On This Day in Louisiana Music History

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History

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JANUARY 01
1884	Trumpeter, band leader, and legendary New Orleans trad jazz figure Oscar "Papa" Celestin was born in Napoleonville, Louisiana in 1884; Celestin led his first band at the Tuxedo Dance Hall from 1910 to 1913. He founded the Tuxedo Brass Band, co-led the Tuxedo Orchestra, and then formed Celestin's Tuxedo Jazz Band in 1925. He was featured at the Paddock Lounge during the late 1940's and early 50's, and he performed in Washington for President Eisenhower in 1953
1909	Late R&B drummer Judge Riley was born in New Orleans in 1909; Riley recorded with Big Bill Broonzy, Big Joe Williams, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, Sonny Boy Williamson, Roosevelt Sykes, and many others
1913	A young Louis Armstrong was sentenced to the Colored Waif's Home, one day after firing a pistol into the air in celebration of New Year's Eve
1942	Vocalist Tammy Lynn was born in New Orleans in 1942

JANUARY 02
1973	Blues piano player and vocalist Speckled Red (born Rufus Perryman in Monroe, LA) passed away in St. Louis, MO in 1973 at age 80
1980	50's rock & roller Larry Williams was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment in 1980 (at age 44). Williams, an apparent suicide victim, was a native of New Orleans. He worked with Roy Brown, Percy Mayfield and Lloyd Price prior to being signed by Art Rupe to his Specialty label in 1955. Williams had a string of hits in 1957-58 including "Short Fat Fannie", "Bony Maronie" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy"
1986	Multi-talented jazz prodigy Troy Andrews (aka Trombone Shorty) was born in New Orleans in 1986
2002	R&B saxophonist Robert "Catman" Caffrey passed away in New Orleans in 2002 at age 75; Caffrey played with Roy Brown, Guitar Slim, Earl King and Huey "Piano" Smith, among others; he was also a member of the Dew Drop Inn house band in the 1950's.

JANUARY 03
1902	Late trad jazz trombonist and bandleader Preston Jackson was born (James Preston McDonald) in New Orleans in 1902; Jackson moved to Chicago at age 14, and later worked with many transplanted New Orleans jazz greats including Richard M. Jones, Jimmy Noone, Johnny Dodds and Louis Armstrong; he eventually returned to New Orleans and was a regular at Preservation Hall in the 70's and 80's.
1928	Noted alto sax player and big band leader Al Belletto was born in New Orleans in 1928
1932	Late blues guitarist Ervin Charles was born January 3, 1932, in Port Barre, LA; the Texas blues slinger was featured on two tracks of the great "Lone Star Shootout" sessions; his lone solo album was released on Dialtone Records shortly after his passing in April, 2000.
1986	Atlanta based R&B singer Lloyd (Lloyd Polite Jr.) was born in New Orleans in 1986. Lloyd was member of the boy band N-Toon before going solo in 2004. He has released 4 solo albums, including the Gold certified "Street Love" (2007).
1988	Cajun fiddler Sady Courville passed away in Mamou, LA in 1988 at age 82; Courville worked with his brother-in-law and fellow Cajun fiddler Dennis McGee for many years
1991	The Neville Brothers performed on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1991 ("River of Life" and "Brother's Keeper").

JANUARY 4
1941	Noted jazz and R&B drummer David Lee, Jr. was born in New Orleans in 1941
1947	"Jole Blon" by legendary Cajun fiddler Harry Choates entered the Country Chart in 1947; the Cajun anthem, originally released on the Gold Band label, peaked at #4 during it's brief run on the chart
1957	Fats Domino recorded "I'm Walkin'" at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio in New Orleans in 1957; the classic Domino & Dave Bartholomew tune reached #4 on the Billboard Top 40 and topped the R&B Chart for 8 weeks; the tune was also a Top 10 hit for Ricky Nelson in 1957
1992	Popular 1930's jazz vocalist Teddy Grace passed away in La Mirada, CA in 1992 at age 86
2004	Rock legend and Kinks front-man Ray Davies was shot in the leg while chasing a pair of purse-snatchers near the French Quarter in 2004.
2005	Cajun fiddler and singer Shelton Manuel passed away Eunice, LA in 2005 at age 83. Manuel, who also played accordion, guitar, and drums, performed with J. B. Fuselier, Harry Choates, Chuck Guillory, Papa Cairo, Nathan Abshire, Lawrence Walker, Aldus Roger, Shirley Bergeron, and others.

JANUARY 5
1929	Swamp blues great Rockin' Tabby Thomas was born (Ernest Joseph Thomas) in Baton Rouge, LA in 1929. Tabby is the father of musician Chris Thomas King. He opened the Baton Rouge blues venue Tabby's Blues Box and Heritage Hall in 1979, but was forced to close down after suffering a stroke in 2004. Thomas has hosted a weekly blues show on Baton Rouge radio station WBRH FM since 1993.
1932	Late, great R&B vocalist Johnny Adams was born (Lathan John Adams) in New Orleans in 1932
1934	Cajun fiddler extraordinaire Rufus Thibodeaux was born in Ridge, LA in 1934. A prolific sideman, Thibodeaux recorded with Jimmy C. Newman, Bob Wills, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr. and Neil Young among many others. Thibodeaux passed away in Nashville in 2005. Read more.
1944	R&B and swamp pop singer Lil' Alfred was born (Alfred Babino) in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1944. Babino had a regional hit with "Walking Down the Aisle" in 1960 (which he recorded at age 16). He later performed with Cookie and the Cupcakes, the Boogie Kings, and others. His only solo album, "Dealin' With the Feelin'", was released in 1996 on Jin Records. Babino passed away in 2006.
1952	"Wondering" by Webb Pierce entered the Country charts in 1952; it would become the first of Pierce's 13 #1 singles between 1952 and 1957
1996	R&B singer Danny White passed away in Capitol Heights, MD in 1996 at age 64. The New Orleans native led the popular group Danny White and the Cavaliers and had local hits in the 1960's with "Loan Me Your Handkerchief" and "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" (produced by Wardell Quezergue for Frisco Records). He also recorded with Huey 'Piano' Smith & The Clowns (see Danny White discography).
2004	Pop star Britney Spears' marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander was annulled in Las Vegas in 2004; the pair were married for a grand total of 55 hours; see timeline.

