| JANUARY 01 |
| 1884 |
Trumpeter, band leader, and legendary New Orleans trad jazz figure Oscar "Papa" Celestin was born in Napoleonville, Louisiana on January 1, 1884. Celestin led his first band at the Tuxedo Dance Hall from 1910 to 1913. Celestin 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 40's and early 50's. On May 8, 1953, Celestin and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band became the first jazz band to play at the White House, in a performance for President Eisenhower at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner. Celestin passed away on December 15, 1954 at age 70. Read more on Papa Celestin. Watch rare footage of Oscar "Papa" Celestin and his Tuxedo Jazz Band performing at the Old Absinthe House. |
| 1909 |
Late jazz and blues 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 |
| JANUARY 02 |
| 1951 |
Club owner Wesley Schmidt was born (Wesley Jude Schmidt Jr.) in New Orleans on January 2, 1951. Schmidt was the longtime manager and eventually the owner of Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, grand marshal of Storyville Stompers, and a founder of MOMS Ball. Prior to working at Snug Harbor, he managed The Dream Palace (now Blue Nile) and Luigi's Italian Restaurant. Schmidt passed away on April 12, 2019 from lung cancer. He was 68. |
| 1973 |
Blues piano player and vocalist Speckled Red (born Rufus Perryman in Monroe, LA) passed away in St. Louis, Missouri on January 2, 1973 at age 80. |
| 1986 |
Multi-talented music 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 (Alphonse Joseph Belletto) in New Orleans on January 3, 1928. His lengthy career included playing with Louis Prima, Sharkey Bonano, and Dukes of Dixieland. He also served as director of trumpeter Al Hirt's Big Band. Belletto died at home in Metairie on December 26, 2014 at age 86. See Al Belletto discography and recording credits here. Listen to Al Belletto music on YouTube. |
| 1932 |
Blues guitarist Ervin Charles was born on January 3, 1932 in Port Barre, Louisiana. Early in his career, Charles played with Long John Hunter in Beaumont, TX as the Hollywood Bearcats. After a long layoff, he returned to perfoming, and appeared on the great "Lone Star Shootout" album with Hunter, Lonnie Brooks and Phillip Walker. His lone solo album, "Greyhound Blues", was released on Dialtone Records shortly after his passing on April 1, 2000 (at age 68). Listen to Ervin Charles music on YouTube. |
| 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 5 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. Read more. Listen to Dennis McGee & Sady Courville music on YouTube.
|
| 1991 |
The Neville Brothers were the musical guests on NBC TV's 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' on January 3, 1991. The Brothers performed "River of Life" and "Brother's Keeper". Watch their performance here. |
| JANUARY 4 |
| 1911 |
Cajun accordion player, vocalist, composer, author, and wife killer Moise Robin was born (Joseph Moise Robin) in Point Claire, Louisiana on January 4th, 1911. Robin recorded as early as 1929, on sessions with Leo Soileau (listen to Moise Robin on YouTube). Moise passed away in Arnaudville, LA on April 26, 2000 at the age of 89. |
| 1941 |
Noted jazz drummer David Lee, Jr. was born in New Orleans in 1941. Lee worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Roy Ayers, and others. He realeased a solo album, "Evolution", in 1974. Lee died in New Orleans on August 4, 2021, aged 80. Read more. |
| 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, with backing from Walter "Papoose" Nelson, Frank Fields, Earl Palmer, Herb Hardesty, and Lee Allen. The classic Domino & Dave Bartholomew tune reached #4 on the Billboard Top 40 and topped the R&B Chart for 8 weeks. "I'm Walkin'" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019. |
| 1967 |
Louis Armstrong was a guest on TV's "The Danny Kaye Show" on January 4, 1967. Watch Satchmo and Danny perform 'When The Saints Go Marching In'. |
| 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 purse-snatching mugger in the French Quarter in 2004. Listen to The Kinks hits "You Really Got Me". |
| 2005 |
Cajun fiddler and singer Shelton Manuel passed away Eunice, LA on January 4, 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 on January 5, 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 also hosted a weekly blues show on Baton Rouge radio station WBRH FM. He passed away on January 1, 2014 at age 84. Listen to Tabby Thomas music on YouTube. |
