On This Day in Louisiana Music History


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Jan

JULY 1
1898	Late trombonist Charles Hartman was born in New Orleans in 1898; Hartman worked with Oliver Naylor, Tony Parenti, the Prima-Sharkey Orchestra, and others.
1935	Gospel vocalist Louis Jones (with The Zion Harmonizers) was born in New Orleans in 1935
1952	Noted percussionist, songwriter, producer and educator Leon Ndugu Chancler was born in Shreveport, LA in 1952; Chancler has worked with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Frank Sinatra, Santana, Michael Jackson (played drums on the "Thriller" album), George Duke, and dozens of others (more).
1957	"A Fallen Star" by Big Mamou native and Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy C. Newman entered the R&B Chart in 1957; the tune eventually reached #7; (the tune went to #2 on the Country Chart and #23 on the Pop Chart).
1972	"Eleven Roses" by Shreveport, LA native Hank Williams Jr. hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1972
1967	Zydeco accordionist and bandleader Chubby Carrier was born in Church Point, Louisiana in 1967. He is the son of late Zydeco legend Roy Carrier.
1977	Blues man Baby Boy Warren (born Robert Henry Warren in Lake Providence, LA) passed away in Detroit at the age of 57
1990	Hank Williams Jr. married former Hawaiian Tropic model Mary Jane Thomas in Montana in 1990
1994	A Baton Rouge judge sentenced soul singer Percy Sledge to five years of probation and fined him $95,000 for tax evasion in 1994; Sledge, a native of Alabama, has been a long time resident of Baton Rouge
Chart	"Let The Four Winds Blow" by Roy Brown entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1957 ... "Susie Q" by Dale Hawkins entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1957 ... "Make Me Yours" by Bettye Swan entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1967 (the tune eventually reached No. 21 on the Pop Chart and No. 1 on the R&B Chart) ... "Good" by Better Than Ezra entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1995

JULY 02
1947	Sax man and vocalist Reggie Houston was born in New Orleans in 1947; his recording credits include appearances on albums by Peter Gabriel, Neville Brothers, Yockamo All-Stars, Charmaine Neville, plus his own solo efforts; you can catch Reggie gigging regularly with Charmaine Neville and Amasa Miller
1926	Late tenor sax legend, session player and bandleader Lee Allen was born in Pittsburgh, Kansas in 1926; a member of Dave Bartholomew's famed session band recording at Cosimo's in the 1950's, Allen wailed on tenor in tandem with with Alvin "Red" Tyler on baritone; Allen helped create the New Orleans R&B sound on hits by Little Richard, Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, and beaucoup others.
1955	Super funky bass player Nick Daniels III (Neville Brothers, Dumpstaphunk) was born in New Orleans in 1955.
1958	Singer and pianist Martha Boswell passed away in Peekskill, NY in 1958; Martha was a member of the famed jazz vocal group The Boswell Sisters, along with sisters Helvetia and Connee Boswell
1962	The Eureka Brass Band were recorded by Atlantc Records at Preservation Hall in New Orleans on July 2, 1962. The recordings can be found on the limited edition box set "The Atlantic New Orleans Jazz Sessions." Band members Percy Humphrey, George "Kid Sheik" Colar, Peter Bocage, Albert Warner, Oscar "Chicken" Henry, Willie Humphrey, Emmanuel Paul, Wilbert "Bird" Tillman, Josiah "Cie" Frazier and Robert "Son Fewclothes" Lewis.
1976	Mutemath singer, keyboardist and co-founder Paul Meany was born in New Orleans in 1976. He also led the NOLA-based band Earthsuit prior to forming Mutemath.
1988	The Louis Armstrong classic "What A Wonderful World" hit #1 on the Australian pop chart in 1988
1991	Noted guitarist and 1950's & 60's session player Justin Adams passed away in New Orleans in 1991 at age 68; Adams was a member of Dave Bartholomew's classic 50's session band

JULY 03
1929	Blues songstress "Miss" Lavelle White was born in Amite, Louisiana in 1929
1930	Clarinet legend Pete Fountain was born (Peter Dewey Fountain, Jr.) in New Orleans in 1930; Fountain studied under Johnny Wiggs at McDonough 28; he first recorded with the Basin Street Six (which also featured George Girard, Joe Rotis and Roy Zimmerman) in the early 50's, and later worked with the Dukes of Dixieland; Fountain came to national prominence when featured on The Lawrence Welk Show in the late 50's; he also appeared an amazing 58 times on NBC's "Tonight Show"; he performed for 4 U.S. presidents and also for Pope John Paul II on his 1987 visit to New Orleans
1950	New Orleans born bass and trombone player John Lindsay passed away in Chicago in 1950 at age 55; Lindsay worked with John Robichaux, Armand Piron, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Jimmie Noone, and many others
1954	"Even Tho" by honky tonk singer Webb Pierce (born 8/8/26 in West Monroe, LA) topped the country charts in 1954
1960	New Orleans born trumpet player and band leader Lee Collins passed away in Chicago in 1960 at age 58; Collins studied under Professor Jim Humphrey and began playing in brass bands as a teen; his lengthy career included stints with King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Davey Jones (this duo co-led the classic Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight sessions in 1929), Johnny and Baby Dodds, and a host of others
1971	"Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight hit No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1971; it remained on top of the chart for 5 straight weeks
1997	Blues great Johnny Copeland passed away in New York City in 1997 at age 60; Copeland's commercial breakthrough came in 1985 with "Showdown!", a collaboration with Albert Collins and Robert Cray that won a Grammy Award for best trad blues album; the Haynesville, LA native was born with a congenital heart defect which ultimately led to a transplant in 1997; he passed away after surgery to repair a defective valve in the new heart