JANUARY 6
1982	Drummer, composer and educator Simon Lott was born in Baton Rouge, LA
1994	Harry Connick Jr.'s album "When My Heart Finds Christmas" was certified Platinum (1 million units sold) by the RIAA on this day in 1994.

JANUARY 7
1908	Legendary trumpeter and bandleader Henry "Red" Allen was born in New Orleans (Algiers) in 1908; for for on Allen, check out his bio, "Ride, Red, Ride: The Life of Henry "Red" Allen", by John Chilton
1936	Noted guitarist (and author) Kenny Gill (Walter Kenneth Guillot) was born in Bunkie, Louisiana in 1936. Gill performed with a variety of country, pop and jazz artists, including Glen Campbell, Al Hirt and Governor Jimmy Davis. He also led his own group for many years. Gill passed away in Gonzales, LA in 2010 at age 74. (more)
1940	Rockabilly guitarist and vocalist Gene Terry was born (Terry Gene DeRouen) in Lafayette, LA in 1940; his bands Gene Terry & His Kool Kats ("Woman I Love", "Tip, Tap & Tell Me") and Gene Terry & The Down Beats ("Cindy Lou") were popular on the LA/Texas club circuit in the late 50's and early 60's
1967	The Aaron Neville classic "Tell It Like It Is" hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart on this day in 1967. The soulful ballad held the top spot for 5 straight weeks. It was included in Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" (Issue RS963).
1981	String bass and tuba player Chink Martin passed away in New Orleans in 1981 at age 94; Martin (who was born Martin Abraham) began his career with the Reliance Brass Band circa 1910; Martin recorded with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings in the 1920's; he freelanced in New Orleans for many decades and was also a staff musician for radio station WSMB

JANUARY 8
1972	"Would You Take Another Chance On Me" by Jerry Lee Lewis hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart on this day in 1972; the single, which was backed with The Killer's version of "Me And Bobby McGee" (on Mercury 73248), stayed in the charts for a total of 17 weeks
1973	R&B singer and pianist Archibald (nee Leon T. Gross) passed away in New Orleans in 197. Archibald had a Top 10 R&B hit with "Stack-a-Lee (Parts I & II)" in 1950.
1988	New Orleans born jazz drummer Ray Bauduc passed away in Houston, TX in 1988 at the age of 79; Ray was the son of noted cornetist Jules Bauduc and the brother of drummer, Jules Jr.; he first worked accompanying movies at the Thelma Theatre in New Orleans while still in school; noted musical associations include stints with Jack Teagarden, Wingy Manone, Ben Pollack's Orchestra, Bob Crosby's band, Jimmy Dorsey and Nappy Lamare; Bauduc appeared in the 1947 film "The Fabulous Dorseys"
2000	Cajun balladeer John DuBois passed away in New Orleans in 2000 at age 74.
2000	Black Top Records co-founder and noted producer Nauman Scott passed away in New Orleans in 2002 at age 56.

JANUARY 9
1895	Late trad jazz bassist Ed "Montudi" Garland was born in New Orleans in 1895; Garland started off playing bass drum and tuba with parade bands while still in his teens (including occasional stints with the legendary Buddy Bolden); he moved to Chicago, and worked with Lawrence Duhé, Manuel Perez and Joe "King" Oliver; he later moved to Los Angeles, leading his own bands and working with trombone great Kid Ory; Montudi was part of the 1922 Ory-led sessions (under the name of Spike's Seven Pods of Pepper Orchestra) which produced "Ory's Creole Trombone" and "Society Blues" - the first recordings by a Black New Orleans jazz band; he remained on the West Coast for most of his career, but returned to New Orleans for the 1971 Jazz Festival
1939	Late "Swamp Boogie Queen" Katie Webster was born in Houston, Texas in 1939; the award winning pianist and singer played on numerous sessions for Jay Miller of Excello Records and Eddie Schuler of Goldband Records in the 1950's and 60's, including recordings by Guitar Junior (Lonnie Brooks), Clarence Garlow, Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Lightnin' Slim, Lonesome Sundown, Phil Phillips and Clifton Chenier
1978	Punk rock legends The Sex Pistols performed at The Kingfish Club in Baton Rouge in 1978; the band would split up less than a week later
2002	Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn were winners at the 29th annual American Music Awards held in Los Angeles in 2002; performers at the nationally televised event included Britney Spears and Brooks & Dunn; presenters include father and son rappers Master P and Lil' Romeo.