| 1932 |
R&B vocalist Johnny Adams, aka The Tan Canary, was born (Lathan John Adams) in New Orleans in 1932. Adams died on September 14, 1998 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 66. Read more. Listen to Johnny Adams music on YouTube. |
| 1934 |
Cajun fiddler extraordinaire Rufus Thibodeaux was born in Ridge, LA on January 5, 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 on August 12, 2005. Read more. Listen to Rufus Thibodeaux music on YouTube. |
| 1944 |
R&B and swamp pop singer Lil' Alfred, aka Little Alfred, was born (Alfred F. 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). In 1964, Babino replaced Huey "Cookie" Thierry as lead vocalist of Cookie and the Cupcakes. He became a vocalist with The Boogie Kings in 1967. His only solo album, "Dealin' With the Feelin'", was released in 1996 on Jin Records. Babino passed away on November 14, 2006 at age 62. |
| 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 on January 5, 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 A 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. See Danny White obituaary/ |
| 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. |
| JANUARY 6 |
| 1982 |
Drummer, composer and educator Simon Lott was born in Baton Rouge, LA on January 6, 1982. |
| 1994 |
Harry Connick Jr.'s 1993 album "When My Heart Finds Christmas" was certified Platinum (1 million units sold) by the RIAA on January 6, 1994. It went on to reach 3x Platinum status on December 6, 2005. |
| 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. Allen passed away on April 17, 1967. Watch Red Allen videos on YouTube. |
| 1936 |
Noted guitarist (and author) Kenny Gill was born (Walter Kenneth Gill) in Bunkie, Louisiana on January 7, 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 on February 28, 2010 at age 74. |
| 1940 |
Swamp pop and rockabilly singer Gene Terry was born (Terry Gene DeRouen) in Franklin, Louisiana on January 7, 1940. His bands Gene Terry & His Kool Kats ("The 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 50s and early 60s. He passed away in Port Arthur, Texas on December 26, 2024, at the age of 84. |
| 1959 |
Louis Armstrong and the Dukes of Dixieland appeared on the CBS television special Timex All Star Jazz Show on January 7, 1959. The show included a trumpet showdown featuring Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie playing together on "Umbrella Man". Others appearing on the show included Gene Krupa, Bobby Hackett, George Shearing, Coleman Hawkins, Ruth Olay, and host Jackie Gleason. Read more about the show here and here. Read more about the Dukes of Dixieland's Assunto Brothers & Louis Armstrong. |
| 1967 |
The Aaron Neville 1966 classic "Tell It Like It Is" hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart on this day in 1967 (it reached #2 on the Pop Chart). 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, December 9, 2004), and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. |
| 1980 |
1950's rock & roller Larry Williams was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment on January 7, 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". Listen to Larry Williams music on YouTube. |
| 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. He recorded with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings in the 1920's. Martin 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 snd Bobby McGee" (on Mercury 73248), stayed in the charts for a total of 17 weeks. |
| 1973 |
R&B singer and pianist Archibald (Leon T. Gross) passed away in New Orleans on January 8, 1973 (aged 56). 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 on January 8, 1988 at the age of 81. 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 (born Nauman Steele Scott III in New Orleans on May 10, 1945) passed away in New Orleans in 2002 at age 56. |
| JANUARY 9 |
| 1895 |
Jazz bassist Ed Garland (aka "Montudi" Garland) was born (Edward Bertram Garland) in New Orleans on January 9, 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. Gaeland died on January 22, 1980 (aged 85). Read more. |
| 1936 |
Late "Swamp Boogie Queen" Katie Webster was born (Kathryn Jewel Thorne) in Houston, Texas on January 9, 1936. 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. She died on September 5, 1999 (aged 63). |
| 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. Listen to the full Sex Pistols concert on YouTube. |
