- Sep 2 Tadeusz Baird, Polish composer (Four Essays; Psychodrama; Voices From Afar), co-founder of Warsaw Autumn festival, and educator, dies at 53
- Sep 3 Mary Jane DeZurik, American country singer and hillbilly yodeler (The Cackle Sisters - National Barn Dance, Grand Ole Opry), dies at 64
- Sep 6 Joseph Yasser, Russian-American composer, dies at 88
- Sep 9 Helen Humes, American jazz and blues singer (Harry James; Count Basie; "Million Dollar Secret"), dies of cancer at 68
- Sep 14 (Walter) "Furry" Lewis, American country blues guitarist and songwriter, dies of a heart attack at 88 (or 82) [year of birth disputed]
- Sep 14 Yasuji Kiyose, Japanese composer, dies at 81
- Sep 15 (Charles) "Chick" Bullock, American jazz and dance band vocalist (Chick Bullock and His Levee Loungers), dies at 82
- Sep 21 Tony Aubin, French composer (Actaeon; Sinfonie Romantique), conductor, and educator (Paris Conservatory, 1944-77), dies at 73
- Sep 22 Harry Warren, American composer and lyricist (b. 1893)
- Sep 30 Boyd Neel, English conductor (Story of an Orchestra), dies at 76