JANUARY 10
1935	Influential blues guitarist and vocalist Memphis Minnie recorded "Dirty Mother For You" for the Decca label in Chicago in 1935.
1985	1984 Grammy nominees were announced on this day in 1985; Louisiana artists nominated included Wynton Marsalis (3), Hank Williams, Jr. (2), Rockin' Dopsie, Queen Ida and Buckwheat Zydeco; Wynton was the only one to bring home an award, winning in the Best Jazz Instrumental Performance By A Soloist category for "Hot House Flowers"

JANUARY 11
1890	Late guitarist and banjo player Arthur "Bud" Scott was born in New Orleans in 1890; Scott worked locally with John Robichaux, Freddie Keppard, and others before moving on to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles; he had long associations with King Oliver and Kid Ory, and also recorded with Jelly Roll Morton, Johnny Dodds and Louis Armstrong; Scott appeared in the 1947 film "New Orleans".
1924	Late swamp blues great Slim Harpo was born (James Moore) in Lobdell, LA in 1924
1924	R&B vocalist Chuck Carbo was born in Houma, LA in 1924; Chuck sang with his brother Chick Carbo in the popular 50's group The Spiders.
1958	Former Continental Drifters guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Vicki Peterson was born in Burbank, CA in 1958; Vicki is a founding member of The Bangles, who reunited in 2000; she has also worked with The Go-Go's, and occasionally performed with Susan Cowsill as The Psycho Sisters.
1970	Super Bowl IV took place at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans in 1970. Trumpet virtuoso Al Hirt performed with Doc Severinsen prior to kickoff, and Hirt also performed the National Anthem. The score of the game was Kansas City Chiefs 23, Minnesota Vikings 7.
1999	Rapper C-Murder (Corey Miller) was given a suspended 6 month jail term and a $500 fine in a St. John the Baptist court in 1999 after pleading guilty to illegally carrying a firearm; the charges resulted from being stopped for a speeding violation in March of 1998; when State Troopers pulled him over, they found him carrying a semiautomatic handgun and wearing a bulletproof vest; C-Murder is the brother of rap music magnate Master P.
1970	Brass band legend Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen passed away in New Orleans in 2004 at age 53; see jazz funeral photos.
2011	The Marsalis Family (Ellis, Wynton, Delfeayo, Jason, Branford) were among the recipients of 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships. The awards ceremony and concert took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.

JANUARY 12
1952	"Cry Baby" by Minden, LA native Percy Mayfield entered the R&B Chart in 1952
1957	Fats Domino's "Blue Monday" and Clarence "Frogman" Henry's "Ain't Got No Home" entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1957.
1969	Trumpeter James Andrews was born in New Orleans in 1969
1971	Bandleader, clarinetist and sax player Captain John Handy passed away in Pass Christian, MS in 1971 at age 70
1975	The Grambling College Marching Band performed the National Anthem and during halftime at Super Bowl IX in 1975. The game was played at Tulane Stadium, pitting the Minnesota Vikings against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers won 16-6).
1991	Jazz musician, vocalist, composer and jazz historian Danny Barker was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1991. The honor included a $20,000 award.
1998	Lloyd Price, Allen Toussaint and Jelly Roll Morton were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day in 1998; Toussaint, who was inducted by Robbie Robertson, was asked if he minded being inducted as a non-performer, Toussaint said, "If I were to come in as dogcatcher, it would be fine with me. This is incredible"; Price, inducted by Tony Rich, performed his 1958 hit "Stagger Lee" (which reached #1 on both the Pop and R&B Charts); he was joined on stage by Toussaint, John Fogerty, Chuck Berry and Johnnie Johnson.

JANUARY 13
1889	Trad jazz trombonist and sax player Harrison Barnes was born on the Magnolia Plantation in 1889; Barnes paraded with the Eclipse and Excelsior Brass Bands early in his career; he later recorded with the Zenith Brass Band, Kid Thomas, and George Lewis.
1890	Trad jazz string bass pioneer Steve Brown was born in New Orleans in 1890; his brother was noted trombonist and bassist Tom Brown; Brown worked with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Murphy Steinberg, and others before settling in Detroit where he freelanced and led his own bands.
1905	Late trad jazz trumpeter Percy Humphrey was born in New Orleans in 1905; brothers Earl (trombone) and Willie (clarinet) were also musicians; his father was Willie Humphrey, Sr. and his grandfather was trumpeter and music teacher "Professor" Jim Humphrey; he was a fixture at Preservation Hall from it's inception in 1961; Percy and Willie were honored with Big Easy Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1994; Percy's last performance came as the closing act at the 1995 Jazz Fest
1909	Late jazz musician, vocalist, composer and jazz historian Danny Barker was born (Daniel Moses Barker) in New Orleans (at 1027 Chartres Street) in 1909
1962	Country music superstar Trace Adkins was born (Tracy Darrell Adkins) in Springhill, LA in 1962
1982	Singer and songwriter Joe Stark was born in Houma, LA in 1982. Stark released his first album at age 13, and has opened for Peter Frampton, Eddie Money, Bad Company, Styx, Billy Squire and Marc Broussard, among others. He fronted the 3-piece band Sons of William for several years, and his latest project is Baby Bee whose debut release is set for 2011 (both of these bands feature Joe's brother David Stark).
1990	Harry Connick, Jr. was the musical guest on NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1990; he performed "It Had To Be You" and "It's Alright With Me"
1999	Britney Spears' debut single "...Baby One More Time" was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1999
2002	Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello performed together on "CMT Crossroads" which premiered on the CMT cable TV channel on this day in 2002
2003	Country music superstar Tim McGraw was named "Favorite Male Artist, Country Music" at the 30th Annual American Music Awards, held in Los Angeles in 2003; McGraw opened the show, performing "Tiny Dancer" with rock legend Elton John.
2004	The documentary "Make 'Em Dance: The Hackberry Ramblers Story" aired nationally on PBS (on an episode of "Independent Lens") in 2004

