Died On This Date (October 9, 2011) Bill Brown / Popular New York Disc Jockey
themusicsover Bill Brown
August 15, 1942 – October 9, 2011
Bill Brown was a popular New York City disc jockey who could be heard on oldies station, WCBS-FM for over 30 years. Brown was just 15 when he began his radio career in Georgia during the mid ’60s, and by 1969, he was working at WCBS just as they were switching from an easy listening format to album rock. Finding that they couldn’t compete with the more popular WPLJ and WNEW, WCBS switched to an oldies format in 1972 and found its footing there. The station maintained solid ratings from that point on and Brown could be heard most days doing the popular mid-day shift until 2005 when the station unceremoniously switched to the jockless JACK-FM format. In all, he worked in radio for over 35 years. On October 9, 2011, Bill Brown passed away following a long illness. He was 69.
Roger Williams was a popular American pianist who released several hit instrumental records during the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Williams reportedly began playing the piano at age 3, and except for a break to give boxing a respectable shot during his late teens, Williams devoted his life to the instrument. After majoring in piano in college – which he was expelled from, Williams enlisted in the US Navy during World War II where he earned for his Bachelor’s degree. After being discharged, he went on to earn his Master’s, and then moved to New York City to study at famed music school, Julliard. It was while filling in one night for an absent performer on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, Williams was discovered and signed to Kapp Records. In 1955, he released “Autumn Leaves” which is still the only piano instrumental to ever reach #1 on the Billboard pop charts. The record went on to sell over 2 million copies. His next big hit came in 1966 with “Born Free,” the theme song to the popular motion picture of the same name. Other hits included “Near You,” “The Impossible Dream,” and “The Theme From Somewhere In Time.” Over a career that spanned more than 56 years, he released over 116 albums. Always a popular guest at the White House, Williams performed for nine different Presidents, beginning with Harry S. Truman. His last was at a 2008 luncheon hosted by Laura Bush. As reported by the 
David Hess was a singer, songwriter and actor whose writing credits include “Come Along” (
Piet Noordijk was a respected Dutch saxophonist who, over a career that stretched several decades played in both orchestras and big bands. The list of groups he played with includes the Skymasters, Malando, the Ramblers, and the Metropole Orchestra. In 1965, Noordijk was presented with the Boy Edgar Prize, the highest achievement for a Dutch jazz musician, and in 1987, he won the Bird Award which is also bestowed upon only the best in his field. He went on to win other awards as well. Over the course of his career, Noordijk is known to have played with the likes of 