2026-09-27 · On this day
September 27 in Music History: Marty Balin, Cliff Burton, Jimmy McCulloch and 10 more
13 rock stories from September 27: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
2018: Marty Balin
On September 27, 2018: Marty Balin, American singer, co-founder of the band Jefferson Airplane (born 1942)
Marty Balin, American singer, co-founder of the band Jefferson Airplane (born 1942) This entry marks the documented death anniversary connected with Marty Balin.
Martyn Jerel Buchwald, known as Marty Balin, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as a member of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. Readers can follow the cited source for the full biographical and historical context behind this item.
1986: Cliff Burton
On September 27, 1986: Cliff Burton, American bass player and songwriter (born 1962)
Cliff Burton was a highly influential American bassist and songwriter who played a pivotal role in the thrash metal band Metallica from 1982 until his untimely death in 1986. His musicianship was widely respected by his peers and fans alike, and he is still remembered for his unique and innovative approach to the bass guitar.
Burton's untimely passing on September 27, 1986, occurred during a European tour with Metallica, and he was just 24 years old at the time.
1979: Jimmy McCulloch
On September 27, 1979: Jimmy McCulloch, Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist (born 1953)
Jimmy McCulloch was a Scottish musician who played lead guitar and bass, and provided backing and occasional lead vocals for Paul McCartney's band Wings from 1974 to 1977. He was also a member of several other notable bands, including One in a Million, Thunderclap Newman, and Stone the Crows.
Jimmy McCulloch passed away in 1979, marking the end of his life at the age of 26.
1984: Avril Lavigne
On September 27, 1984: Avril Lavigne, Canadian singer-songwriter, actress, and fashion designer
Avril Lavigne was born in 1984. She is a Canadian singer-songwriter, actress, and fashion designer. Her early life and career were marked by her unique voice and style, which blended elements of punk and pop music.
Avril Lavigne's music career has been notable for its impact on the early 2000s pop-punk scene. She has received numerous accolades, including multiple Juno Awards and Grammy Award nominations.
1982: Jon McLaughlin (musician)
On September 27, 1982: Jon McLaughlin, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Jon McLaughlin was born in 1982. He is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Indiana. His early career began with the release of his first EP, Industry, in February 2007, which was also known as Jon McL.
McLaughlin's music career continued to grow with the release of his debut album, Indiana, on May 1, 2007. His second album, OK Now, was released in 2008 and included the popular single "Beating My Heart".
1978: Brad Arnold
On September 27, 1978: Brad Arnold, American singer-songwriter (died 2026)
Brad Arnold was born in 1978. He was an American singer-songwriter who co-founded the rock band 3 Doors Down in 1996 with Todd Harrell and Matt Roberts, serving as its lead vocalist.
Brad Arnold's early life and career are marked by his songwriting talent, evident in the band's hit single "Kryptonite", which he wrote at the age of fifteen.
1974: Carrie Brownstein
On September 27, 1974: Carrie Brownstein, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress
Carrie Brownstein was born in 1974. She initially gained recognition as a member of the band Excuse 17. This early experience laid the groundwork for her future musical endeavors.
Brownstein went on to form the rock trio Sleater-Kinney, which became a prominent force in the music scene. Her work as a musician, actress, writer, director, and comedian has spanned multiple disciplines, showcasing her versatility and creative range.
1964: Stephan Jenkins
On September 27, 1964: Stephan Jenkins, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Stephan Jenkins was born in 1964. He began his music career in the early 1990s as part of the short-lived rap duo Puck and Natty, alongside Detroit rapper Herman Anthony Chunn.
Stephan Jenkins is the frontman of the alternative rock band Third Eye Blind, which he formed with guitarist Kevin Cadogan in 1993. The band released their debut album in 1997, which achieved multi-platinum status in the United States. Since then, Third Eye Blind has released numerous albums, earning Jenkins a Billboard Music Award and several California Music Awards.
1953: Greg Ham
On September 27, 1953: Greg Ham, Australian keyboard player, saxophonist and songwriter (died 2012)
Greg Ham was born in 1953. He was a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who played a key role in the Australian rock band Men at Work.
Greg Ham's later career was marked by his work with Men at Work, a band that achieved significant commercial success in the 1980s.
1947: Meat Loaf
On September 27, 1947: Meat Loaf, American singer-songwriter, producer, and actor (died 2022)
Meat Loaf was born in 1947. He was an American singer-songwriter, producer, and actor known for his powerful and wide-ranging voice. His live performances were often theatrical and highly energetic.
Meat Loaf's most successful album series is the Bat Out of Hell trilogy, which includes albums released in 1977, 1993, and 2006. The first album in the series, released in 1977, was a massive commercial success and stayed on the charts for over nine years.
1944: Angélica María
On September 27, 1944: Angélica María, American-born Mexican singer-songwriter and actress
Angélica María began her career as a child actress in films of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, including Pecado, Una mujer decente, and Mi esposa y la otra. Born in 1944, she was referred to as "La Novia de México" and quickly gained recognition for her roles in films and telenovelas.
As a singer, Angélica María rose to prominence in the 1960s, recording compositions by Armando Manzanero that established her as a popular artist. Her music career was marked by hit songs that blended rock and roll and pop ballads, including "El hombre de mi vida", "Reina y cenicienta", "Prohibido", and "El taconazo", which charted on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks.
1943: Randy Bachman
On September 27, 1943: Randy Bachman, Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Randy Bachman was born in 1943. He is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who was a founding member of the bands the Guess Who and Bachman–Turner Overdrive.
Bachman has had a successful solo career, releasing music and hosting a weekly music show on CBC Radio. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.
1942: Alvin Stardust
On September 27, 1942: Alvin Stardust, English singer and actor (died 2014)
Alvin Stardust, English singer and actor (died 2014) This entry marks the documented birthday connected with Alvin Stardust.
Bernard William Jewry, known professionally as Shane Fenton and later as Alvin Stardust, was an English rock singer and stage actor. Performing first as Shane Fenton in the 1960s, Jewry had a moderately successful career in the pre-Beatles era, hitting the UK top 40 with four singles in 1961–62. How Readers can follow the cited source for the full biographical and historical context behind this item.