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2026-09-29 · On this day

September 29 in Music History: Otis Rush, Josh Farro, City and Colour and 5 more

8 rock stories from September 29: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.

2018: Otis Rush

Otis Rush
Masahiro Sumori · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 2018: Otis Rush, American blues guitarist and singer (born 1934)

Otis Rush was a renowned American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, known for his distinctive guitar style that featured a slow-burning sound and long bent notes. His music was characterized by its unique qualities, which were similar to those of other notable 1950s artists such as Magic Sam and Buddy Guy.

Otis Rush passed away in 2018, marking the end of a long and influential career. His legacy as a West Side Chicago blues musician continued to inspire and influence many artists, including notable guitarists like Michael Bloomfield, Peter Green, and Eric Clapton, who were all shaped by his distinctive sound.

1987: Josh Farro

Josh Farro
John Athayde · CC BY 2.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1987: Josh Farro, American musician

Josh Farro was born in 1987. He is a musician and co-founder of the rock band Paramore, where he served as lead guitarist and backing vocalist.

Josh Farro left Paramore in 2010 and went on to pursue a solo career. He formed his own band, also named Farro, and released his debut solo album, Walkways, in 2016.

1980: City and Colour

City and Colour
Ralph Arvesen · CC BY 2.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1980: Dallas Green, Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist

Dallas Green, the artist known as City and Colour, was born in 1980. He is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has released music under this moniker.

City and Colour's debut full-length album, Sometimes, was released in 2005 and achieved platinum certification the following year. The artist began performing in small, intimate venues between tours with his post-hardcore band Alexisonfire, eventually establishing himself as a solo act.

1967: Brett Anderson

Brett Anderson
paulkhera · CC BY 3.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1967: Brett Anderson, English singer and songwriter

Brett Anderson was born in 1967. As the lead singer-songwriter and primary lyricist of the rock band Suede, he is known for his distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. His androgynous appearance in Suede's early years added to the band's unique image.

Brett Anderson has continued to work in the music industry since Suede's initial disbandment in 2003. He formed the band The Tears with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, releasing four solo albums that showcased his guitar and keyboard skills. Suede re-formed in 2010, and Anderson has since continued to record and tour with the band.

1948: Mark Farner

Mark Farner
Chris Muller · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1948: Mark Farner, American singer-songwriter and guitarist

Mark Farner was born in 1948. He is an American musician who was the original singer and guitarist of the rock band Grand Funk Railroad, which he co-founded in 1969.

Mark Farner went on to pursue a career as a contemporary Christian musician, continuing to perform and record music after his time with Grand Funk Railroad.

1944: Mike Post

Mike Post
POPDUST · CC BY 3.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1944: Mike Post, American composer and producer

Mike Post is an American composer and producer, born in 1944. He is known for his work on television theme music, creating iconic scores for numerous popular shows.

Mike Post's career has spanned multiple decades, with notable credits including Law & Order and its spin-offs, The White Shadow, and NYPD Blue, among others. He has received numerous awards for his work, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and five Grammy Awards.

1935: Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis
Thomas R Machnitzki · CC BY 3.0 · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1935: Jerry Lee Lewis, American singer-songwriter and pianist (died 2022)

Jerry Lee Lewis was born in 1935. He was an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his energetic stage presence and unique blend of country, rock and roll, and rockabilly music. Lewis's early recordings were made in the 1950s, with his first recordings taking place in 1952 at a studio in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Lewis's career spanned multiple decades, with his popularity peaking in the 1960s and 1970s. He achieved significant success with his country music recordings, including several chart-topping hits. His music style and energetic performances earned him the nickname "The Killer", and he was described as "rock 'n' roll's first great wild man".

1895: Clarence Ashley

Clarence Ashley
Johnson Brown · Public domain · Image source ↗

On September 29, 1895: Clarence Ashley, American singer, guitarist, and banjo player (died 1967)

Clarence Ashley was born in 1895. He began his music career performing at medicine shows in the Southern Appalachian region as early as 1911.

Ashley gained initial fame during the late 1920s as a solo recording artist and as a member of various string bands. He experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1960s folk revival, and spent the last years of his life performing at folk music concerts, including appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island.

SOURCES

Otis_Rush ↗Josh_Farro ↗City_and_Colour ↗Brett_Anderson ↗Mark_Farner ↗Mike_Post ↗Jerry_Lee_Lewis ↗Clarence_Ashley ↗