JANUARY 14
1925	Blues diva Bessie Smith, backed by Louis Armstrong (cornet) and Fred Longshaw (piano and harmonium) recorded "St. Louis Blues" and 4 other tracks for the Columbia label in New York in 1925
1935	Pioneering drummer Charles Connor (with Little Richard & The Upsetters, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Lloyd Price, and others) was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans in 1935. Find out more about Conner in his book, "Don't Give Up Your Dreams."
1938	Legendary songwriter, arranger, producer, musician, vocalist, label owner, funk pioneer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Allen Toussaint was born in New Orleans in 1938
1944	Southwest Louisiana guitar great and long time member of Clifton Chenier's band Paul "Lil' Buck" Sinegal was born in 1944
1944	Big Chief Bo Dollis (Theodore Emile Dollis) of the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian tribe was born in New Orleans in 1944
1955	In 1955, disk jockey Allen Freed hosted his first "Rock 'n' Roll Ball", a two day event at Harlem's Saint Nicholas Arena; performers included Big Joe Turner, The Drifters, and Fats Domino; both nights at the 6,000 seat venue sold out in advance
1949	Clarinet great George Baquet passed away in Philadelphia, PA in 1949 at age 66; George, a native of New Orleans, played with the Onward Brass Band, Manuel Perez, John Robichaux, Freddie Keppard, and many others; recording sessions included Jelly Roll Morton, Bessie Smith, and George Baquet's Swingsters (w/ Sidney Bechet; available on The John Reid Collection 1940-1944)
1966	New Orleans R&B legend Lee Dorsey appeared on the UK television music series "Ready Steady Go!" on 01/14/1966 (performed "Get Out Of My Life Woman").
1977	Local music landmark Tipitina's opened it's doors in uptown New Orleans in 1977
1987	New Orleans born trad jazz pianist and vocalist Alton Purnell passed away in Inglewood, CA in 1987 at age 75; Purnell was a long time member of thr George Lewis band; he also worked with Bunk Johnson, Cousin Joe, Sidney Desvignes, Alphonse Picou, and many others
1988	Rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk in 1988
2010	Singer and songwriter Bobby Charles (nee Robert Charles Guidry) passed away in 2010 at age 71. The Abbeville, LA native had two R&B hits in 1956 with "Later, Alligator" (later a hit as "See You Later, Alligator" for Bill Haley & His Comets) and "Only Time Will Tell. His extensive writing credits included "Walking To New Orleans" (Fats Domino) and "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" (Clarence "Frogman" Henry). See more songwriting credits.

JANUARY 15
1929	The Grand Dame of Zydeco Queen Ida was born (Ida Guillory) in Lake Charles, LA in 1929
1936	R&B guitarist Little Eddie Lang was born (Eddie Langlois) in New Orleans in 1936
1946	Vocalist Joan Marie Johnson was born in New Orleans in 1946; Johnson sang with The Dixie Cups, along with cousins Barbara Ann Hawkins and Rosa Lee Hawkins; they hit No. 1 in 1964 with "Chapel of Love", and had success with subsequent efforts such as "People Say", "You Should Have Seen The Way He Looked At Me", and the quintessential version of the New Orleans classic, "Iko Iko".
1946	Singer/songwriter Ron Davies was born (Ronny Wayne Dickerson) in Shreveport, LA in 1946; Davies' songs were recorded by David Bowie, Three Dog Night, Joe Cocker, Dave Edmunds, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Jerry Jeff Walker, among many others; he passed away in Nashville in 2003 at age 57.
1964	Legendary trombonist, vocalist and bandleader Jack Teagarden passed away in New Orleans in 1964 at age 58; Teagarden, a native of Vernon, Texas played his last gig at The Dream Room in New Orleans while suffering from bronchial pneumonia; he returned to the Prince Conti Motor Hotel after the show and was found by the maid the next afternoon, dead on the floor clad in his dress shirt and shorts; Teagarden was a member of Louis Armstrong's All-Stars from 1947-51; their collaborations on Hoagy Carmichael's "Rockin' Chair" were classic
1966	"Get Out Of My Life, Woman" by Lee Dorsey entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1966; it peaked at #5 during it's 10 week run on the chart
1972	"Sweet Baby" by Donnie Elbert entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1972
1972	Jerry Lee Lewis' cover version of "Me and Bobby McGee" entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1972
1978	Super Bowl XII took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in 1978. The half-time show featured a performance by jazz legends Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. The score of the game was Dallas Cowboys 27, Denver Broncos 10.
1988	In 1988, Shirley Goodman, of the 50's duo Shirley and Lee, won the right to collect half the royalties from their 1956 million selling hit "Let the Good Times Roll"; a jury in New Orleans ruled in her favor after hearing Goodman sing the song from the witness chair; her former partner, Leonard Lee, had previously been credited as the sole author of the tune
1992	New Orleans keyboard legend Professor Longhair was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992
1999	New Orleans rockers Better Than Ezra were the musical guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on this day in 1999 (they performed "At The Stars")

