Born September 7

Alfa Anderson (1946–2024), legend of disco with Chic

Alfa Anderson was a singer best known for her work with the disco icons Chic, who created enduring dance hits with songs like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” 

John Brockington (1948–2023), Green Bay running back 

John Brockington was an All-Pro running back for the Green Bay Packers. In 1971, he broke the NFL rookie rushing record when he ran for 1,105 yards, and then became the first NFL player to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. He tallied 5,024 yards for the Packers in all, making him one of the team’s all-time running backs, and earning him a place in the Packers Hall of Fame. 

Rockne Freitas (1945–2022), first Native Hawaiian NFL All-Pro

Rockne Freitas was an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Joe Simon (1936–2021), Grammy-winning R&B singer

Joe Simon was an R&B singer known for hit singles including “The Chokin’ Kind,” “Power of Love,” and “Get Down, Get Down (Get on the Floor).”

Cliff Simon (1962–2021), actor who played Ba’al in “Stargate: SG-1”

Cliff Simon was a South African actor who played the villain Ba’al in “Stargate SG-1” for six seasons.

Mira Furlan (1955–2021), actress in “Babylon 5,” “Lost”

Mira Furlan was an actress best known for her roles on the TV shows “Babylon 5” and “Lost.”

Maida Heatter (1916–2019), "Queen of Cake" and cookbook author

Maida Heatter was the "Queen of Cake," a pastry chef and cookbook author known for her decadently sweet creations.

Richard Cole (1915–2019), last surviving member of World War II’s Doolittle Raiders

Co-pilot of the lead plane in the daring air raid on Japan.

Raymond Brown (1936–2017), Ole Miss Football star was Sugar Bowl MVP in 1958

Played for the Colts in the NFL and later practiced law…

Stanislav Petrov (1939–2017), "The man who saved the world"

Former Soviet military officer helped avert a nuclear war during the Cold War era.

Al Caiola (1920–2016), guitarist on Mrs. Robinson, Stand by Me

Versatile session guitarist who played the “Bonanza” theme.

Remembering Gangsta Rap Pioneer Eazy-E

When N.W.A.’s debut album, Straight Outta Compton , came out in 1988, it struck a nerve within the rap community and with young people of all stripes.

Grandma Moses: Glitter and Jam

It's been 50 years since Grandma Moses' death, but she still stands as a great inspiration for following your dreams, no matter your age...

Elia Kazan, Starmaker

In the 1950s and ‘60s, there were few better stepping stones to movie stardom than getting the attention of director Elia Kazan.