| 2002 |
Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn were winners at the 29th American Music Awards held in Los Angeles in 2002. Performers at the nationally televised event included Britney Spears ("I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman") and Brooks & Dunn. Presenters included father and son rappers Master P and Lil' Romeo. |
| JANUARY 10 |
| 1935 |
Influential blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Memphis Minnie (Lizzie Douglas) recorded "Dirty Mother For You" for the Decca label in Chicago in 1935. |
| 1985 |
1984 Grammy nominees (27th Annual Grammy Awards) 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", and another one for a classical recording. The 27th Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 26, 1985. |
| 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 with Armstrong in the 1947 film "New Orleans". He passed away on July 2, 1949 at age 59. |
| 1926 |
R&B and gospel vocalist Chuck Carbo was born (Hayward Carbo) in Houma, LA on January 11, 1926. Chuck sang with his brother Chick Carbo in the popular 50's group The Spiders, and he also released 3 solo albums. Carbo died on July 11, 2008, at the age of 82. Listen to Chuck Carbo music on YouTube. |
| 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 with Drifters bandmate Susan Cowsill as The Psycho Sisters. Currently she performs and records with her husband John Cowsill. |
| 1970 |
Super Bowl IV took place at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans on January 11, 1970. Trumpet virtuoso Al Hirt performed with Lionel Hampton and Doc Severinsen at halftime (video). 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. Read more about Tuba Fats. |
| 2011 |
The Marsalis Family (Ellis, Wynton, Delfeayo, Jason, Branford) were among the recipients of 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships on January 11, 2011. 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, alto sax player, and clarinetist Captain John Handy passed away in Pass Christian, MS on January 12, 1971 at age 70. See birth entry for June 24. |
| 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 honored with a Jazz Masters Fellowship 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". Lloyd 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, and John Fogerty |
| JANUARY 13 |
| 1889 |
Jazz trombonist and sax player Harrison Barnes was born on the Magnolia Plantation in 1889. He was the older brother of jazz musicians Emile Barnes and Paul "Polo" Barnes. Barnes played with the Eclipse Brass Band. Henry Allen's Brass Band, Chris Kelly's Band, John Robichaux, and others. He later recorded with the Zenith Brass Band, Kid Thomas, and George Lewis. |
| 1890 |
Slap bass pioneer Steve Brown was born (Theodore Brown) in New Orleans on January 13, 1890. His brother was noted trombonist and bassist Tom Brown. Brown worked with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Jean Goldkette's Orchestra (check out Brown's playing on "My Pretty Girl"), Paul Whiteman's Orchestra, and others. He died in Detroit on September 15, 1965. Read more here and here. |
| 1905 |
Jazz trumpeter Percy Humphrey was born in New Orleans on January 13, 1905. Percy's brothers Earl and Willie, his father (Willie Humphrey, Sr.), and his grandfather ("Professor" Jim Humphrey) were also noted jazz musicians. He had a long association with the Eureka Brass Band, and 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. He passed away on July 22, 1995 at age 90. Listen to Percy Humphrey music on YouTube. |
| 1909 |
Jazz musician (banjo & guitar), vocalist, composer and jazz historian Danny Barker was born (Daniel Moses Barker) in New Orleans (at 1027 Chartres Street) on January 13, 1909. His lengthy carrer included working with Albert Nicholas, Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Cab Calloway, and his wife Blue Lu Barker. He later became an assistant to the curator of the Louisiana Jazz Museum, and founded the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band. Fairview band members included future jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Leroy Jones, Kirk Joseph, Nicholas Payton, Shannon Powell, Lucien Barbarin, and Dr. Michael White, among others. Barker died of cancer in New Orleans on March 13, 1994 at age 85. The annual Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival is held in his honor. Watch Danny Barker videos on YouTube. See Danny Barker recording credits.
