodges, Elmo Hope, Miles Davis (Milestones, Kind Of Blue), Thelonious Monk (Monk's Music), Art Blakey, Cecil Taylor, Cannonball Adderley, and others ~ Coltrane passed away in 1967
September 23, 1915 ~ Flutist Julius Baker born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ One of the foremost American orchestral flute players. Student of William Kincaid. Baker played with several of America's premier orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and others ~ Baker passed away in 2003
September 23, 1912 ~ Jazz trombonist George Matthews born in Dominica, British West Indies ~ Worked with Tiny Bradshaw, Willie Bryant, Louis Armstrong, Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Erskine Hawkins, Lucille Dixon, Clark Terry, Cannonball Adderley, Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Lucky Millinder, Dicky Wells, and others ~ Matthews passed away in 1982
September 23, 1906 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist Sterling Bose born in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Joined Goldkette's Orchestra replacing Bix Beiderbecke in 1927, Also gigged under leaders such as Joe Haymes, Tommy Dorsey, Ray Noble, Benny Goodman, Lana Webster, Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Bobby Hackett, Bob Zurke, Jack Teagarden, Bud Freeman, George Brunies, Bobby Sherwood, Miff Mole, Art Hodes, Horace Heidt, and Tiny Hill. Led his own ensembles from 1948 onwards and eventually committed suicide in 1958 ~ Bose passed away in 1958
September 23, 1905 ~ Myron Carlton Bradshaw, commonly known as singer, pianist, drummer, bandleader, songwriter Tiny Bradshaw, born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for hits such as 1950s Well Oh Well and 1951's Train Kept A-Rolling, both important to the later development of rock & roll. The latter would be covered by the Johnny Burnette Trio, the Yardbirds, Aerosmith, and Motörhead. Also known for R&B songs such as Soft and Heavy Juice. As a bandleader Bradshaw nurtured the talents of then lesser known artists such as Sil Austin, Happy Caldwell, Shad Collins, Wild Bill Davis, Talib Dawud, Gil Fuller, Gigi Gryce, Big Nick Nicholas, Russell Procope, Red Prysock, Curly Russell, Calvin Shields, Sonny Stitt, Noble Watts, and Shadow Wilson ~ Bradshaw passed away in 1958
September 23, 1883 ~ Jazz trumpeter, clarinetist Wooden Joe Nicholas born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Buddy Bolden and Bunk Johnson. Noted for his loud volume and endurance. Worked with King Oliver, Raymond Burke, Louis Nelson, and founded and led the Camelia Brass Band. Nicholas has spent the entirety of his career in New Orleans, and is the uncle of clarinetist Albert Nicholas ~ Nicholas passed away in 1957
September 23, 1862 ~ Songwriter, lyricist James W Blake, full name James William Blake, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-writing The Sidewalks Of New York with Charles B Lawlor, music by Lawlor, lyrics by Blake. The song would be first recorded by Dan Quinn in 1895 and over the years covered by numerous artists including Vernon Dalhart, Paul Whiteman, Guy Lombardo, Nat King Cole, and others ~ Blake passed away in 1935
September 23, 1835 ~ Composer Vincenzo Bellini, full name Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini, passed away in Puteaux, France ~ Dubbed “the Swan of Catania”. Laid the groundwork for bel canto and hugely influential on later composers, most notably Giuseppe Verdi who praised the broad curves of his melodies. Best known for works such as Il Pirata, La Sonnambula, Anna Bolena, and perhaps his best-known I Puritani ~ Bellini was born in 1801