JANUARY 16
1866	Early jazz musician, orchestra leader and composer John Robichaux was born in Thibodeaux, LA in 1866; Robichaux joined the Excelsior Brass Band (on bass drum) in 1891; he formed his first orchestra circa 1894, playing society events throughout the city; he led the orchestra at the Lyric Theatre until it burned down in 1927; a composer of over 350 songs, Robichaux continued leading his orchestra until his death in 1939 at age 73.
1942	R&B guitarist and singer Barbara Lynn was born in Beaumont, TX in 1942; Lynn recorded at Cosimo's Studio in New Orleans for Huey Meaux in the 60's; her debut single, "You'll Lose a Good Thing", topped the R&B Charts in 1962
1947	Guitarist, songwriter and humorist Sandy Pinkard (of Pinkard & Bowden) was born in Abbeyville, LA in 1947
1954	The R&B classic "The Things That I Used to Do" by Guitar Slim entered the R&B Chart in 1954; it reached the #1 spot on January 30th, remaining there for an amazing 14 weeks
1972	Super Bowl VI took place at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans in 1972. The half-time show featured a "Salute to Louis Armstrong" featuring Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing, and Al Hirt. The score of the game was Dallas Cowboys 24, Miami Dolphins 3.
1975	Paul McCartney & Wings arrived in New Orleans in 1975 to begin sessions for the album "Venus and Mars"; the album was recorded at Allen Toussaint's Sea-Saint Studio, with Toussaint and percussionist Kenneth "Afro" Williams making guest appearances.
1991	New Orleans R&B legend Dave Bartholomew was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day in 1991.
2000	Vocalist and Shreveport native Will "Dub" Jones passed away in Long Beach, CA in 2000 at age 71; Jones, a bass vocalist, recorded with The Cadets and The Jacks before joining The Coasters in 1958; he remained with The Coasters for 10 years, and was featured on many of their hits including "Yakety Yak", "Charlie Brown" (Jones delivered the classic line "Why's everybody always picking on me"), and "Along Came Jones".

JANUARY 17
1965	Trad jazz and R&B pianist Joe Robichaux passed away in New Orleans in 1965 at age 64; Joe, the nephew of noted bandleader John Robichaux, worked with Papa Celestin, Lee Collins, Kid Rena, and others early in his career; Robichaux led the New Orleans Rhythm Boys in the 30's, worked as a solo pianist in the 40's, and played with George Lewis in the 50's and early 60's; he was also a regular with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and toured Japan with them in 1963
1945	The second Esquire All-American Jazz Concert, featuring Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and the Duke Ellington Orchestra was held at Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans in 1945. Joining Armstrong was Sidney Bechet, making his first return to New Orleans in 25 years.
1990	Jazz legend Louis Armstrong was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day in 1990.
2000	Britney Spears (Favorite New Pop/Rock Artist) and Brooks & Dunn (Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group) were winners at the 27th American Music Awards held in Los Angeles in 2000. Non-winning nominees included Tim McGraw (Favorite Male Country Artist) and rapper Juvenile (Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist).

JANUARY 18
1917	Rural blues man Hogman Maxey was born in Haynesville, LA in 1917; Maxey was recorded at Angola Prison in 1959 by folklorist Dr. Harry Oster.
1930	Jazz man Danny Barker and singer/dancer Louise Dupont (Blue Lu Barker) were married in 1930.
1939	Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra recorded "Jeepers Creepers" for the Decca label in New York in 1939
1957	Popular jazz trumpeter, vocalist and bandleader George Girard passed away in New Orleans in 1957 at age 26. Girard worked with Jimmy Archer's Orchestra and Pete Fountain (in the Basin Street Six) before forming his own band, George Girard & His New Orleans Five.
1960	"Go, Jimmy, Go" by Baton Rouge native Jimmy Clanton entered the R&B Chart in 1960
1992	Ivan Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Big Chief Bo Dollis, and George Porter Jr. joined Robbie Robertson & Bruce Hornsby in a performance of "The Weight" on TV's "Saturday Night Live" in 1992. Watch the video here.
2002	Rapper C-Murder (Corey Miller) was arrested in 2002, charged with second degree murder in the January 12th fatal shooting of Steve Thomas (age 16) inside the Platinum Club in Harvey, LA; Miller was convicted in 2003 and sentenced to life in prison.

JANUARY 19
1900	Late Dixieland jazz cornetist Albert "Abbie" Brunies was born in New Orleans in 1900; his brothers Merritt, George, Henry and Richard Brunies were also trad jazz musicians; Brunies worked with Papa Jack Laine before forming the Halfway House Orchestra; he continued to lead his own band into the 1960's, playing at many clubs along the Gulf Coast; Brunies passed away in Biloxi in 1978
1904	Late fiddler and Cajun music pioneer Leo Soileau was born in Ville Platte, LA in 1904
1925	Blues piano legend Henry Gray was born in Kenner, Louisiana in 1925. Gray worked with Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and many others. He passed away on February 17, 2020 at age 95.
1932	Cajun fiddler Allen Fontenot was born in Grand Prairie, LA in 1932
1942	Swamp blues harmonica player Joe Johnson was born in Independence, LA in 1942
1969	Noted upright bass player (and dancer) Alcide "Slow Drag" Pavageau passed away in New Orleans in 1969; Pavageau spent several years with George Lewis and he also played with Bunk Johnson in New York in 1945; in latter years, he was a fixture at Preservation Hall.
1994	Aaron Neville's 1993 album "The Grand Tour" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1994
1999	Buckwheat Zydeco leader Stanley Dural, Jr. underwent surgery in Nashville in 1999 to remove lesions from his vocal cords; the operation forced the postponement of a major U.S. tour marking the 20th anniversary of the group
2006	Harry Connick Jr. made his theatrical debut - as Sid Sorokin - in a revival of "The Pajama Game" in 2006