|
| 1962 |
Award winning country music superstar (and actor) 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, which led to his next project, Baby Bee. Both groups featured Joe's brother David Stark. In recent times, Joe has been a member of Marc Broussard's band, and continues to perform as a solo artist. |
| 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 January 13, 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 on January 13, 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. Connor died at his home in Glendale, California on July 31, 2021, after a battle with the brain disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus. He was 86. Read more here. See Charles Connor recording credits. |
| 1938 |
Legendary songwriter, arranger, producer, musician, vocalist, and label owner Allen Toussaint was born in New Orleans in 1938. Toussaint died in the early hours of November 10, 2015, after suffering a heart attack in Madrid, Spain while on tour. He was 77. Toussaint was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2012 |
| 1944 |
Southwest Louisiana guitar great Paul "Lil' Buck" Sinegal was born (Paul Alton Senegal) in Lafayette, Louisiana on January 14, 1944. Sinegal was a prolific sideman and a long time member of Clifton Chenier's band. He also toured with Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin' Dopsie. Lil' Buck also recorded his own instrumentals (as Lil Buck & The Top Cats), including "Cat Scream" and "Monkey in a Sack", for the La Louisiane label in the late 1960s. Senegal founded the Cowboy Stew Blues Revue with C.C. Adcock and other SWLA music veterans. Hel died on June 10, 2019 at aged 75. Listen to Lil Buck Sinegal music on YouTube. |
| 1944 |
Big Chief Bo Dollis (Theodore Emile Dollis Sr.) of The Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian tribe was born in New Orleans on January 14, 1944. The Wild Magnolias recorded the groundbreaking "Wild Magnolias" album in 1973. Dollis was honored with an NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 2011. He died on January 20, 2015. He was 71. Read more here. |
| 1955 |
In 1955, disk jockey Allen Freed hosted his first "Rock 'n' Roll Ball", a two day event at Saint Nicholas Arena in Manhattan. Performers included The Drifters, The Clovers, 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 67. George, a native of New Orleans, played with the Onward Brass Band, Manuel Perez, John Robichaux, Freddie Keppard, The Original Creole Orchestra, and many others. Recording sessions included Jelly Roll Morton, Bessie Smith, Sidney Bechet, and George Baquet's Swingsters. |
| 1966 |
New Orleans R&B great 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 at 501 Napoleon Avenue in uptown New Orleans 0n January 14, 1977. Before adopting use of "Tipitina's" as its name, the facility was known as "The 501 Club". |
| 1987 |
New Orleans born jazz pianist and vocalist Alton Purnell passed away in Inglewood, CA on January 14, 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. See discography and recording credits. Listen to Alton Purnell music on YouTube. |
| 1986 |
Rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into Guitar Center's Rockwalk in Hollywood in 1986. |
| 2010 |
Singer and songwriter Bobby Charles (nee Robert Charles Guidry) passed away on January 14, 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 "Time Will Tell. Bobby Charles perfomed at The Band's farewell concert appearance (The Last Waltz) on November 25, 1976 (he performed "Down South in New Orleans" with The Band and Dr. John). His extensive writing credits included "Walking To New Orleans" (Fats Domino) and "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" (Clarence "Frogman" Henry). Read more here. |
| JANUARY 15 |
| 1929 |
The Grand Dame of Zydeco Queen Ida (Ida Lee Lewis Guillory) was born in Lake Charles, LA on January 15, 1929. |
| 1936 |
R&B guitarist Little Eddie Lang was born (Eddie Langlois) in New Orleans on January 15, 1936. He died at his home in Slidell, Louisiana on March 10, 1985, Check out "You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk", "The Love I Have For You", "I'm Gonna Make You Eat Those Words" and "The Fooler". |
| 1944 |
Vocalist Joan Marie Johnson was born in New Orleans in 1944. 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". Johnson died in New Orleans of congestive heart failure on October 3, 2016 at the age of 72. |
| 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. Read more here. |
| 1964 |
Trombone great, 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. The Allen Toussaint penned song 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 |
