2026-09-20 · On this day
September 20 in Music History: Cannes Film Festival, Jim Croce, Yung Joc and 9 more
12 rock stories from September 20: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
1946: Cannes Film Festival
On September 20, 1946: The first Cannes Film Festival is held, having been delayed for seven years due to World War II.
The first Cannes Film Festival was held in 1946, after being delayed for seven years due to World War II. This inaugural event marked the beginning of a prestigious film festival that would go on to become a major platform for showcasing new films from around the world.
The Cannes Film Festival has since become a highly anticipated event in the film industry, with an invitation-only format that takes place annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France. Accredited by the FIAPF in 1951, the festival is considered one of the most esteemed film festivals globally, alongside other prominent events like the Venice and Berlin festivals.
1973: Jim Croce
On September 20, 1973: Singer Jim Croce, songwriter and musician Maury Muehleisen and four others die when their light aircraft crashes shortly after takeoff from Natchitoches Regional Airport in Louisiana.
Jim Croce was an American singer-songwriter who released five studio albums between 1966 and 1973. During this period, he took on various odd jobs to make ends meet while continuing to write and record music, as well as perform live. His partnership with songwriter and guitarist Maury Muehleisen in the early 1970s marked a turning point in his career.
Croce's breakthrough came in 1972 with the release of his third album, which produced three charting singles, including the hit song "Time in a Bottle." This song reached number one on the charts after his death.
1980: Yung Joc
On September 20, 1980: Yung Joc, American rapper
Yung Joc was born in 1980. He is an American rapper known for his debut single "It's Goin' Down," which reached the top three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2006. This song served as the lead single for his debut studio album, New Joc City, released the same year.
Yung Joc's music career continued with the release of his second studio album, Hustlenomics, in 2007. The album also reached the top three on the Billboard 200 chart, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. Additionally, he appeared as a guest artist on T-Pain's 2007 single "Buy U a Drank," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
1969: Patrick Pentland
On September 20, 1969: Patrick Pentland, Irish-Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Patrick Pentland was born in 1969. He is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, and is a member of the Canadian rock band Sloan.
Pentland is one of the band's two main singers, and he sings lead on a significant portion of their songs, including many of their singles on their third to fifth albums. He also provides back-up and harmony vocals on most of their other songs.
1969: Tim Rogers (musician)
On September 20, 1969: Tim Rogers, Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Tim Rogers was born in 1969. He is an Australian musician and actor, best known as the frontman of the rock band You Am I.
Rogers has released numerous albums with You Am I and as a solo artist, with a total of 17 albums to his name as of 2013.
1969: Ben Shepherd
On September 20, 1969: Ben Shepherd, American musician and songwriter
Ben Shepherd was born in 1969. He is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist of the rock band Soundgarden.
Ben Shepherd has been a key member of Soundgarden since the 1990s, contributing to the band's distinctive sound with his unique bass playing style.
1967: Nelson (duo)
On September 20, 1967: Gunnar Nelson, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Nelson is an American rock duo composed of twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the sons of Rick Nelson and Kristin Nelson. Born in 1967, the duo rose to fame in the early 1990s with their debut album After the Rain, which featured the hit single "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection".
Nelson's music career continued beyond their early success, with the duo releasing several albums and singles throughout the years.
1966: Nuno Bettencourt
On September 20, 1966: Nuno Bettencourt, Portuguese singer-songwriter and guitarist
Nuno Bettencourt was born in 1966. He is a Portuguese-American guitarist and singer-songwriter. Bettencourt gained recognition as the lead guitarist of the Boston rock band Extreme.
Bettencourt has pursued various musical endeavors beyond his work with Extreme. He has released a solo album and co-founded several rock bands, including Mourning Widows, DramaGods, and Satellite Party.
1957: Alannah Currie
On September 20, 1957: Alannah Currie, New Zealand singer-songwriter
Alannah Currie was born in 1957. She is a New Zealand singer-songwriter based in London.
Alannah Currie is a musician and activist, best known as a former member of the pop band Thompson Twins.
1948: Chuck Panozzo
On September 20, 1948: Chuck Panozzo, American bass player
Chuck Panozzo is a founding member of the rock band Styx, known for his work as a bass player. He was born in 1948.
As a co-founder of Styx, Panozzo has been an integral part of the band's sound and history. In recent years, he has shared bass duties with Terry Gowan, allowing him to continue contributing to the band while also managing his health.
1948: John Panozzo
On September 20, 1948: John Panozzo, American drummer (died 1996)
John Panozzo was born in 1948. He was an American drummer who gained recognition for his work with the rock band Styx.
John Panozzo's later career was marked by his long-standing position as the drummer for Styx, a role he held until his death in 1996.
1937: Monica Zetterlund
On September 20, 1937: Monica Zetterlund, Swedish actress and singer (died 2005)
Monica Zetterlund was born in 1937. She was a Swedish actress and singer who gained recognition for her unique voice and style. Her early life and career are not well-documented, but it is known that she began performing at a young age.
Monica Zetterlund's career spanned multiple decades, with her international breakthrough coming in the 1960s. She represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963 with the song "En gång i Stockholm", a jazz ballad that showcased her vocal talents. She went on to collaborate with renowned jazz pianist Bill Evans on the album "Waltz for Debby", further cementing her reputation as a skilled vocalist.