JANUARY 20
1952	Late, great blues guitarist & vocalist John Campbell was born in Shreveport, LA in 1952; he was featured in the great documentary, "Dancing To New Orleans"; here's more on Campbell.
1968	"Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)" by John Fred & His Playboy Band hit #1 on the Pop Chart in 1968. It held the top spot for two weeks.
1973	Rocker Jerry Lee Lewis made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 1973; Opry officials allowed him to perform only if he agreed to keep his music to country and abstain from using obscenities; needless to say, Lewis broke both promises.
1988	Legendary rural folk & blues artist Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day in 1988.

JANUARY 21
1937	Noted R&B vocalist and guitar virtuoso Snooks Eaglin was born (Fird Eaglin) in New Orleans in 1937; Eaglin, known as 'the human jukebox', passed away in 2009.
1943	Smokin' Joe Kubek Band guitarist and vocalist B'nois King was born in Monroe, LA in 1943
1992	New Orleans piano legend Champion Jack Dupree passed away in Hanover, Germany in 1992 at age 81
1992	The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band were musical guests on CBS's "Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn" in 2000
1998	Cajun songwriter, musician, comedian, and storyteller Marion Marcotte passed away in 1998 at age 81.

JANUARY 22
1917	Late trad jazz clarinetist and sax player Pud Brown was born in Wilmington, DE in 1917; Pud was a long time fixture at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe; visit the Pud Brown Online Museum for more info
1949	"Rainy Weather Blues" by Roy Brown and His Orchestra entered the R&B Chart in 1949
1965	Trad jazz musician and band leader "Papa" John Joseph passed away in New Orleans in 1965; Joseph played in Kid Ory's band in Lutcher, LA and stayed with Ory when he moved to New Orleans; Johnson ran a barbershop at First and Liberty, a block from Buddy Bolden's home, and his memories of Bolden are included in the Donald Marquis book, "In Search of Buddy Bolden"; after a long layoff, Joseph began playing again at Preservation Hall; it was there in 1965 that Joseph collapsed and died at age 90, shortly after finishing a bass solo on "When The Saints Go Marching In"
1966	"Baby, Scratch My Back" by Slim Harpo entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1966; it eventually reached No. 1 during it's 18 week run on the chart
1981	Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. was born (Gerard Dollis) in New Orleans in 1981. Bo Jr. assumed leadership of the Wild Magnolias from his father (Theodore "Big Chief" Bo Dollis) in 2009.
1999	Blues vocalist and Monroe, LA native Al King passed away in 1999 at age 75; his 1998 album "It's Rough out Here" was nominated for "Comeback Album of the Year" at the 1999 W.C. Handy Awards
2009	Electronic music pioneer Charlie Cooper (Charles W. Cooper III) passed away in Chicago in 2009 at age 31. The Marrero, LA native co-founded the popular ambient / electronica duo Telefon Tel Aviv with his friend, Joshua Eustis in 1999.

JANUARY 23
1973	Legendary trombonist, composer and band leader Edward "Kid" Ory passed away in Honolulu, HI in 1973 at age 86; Ory was born in LaPlace, LA and began playing (banjo) in a string band there at age 11; he migrated to New Orleans circa 1911, then on to Los Angeles in 1919, where he was based for most of his career; in addition to fronting his own groups, Ory worked with Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and Barney Bigard, among others; Ory will finally return to New Orleans in April of 2003, when his remains are transferred from Los Angeles for reburial at St. Louis Cemetery
1977	Composer of the garage rock classic "Louie, Louie" Richard Berry passed away in Los Angeles in 1997 at age 61; the Extension, Louisiana native was also a noted R&B vocalist with The Flairs, The Robins and The Coasters; he provided the male vocal on the 1955 Etta James hit "The Wallflower", aka "Roll With Me Henry"
1986	The inaugural Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies were held at New York's Waldorf Astoria in 1986; inductees included Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis; other inductees included Little Richard and Ray Charles, who both recorded in New Orleans in the 1950's.

JANUARY 24
1907	Late piano great Isadore "Tuts" Washington was born in New Orleans in 1907; one of the first "kings" of New Orleans piano, Washington is considered to have influenced latter players including Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, James Booker and Dr. John
1936	Fiddler and vocalist Doug Kershaw (aka The Ragin' Cajun) was born in Tiel Ridge, LA in 1936; Kershaw's "Louisiana Man" was the first song broadcast back to Earth from the Moon by the crew of the Apollo 12 Mission in 1969
1937	Soul singer and songwriter Joseph "Diamond Joe" Maryland was born in Terrebonne Parish in 1937. Maryland (working with Allen Toussaint) released a handful of singles in the 1960's before disappearing from the New Orleans music scene. He passed away in 2010 at age 73.
1941	Vocalist extraordinaire Aaron Neville was born in New Orleans in 1941; Aaron has won Grammy's for his duets with Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood, and also as a member of The Neville Brothers