The 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 halftime 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 (by Aaron Neville) 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. Read more here. |
| 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" (session players included René Netto and Mac Rebennack) , topped the R&B Charts in 1962. |
| 1947 |
Guitarist, singer, songwriter and humorist Sandy Pinkard was born (James Sanford Pinkard Jr.) in Abbeyville, LA in 1947. His songs were performed by major artists such as Brenda Lee, Jim Nabors, Cher, Anne Murray, Mel Tillis, Ray Charles, John Anderson, and Mickey Gilley. Pinkard received a 'Best Country Song' Grammy nomination in 1981 for "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma" (performed by David Frizzell & Shelly West). He teamed up with songwriter Richard Bowden to form the comedic country music duo Pinkard & Bowden. Pinkard died at his home in Kingwood, West Virginia on July 26, 2025 at age 78. |
| 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, Kenneth "Afro" Williams and Clyde Kerr 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. He was inducted by Charles Neville and Art Neville. |
| 2000 |
Vocalist and Shreveport, LA native Will "Dub" Jones passed away in Long Beach, CA in 2000 at age 71. Jones, a bass vocalist, recorded with The Cadets (check out "Stranded in the Jungle") 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. Listen to Joe Robichaux music on YouTube. |
| 1945 |
The second Esquire All-American Jazz Concert, featuring Louis Armstrong & The All Stars, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Billie Holiday, Art Tatum and others was held at Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans on January 17, 1945. Joining Armstrong was Sidney Bechet, making his first return to New Orleans in 25 years. Listen to the concert on YouTube. |
| 1990 |
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Rickie Lee Jones) 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). Performers included Brooks & Dunn ("Hurt Train") and TRU ("Hoody Hooo"). Watch the entire 27th Annual American Music Awards show on YouTube. |
| JANUARY 18 |
| 1917 |
Rural blues man Matthew "Hogman" Maxey was born in Haynesville, LA on January 17, 1917. Maxey was recorded at Angola Prison in 1959 by folklorist Dr. Harry Oster. Listen to Hogman Maxey music on YouTube. |
| 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 Raceland, LA 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. He is the brother of Master P (Percy Miller). |
| JANUARY 19 |
| 1900 |
Late jazz cornetist Albert "Abbie" Brunies was born in New Orleans on January 19, 1900. Brunies worked with Papa Jack Laine, and went on to lead the Halfway House Orchestra. He continued to lead his own bands into the 1960s, playing at many clubs along the Gulf Coast. His brothers Merritt, George, Henry and Richard Brunies were also jazz musicians. Brunies passed away in Biloxi in 1978 |
| 1904 |
Late fiddler and Cajun music pioneer Leo Soileau was born in Ville Platte, LA on January 19, 1904. He first recorded in 1928, with Mayuse LaFleur. Soileau passed away on August 2, 1980. Listen to Leo Soileau music on YouTube. Read more here. |
| 1925 |
Blues piano legend Henry Gray was born in Kenner, Louisiana in 1925. Gray worked with Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and many others. He was honored with a National Heritage Fellowship by the NEA in 2006, and he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. Gray passed away on February 17, 2020 at age 95. Listen to Henry Gray music on YouTube. |
| 1932 |
Cajun fiddler Allen Fontenot was born (Allen Louis Fontenot) in Plaisance, LA in 1932. Fontenot passed away at his home in River Ridge, LA on July 30, 2013. He was 81. Listen to Allen Fontenot music on YouTube. |
| 1942 |
Swamp blues musician Joe Johnson was born in Independence, LA on January 19, 1942 (or January 9. 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. Read more here. |
| 1994 |
Aaron Neville's 1993 album "The Grand Tour" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1994. |
| 1999 |
Buckwheat Zydeco leader Stanley Dural, Jr. (1947–2016) 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. Campbell was featured in the 2003 documentary, "Dancing To New Orleans". He passed away on June 13, 1993 at age 41. Listen to John Campbell music on YouTube. |
| 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 Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Pete Seeger) 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. Watch Snooks Eaglin videos on YouTube.
|
| 1943 |
Smokin' Joe Kubek Band guitarist and vocalist B'nois King was born in Delhi, 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. They performed "Last Goodbye". Watch the video on YouTube. |
| 1998 |
Cajun songwriter, musician, comedian, and storyteller Marion Marcotte passed away in 1998 at age 81. Listen to Marion Marcotte on YouTube. |
| 1999 |
Blues vocalist and Monroe, LA native Al King (Alvin K. Smith) passed away in Oakland, California on January 21, 1999 at age 75. His 1966 single "Think Twice Before You Speak" reached #36 on the R&B Chart. King's 1998 album "It's Rough Out Here" was nominated for "Comeback Album of the Year" at the 1999 W.C. Handy Awards. |
| JANUARY 22 |
| 1917 |
Late jazz clarinetist and sax player Pud Brown was born (Albert Francis Brown) in Wilmington, DE in 1917. He recorded with Louis Armstrong and the Les Brown band in the late 1940's. He also recorded with Doc Cheatham, Danny Barker, Kid Ory and Percy Humphrey, and he played in Lawrence Welk's orchestra. Pud was a long time fixture at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe. He died of a heart attack at his home in Algiers, LA on May 27, 1996. Visit the Pud Brown Online Museum for more info. Listen to Pud Brown music on YouTube. |
| 1949 |
"Rainy Weather Blues" by Roy Brown and His Orchestra entered the R&B Chart in 1949. |
| 1965 |
Jazz musician "Papa" John Joseph passed away in New Orleans on January 22, 1965 at age 87. 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: First Man of Jazz". He led his own band in Storyville, and occasionally worked with the Original Tuxedo Orchestra and the Claiborne Williams Band in the 20's. After a long layoff, Joseph began playing again with other veteran musicians at Preservation Hall. It was there on January 22, 1965, that Joseph collapsed and died at age 88, shortly after finishing a bass solo on "When The Saints Go Marching In". Read more. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 2014 |
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue were the musical guests on Conan (Conan O'Brien's late night show on TBS) on January 22, 2014. They performed their song "Fire and Brimstone". |
| JANUARY 23 |
| 1889 |
Legendary rural blues and folk artist Lead Belly (Leadbelly) was born (Huddie Ledbetter) on the Jeter Plantation near Mooringsport, LA on January 23, 1888 (birth date is disputed). Lead Belly was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980, the Blues Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. His single "Goodnight, Irene" was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2003. Ledbetter passed away in New York City on December 6, 1949. |
| 1973 |
Legendary trombonist, composer and band leader Kid Ory passed away in Honolulu, HI on January 23, 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. His 1922 recording "Ory's Creole Trombone" was added to Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2005. Read more about "Ory's Creole Trombone". Ory finally returned to New Orleans in April of 2003, when his remains are transferred from Los Angeles for reburial at St. Louis Cemetery. Listen to Kid Ory music on YouTube. Read more about Kid Ory. |
| 1977 |
Composer of the rock classic "Louie, Louie" and Extension, Louisiana native Richard Berry passed away in Los Angeles in 1997 at age 61. Berry 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 (by Billy Joel) and Jerry Lee Lewis (by Hank Williams Jr.). 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. Tuts was featured in the award-winning video "Piano Players Rarely Ever Play Together". He died on August 5, 1984, after having a heart attack while performing at the 1984 New Orleans World's Fair. |
| 1936 |
Fiddler, vocalist and songwriter Doug Kershaw was born in Tiel Ridge, LA in 1936. Kershaw performed and recorded with his brother Rusty Kershaw (1938–2001) in the 1950'a and early 60s (listen to Rusty & Doug music on YouTube). Their 1961 hit single "Louisiana Man" reached #10 on the Country Chart, and has since been covered by dozens of artists. Doug Kershaw performed the song on ABC TV's 'The Johnny Cash Show' on June 7, 1969 (see video). Two months later, "Louisiana Man" was the first song broadcast back to Earth from the Moon by the crew of the Apollo 12 Mission. |
| 1937 |
Soul singer and songwriter Joseph "Diamond Joe" Maryland was born in Terrebonne Parish on on January 24, 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 on September 2, 2010 at age 73. Check out "Fair Play", "Gossip Gossip", "Moanin' and Screamin'", and "The ABC Song". |
| 1941 |