JANUARY 25
1891	String bass pioneer and bandleader Wellman Braud was born in St. James Parish, Louisiana in 1891. Braud was a long time member of Duke Ellington's Orchestra (1927 - 1935). He recorded with Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Bunk Johnson, Kid Ory, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and many others. Braud suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Los Angeles in 1966.
1932	Late swamp blues harp player Moses "Whispering" Smith was born near West Brookhaven, MS in 1932; Smith moved to Baton Rouge in 1957, backing up Lightnin' Slim and Silas Hogan before recording on his own for Crowley, LA producer J.D. Miller; he toured Europe with Lightnin' Slim in 1972 and 1973.
1955	Blues harmonica legend Little Walter recorded "My Babe" for the Checker label (Checker 811) in Chicago in 1955. The Willie Dixon penned tune hit #1 on the R&B chart in April of 1955, and held the top spot for 5 weeks. The backing band included Robert Lockwood Jr., Leonard Caston, Willie Dixon, and Fred Below.
1958	Versatile bass player and music educator Chris Severin was born in New Orleans in 1958
1961	Late trad jazz piano player and vocalist Sweet Emma Barrett recorded her first album, "New Orleans: The Living Legends", for the Riverside label in 1961
1976	R&B vocalist and songwriter Chris Kenner passed away in New Orleans in 1976 at age 46; his Grammy nominated hit "I Like It Like That" reached #2 on both the pop and R&B charts in 1961; it reached the Top 10 again in 1965 for the Dave Clark Five; Kenner's "Something You Got" was a local hit in 1964; he also wrote the classic "Land Of A 1000 Dances" which was covered by Wilson Pickett, Cannibal and the Headhunters, and a host of others.
1989	R&B singer, solo artist and session guitarist Alvin Robinson passed away in New Orleans in 1989 at age 51; he was a long time protege of Dr. John, and backed him up on many albums; Robinson also cut some hot tracks of his own; he also recorded with Professor Longhair, Ringo Starr, and others
1999	Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys guitarist Jimmy Domengeaux was killed in a motorcycle accident near his Breaux Bridge, LA home in 1999; Domengeaux was 44

JANUARY 26
1893	Legendary Cajun fiddle player Dennis McGee was born in Bayou Marron, LA in 1893. McGee is noted for his early Cajun music recordings (1929 and 1930s) with fellow legends Amede Ardoin, Angelas LeJeune, Sady Courville and Ernest Fruge. Footage of McGee can be found in the film "Cajun Visits." (watch "Cajun Visits" online here)
1934	R&B legend Huey "Piano" Smith was born in New Orleans in 1934; Smith hit it big with his late 50's hits "Rockin' Pneumonia", "Don't You Just Know It" and "High Blood Pressure"
1943	R&B vocalist Jean Knight was born in New Orleans in 1943; Knight had a Top 10 R&B and Pop hit in 1971 with "Mr. Big Stuff"
1945	Multi-talented musician and composer Loren Pickford was born in 1945.
1954	Acclaimed singer, songwriter and multiple Grammy winner Lucinda Williams was born in Lake Charles, LA in 1953
1955	Shreveport, LA native Faron Young recorded "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young" (Capitol 3056) in Nashville in 1955. The song went to be the first of Young's five #1 hits.
1983	R&B vocalist Donnie Elbert passed away in Philadelphia in 1983 at age 52; the New Orleans native had 10 tunes in the R&B charts between 1957 and 1977
1986	Super Bowl XX took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in 1986. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis performed the National Anthem prior to kickoff. The score of the game was Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10.
1992	Harry Connick Jr. performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXVI held at the Metrodome in Minneapolis in 1992. (Washington Redskins 37, Buffalo Bills 24)
1997	Super Bowl XXXI took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in 1997. The pregame show featured performances by Los Del Rio, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Beausoleil. The score of the game was Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21.
1998	The holiday album "Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas" was certified Platinum (1 million copies sold) in 1998
1999	The Neville Brothers were the house band for the Regis & Kathie Lee Show, which aired live from the NATPE Conference in New Orleans in 1999

JANUARY 27
1972	Gospel Queen Mahalia Jackson passed away in Evergreen Park, IL in 1972 at age 60; over 10,000 mourners paid their respects to the New Orleans native at services held in Chicago and New Orleans; Mahalia was laid to rest at Providence Memorial Park in Metairie
1999	New Orleans rapper Mystikal's 1998 album "Ghetto Fabulous" was certified Platinum (1 million copies sold) by the RIAA in 1999
1999	The New Birth Brass Band were the house band for the "Regis & Kathie Lee Show", which aired live from the NATPE Conference in New Orleans in 1999
2001	Trombone-based rockers Bonerama were captured live at the Old Point Bar on this day in 2001; the subsequently released recording of the show was aptly titled "Bonerama: Live at the Old Point".
2001	Noted jazz man Don Suhor passed away in New Orleans in 2003 at age 70; the clarinet and alto sax player's career spanned 55 years, including stints with Shirley Horn, Al Hirt, Lionel Hampton, Santo Pecora, George French, and Harry Connick Sr.; he recorded with Don Vappie, Wendell Brunious, Bobby Charles, Topsy Chapman, and others
2007	Fats Domino received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the OffBeat "Best of the Beat Awards" held at the House of Blues in 2007. Mayor Ray Nagin appeared at the event and declared the day as "Fats Domino Day" in New Orleans.

JANUARY 28
1885	Late trad jazz clarinetist Louis "Big Eye" Nelson was born (Louis DeLisle) in New Orleans in 1885; Nelson studied under Lorenzo Tio, Sr. and played with Manuel Perez, Billy Marerro, Papa Celestin, the Original Creole Orchestra, and Kid Rena.
1978	New Orleans bounce artist Big Freedia was born (Freddie Ross) in New Orleans in 1978.
1990	Super Bowl XXIV took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in 1990. Aaron Neville sang the National Anthem prior to kickoff. The half-time show included a "Salute to New Orleans" with Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw and Irma Thomas. The score of the game was San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10.
1994	Aaron Neville's 1991 album "Warm Your Heart" was certified Gold (sales of 500,000 copies) by the RIAA in 1992
1999	Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters were the house band for the "Regis & Kathie Lee Show", which aired from the NATPE Conference in New Orleans in 1999
2001	Aerosmith, N'Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly performed during the half-time show of Super Bowl XXXV, held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in 2001. The score of the game was Baltimore Ravens 34, New York Giants 7.

JANUARY 29
1889	Legendary rural blues and folk artist Leadbelly was born (Huddie Ledbetter) on the Jeter Plantation near Mooringsport, LA in 1889
1902	Late trad jazz trumpeter Albert Snaer was born in New Orleans in 1902; Snaer played with John Robichaux, then left to form the Moonlight Serenaders with George Augustin; he later worked with Andy Kirk's Orchestra and other big bands.
1920	Late piano player, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Paul Gayten was born in Kentwood, LA in 1920; Gayten was a seminal figure in New Orleans R&B; his early bands backed up Roy Brown, Chubby Newsome, Larry Darnell and others, producing R&B hits on the DeLuxe and Regal labels; after a stint in New York, Gayten formed a band in New Orleans that included tenor sax legend Lee Allen; this group played at the Brass Rail on Canal Street for 5 years in the early 50's; he later moved to Los Angeles, working for Chess Records in a variety of capacities.
1932	Late trumpeter and vocalist Frank Assunto was born in New Orleans in 1932; Frank, along with brother Fred (on trombone), founded the original Dukes of Dixieland band in 1948
1995	Sergio Mendes and Hank Williams Jr. performed during the pregame show of Super Bowl XXIX, held at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami in 1995. The score of the game was San Francisco 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26.
1999	Trumpeters Kermit Ruffins, Leroy Jones and James Andrews were musical guests on the "Regis & Kathie Lee Show", which aired live from the NATPE Conference in New Orleans in 1999; Kermit had his barbecue going outside the State Palace Theatre, and he engaged in a friendly cutting session with Leroy and James during the show
2002	Ivan Neville was the musical guest on The Late Show With David Letterman on this day in 2002
2011	The Britney Spears single "Hold It Against Me" made its debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2011. Britney became just the second artist in the chart's 52-year history to debut multiple songs at #1. Her prior chart topping debut was with "3" in October of 2009. Brit joined Mariah Carey as the only acts to debut at #1 more than once (Carey managed the feat three times). "Hold It Against Me" was Spears' fourth #1 hit on the Hot 100 (priors were "3", "Womanizer" and "...Baby One More Time").

JANUARY 30
1915	Late Cajun vocalist and guitarist Leroy "Happy Fats" LeBlanc was born in Rayne, LA 1915; Fats let the Rayne-Bo Ramblers in the 30's and later recorded with Leo Soileau's Rhythm Boys and Harry Choates
1918	Immortal New Orleans pianist and vocalist Professor Longhair (born Henry Roeland Byrd) passed away in New Orleans in 1980 at age 61
1956	Creole jazz banjo player, guitarist, vocalist and arranger Don Vappie was born in New Orleans in 1956.
1957	Trumpeter and vocalist Gregory Davis (of Dirty Dozen Brass Band fame) was born in New Orleans in 1957
1965	"It's Better To Have It" by Barbara Lynn entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1965; it was one of many Huey Meaux-produced tracks (recorded at Cosimo Matassa's studio) that the Beaumont, TX native recorded for the Philly-based Jamie Records.
1965	"Let's Go All The Way" by Chocolate Milk entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1982
1999	Britney Spears scored her first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper with "...Baby One More Time" in 1999. It held the #1 spot for two weeks.

JANUARY 31
1906	Late blues pianist and vocalist Roosevelt Sykes was born in Elmar, AR in 1906
1907	Late guitarist, banjo player and vocalist Emmanuel Sayles was born in Donaldsonville, LA in 1907; Sayles played on the river boats with Fate Marable in the 1920's; he was featured on the 1929 Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight sessions, and went on to work with Roosevelt Sykes, Sidney Desvigne, George Lewis, Punch Miller and others; he was a fixture at Preservation Hall from the early 60's into the 80's
1948	"The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On)" by Lake Charles, Louisiana native Nellie Lutcher entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1948
1953	"Tell Me Pretty Baby" by Lloyd Price entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1953
1968	John Fred & His Playboy Band's hit single "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)" was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1968
1970	Members of the Grateful Dead were arrested for drug possession in New Orleans after a show at The Warehouse in 1970 (the charges were later dismissed); the event inspired their song "Truckin'"
1970	Swamp blues legend Slim Harpo (nee James Moore) passed away in Baton Rouge, LA in 1970 at age 46
1985	New Orleans-born drummer and Armand "Jump" Jackson passed away in Chicago in 1985 at age 67; Jackson recorded with Roosevelt Sykes, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams, and others.

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History