Vocalist extraordinaire Aaron Neville was born (Aaron Joseph Neville) in New Orleans on January 24, 1941. Aaron has won Grammy Awards 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 on January 25, 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 on January 25, 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. Smith died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 28, 1984. Listen to Whispering Smith music on YouTube. |
| 1939 |
Vocalist Tami Lynn (Tammy Lynn) was born (Gloria Jean Brown) in New Orleans on January 25, 1939. She signed with Harold Battiste's AFO (All For One) Records in the early 1960's. She recorded "Baby" (writtent by Red Tyler), and later "I’m Gonna Run Away From You", which was a hit in the U.K. charts when it was re-released there in the early 70's. Lynn can be heard on recordings by King Floyd, Dr. John, The Rolling Stones, and others. She released an album under the name Tamiya Lynn in the early 90s. She died in Florida on June 26, 2020. (birth date not confirmed) |
| 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. She was backed by Percy Humphrey, Jim Robinson, Willie Humphrey, Emanuel Sayles, McNeal Breaux, and Josiah Frasier. |
| 1976 |
R&B vocalist and songwriter Chris Kenner died of a heart attack on January 25, 1976 at age 46. He first charted in 1957 with "Sick and Tired" (13 on R&B Chart). His 1961 single "I Like It Like That" reached No. 2 on both the pop and R&B charts, and also received a Grammy nomination. Kenner's oft-covered 1962 song "Land of 1000 Dances" was a hit for both Cannibal & the Headhunters and Wilson Pickett. |
| 1989 |
R&B singer, guitarist, and songwriter Alvin "Shine" Robinson (Alvin Robinson) passed away in New Orleans on January 25, 1989 at age 51. Robinson charted in 1964 with a cover of version of Chris Kenner's song "Something You Got" (reaching #52 on the R&B Chart). He was a long time protege of Dr. John, and backed the Dr. up on many albums, including "Gris Gris", "Gumbo", and "Tango Palace". He also recorded with Professor Longhair, Ringo Starr, and others. Listen to Alvin Robinson music on YouTube. |
| 1999 |
Noted Cajun, rock and blues guitarist Jimmy Domengeaux was killed in a motorcycle accident near his Breaux Bridge, LA home in 1999. Domengeaux worked with Warren Storm, Sheryl Cormier, John Trahan, Kermit Venable, David Greely, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, and others. Domengeaux was 44 years old. |
| JANUARY 26 |
| 1893 |
Legendary Cajun fiddle player Dennis McGee was born in Bayou Marron, LA on January 26, 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." He passed away on October 3, 1989 in Eunice, Louisiana. His son, guitarist Gerry McGee (1937-2019), was a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of The Ventures. Watch Dennis McGee videos on YouTube. |
| 1934 |
R&B pianist and session musician Huey "Piano" Smith was born in New Orleans on January 26, 1934. Smith hit it big with his late 50's hits "Rockin' Pneumonia", "Don't You Just Know It" and "High Blood Pressure". Smith died in his sleep on February 13, 2023 at his home in Baton Rouge. Read more here. Listen to Huey "Piano" Smith music on YouTube. |
| 1943 |
R&B vocalist Jean Knight was born (Jean Audrey Caliste) in New Orleans on Jan. 26, 1943. Knight had a Top 10 R&B (#1) and Pop (#2) hit in 1971 with "Mr. Big Stuff". She passed away on November 22, 2023 at the age of 80 in Tampa, Florida. Read more here. |
| 1945 |
Multi-talented musician, arranger and composer Loren Pickford was born in 1945. He passed away on July 10, 2023 at age 77. Read more here and here. |
| 1954 |
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and multiple Grammy winner Lucinda Williams was born in Lake Charles, LA in 1953. See lucindawilliams.com. |
| 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. |
| 1956 |
Guitarist and singer-songwriter (and private detective) Gary Hirstius was born (Gary Bruce Hirstius) in New Orleans on January 26, 1956. Hirstius died at his home in Metairie on Friday, May 25, 2012. See obituary. Check out his music on YouTube. |
| 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. Listen to Donnie Elbert music on YouTube. |
| 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. The score of the game was 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, and Mary Chapin Carpenter with BeauSoleil ("Down at the Twist and Shout"). 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". |
| 2003 |
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 |
Jazz clarinetist Louis "Big Eye" Nelson was born (Louis Nelson Delisle) in New Orleans on January 28, 1885. Nelson studied under Lorenzo Tio, Sr. and played with Manuel Perez, Billy Marerro, Papa Celestin, the Original Creole Orchestra, and Kid Rena. He passed away on July 20, 1949 at age 64. Read more here. Listen to Big Eye Louis Nelson Delisle music on YouTube. |
| 1978 |
Bounce music artist, TV personality, and cultural influencer Big Freedia was born (Freddie Ross) in New Orleans in 1978. See bigfreedia.com. |
| 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 halftime 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 (Recording Industry Association of America) on January 28, 1992. It went on to achieve Platinum status on August 8, 1997. |
| 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, and special guests Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly performed during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXV, held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on January 28, 2001. All 5 artists took part in the show finale of "Walk This Way". The score of the game was Baltimore Ravens 34, New York Giants 7. |
| JANUARY 29 |
| 1902 |
Jazz trumpeter Albert Snaer was born in New Orleans on January 29, 1902. Snaer played with the Excelsior Brass Band, Tuxedo Brass Band, on the river boats with Dewey Jackson and Fate Marable, John Robichaux Orchestra, the Moonlight Serenaders (aka Imperial Serenaders), Andy Kirk's Orchestra, Claude Hopkins, Sidney Bechet, Joe Rouzan, Big Boy Goudie, and others. He died in San Francisco in 1962. |
| 1920 |
Late piano player, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Paul Gayten was born in Kentwood, LA on January 29, 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. Gayten died in Los Angeles on March 26, 1991 at age 71. Listen to Paul Gayten music on YouTube. |
| 1932 |
Late trumpeter and vocalist Frank Assunto was born in New Orleans on January 29, 1932. Frank, along with brother Fred (on trombone), founded the original Dukes of Dixieland band in 1948. Frank Assunto died of a heart attack on February 25, 1974 at age 42. |
| 1995 |
Hank Williams Jr. performed during the pregame show of Super Bowl XXIX, held at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami in 1995. Hank performed a Super Bowl 29 rendition of his famous Monday Night Football song (video). 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 January 29, 2002. He performed "What You Want From Me". You can watch a clip of the video on Ivan's Facebook page. |
| 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 |
Cajun vocalist and guitarist Leroy "Happy Fats" LeBlanc was born in Rayne, LA 1915. LeBlanc lef the Rayne-Bo Ramblers in the 30's and later recorded with Leo Soileau's Rhythm Boys and Harry Choates. He passed away on February 23, 1988 at age 73. Read more here and here. Listen to Leroy "Happy Fats" Leblanc music on YouTube. |
| 1918 |
Immortal New Orleans pianist and vocalist Professor Longhair (born Henry Roeland Byrd) passed away in New Orleans in 1980 at age 61. He was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award for the compilation album "House Party New Orleans Style" in 1988. The 1953 Professor Longhair and His Blues Scholars single "Tipitina" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2010. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1981, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. He was featured in the 1982 documentary, "Piano Players Rarely Ever Play Together" with Allen Toussaint and Isodore 'Tuts' Washington. |
| 1956 |
Vocalist, arranger, guitarist and award winning banjo player Don Vappie was born in New Orleans in 1956. Vappie was the subject of the 2006 documentary "American Creole: New Orleans Reunion", which followed him in the months after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Watch Don Vappe videos on YouTube. |
| 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. It peaked at the #41 position. |
| 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 |
New Orleans blues pianist and vocalist Roosevelt Sykes was born near Helna, Arkansas on January 31, 1906. Sykes was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1999. He died of a heart attack in New Orleans on July 17, 1983. Listen to Roosevelt Sykes music on YouTube. |
| 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. Sayles passed away on October 5, 1986. Read more here and here. Listen to Emmanuel Sayles music on YouTube. |
| 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. It peaked at the #3 position. |
| 1953 |
"Tell Me Pretty Baby" by Lloyd Price entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1953. It peaked at the #8 position. |
| 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 (James Moore, or Isiah Moore) passed away in Baton Rouge, LA on January 31, 1970 at the age of 45. He had a #1 hit on the R&B Chart in 1966 with "Baby Scratch My Back" (#16 on the Pop Chart). Other R&B Chart entries include "Rainin' in My Heart", "Tip On In" and "Tee-Ni-Nee-Ni-Nu". His debut single, 1957's "I'm a King Bee", was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. |
| 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. |