JULY 4
1895	Late clarinetist Steve Angrum was born in New Roads, LA in 1895; Angrum worked with Kid Thomas, Kid Sheik, Punch Miller, and others
1902	Late church deacon Frank Lastie was born in New Orleans in 1902; Lastie, also a drummer in church, was the patriarch of the musical Lastie family; offspring included sons Melvin, David, and Walter, daughter Betty Ann, and grandsons Herlin Riley and Joe Lastie
1910	Late blues singer and pianist Champion Jack Dupree was born in New Orleans in 1910
1944	Blues harmonica great Chicago Bob Nelson was born (Robert Lee Nelson) in Bogalusa, LA in 1944
1953	Harmonica player Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson was born in Lake Charles, LA in 1953; Johnson is one of Nashville's top session musicians and has recorded with Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, Etta James, Randy Travis, The Judds, and many others
1969	New Orleans-based songstress Sophie Lee Lowry (aka Miss Sophie Lee) was born in Chicago in 1969.
1980	Trumpeter Shamarr Allen was born in New Orleans in 1980.
1992	Trumpeter and bandleader Joe Newman passed away in New York City in 1992 at age 70. The New Orleans native's career included stints with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Illinois Jacquet, and Benny Goodman. Apart from his 25+ albums as a leader, Newman can be heard on recordings by Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin, among many others.
2000	Celebrations honoring the centennial of Louis Armstrong's birth begin in earnest around the world; Louis thought his birth date to be July 4, 1900, but a baptismal certificate, found after his death, purported the date of birth to be August 4, 1901; the consolation in this great debate is that we get to celebrate the Louis Armstrong centennial for 13 months!

JULY 5
1913	Late New Orleans R&B great Smiley Lewis (née Overton Amos Lemons) was born in DeQuincey, Louisiana in 1913
1927	Music entrepreneur Stan "The Record Man" Lewis was born in Shreveport, LA in 1927; Lewis founded the Jewel, Paula, and Ronn record labels, and produced dozens of artists including John Fred & His Playboys, Ike & Tina Turner, The Soul Stirrers, and Mickey Gilley
1929	Drummer Cornelius "Tenoo" Coleman was born in New Orleans in 1929; Coleman backed Fats Domino on many of his 50's hits (check out "I'm In Love Again") and was an inspiration and teacher to Walter "Popee" Lastie
1958	Honky tonk singer Webb Pierce recorded his Top 10 country hit "Falling Back to You" for the Decca label in 1958
1980	"Hey Lover" by New Orleans funk group Chocolate Milk entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1980
2001	R&B legend Ernie K-Doe passed away in New Orleans in 2001 at age 65. See New York Times tribute.
2005	Noted New Orleans R&B singer Shirley Goodman passed away in Los Angeles in 2005 at age 69; Goodman was half of the popular 50's R&B duo, Shirley & Lee; they split in 1963, and Goodman moved to the west coast, doing session work with the likes of the Rolling Stones and Dr. John; Goodman resurfaced in 1975 with the #1 R&B hit, "Shame, Shame, Shame" (as Shirley & Company)

JULY 6
1922	Late gospel singer Bessie Griffin was born in New Orleans in 1922
1931	Late R&B great Danny White was born in New Orleans in 1931; White 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). White passed away in 1996 at age 64.
1953	Trad jazz trumpeter Gregg Stafford was born in New Orleans in 1953; Stafford can be heard regularly at the Palm Court Jazz Caf� and Preservation Hall
1955	Honky tonk singer Webb Pierce recorded "Love, Love, Love" for the Decca label in 1955; the tune went to No. 1 on the Country Charts in October of '55, and held the top spot for 13 weeks
1957	BeauSoleil guitarist and vocalist David Doucet was born in Scott, Louisiana in 1957; David is the younger brother of Beausoliel founder Michael Doucet
1971	Celebrated trumpeter, vocalist, songwriter, jazz innovator and international goodwill ambassador Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong died in his sleep at his Corona, New York home in 1971 at the age of 69; President Nixon and Duke Ellington were among those who payed tribute to the jazz legend in a New York Times obit, published on July 7, 1971

JULY 7
1949	Trad jazz trumpeter Bunk Johnson (born William Geary Johnson) passed away in New Iberia, Louisiana in 1949 at the age of 59; Johnson worked with The Superior Orchestra and The Eagle Band from 1910-14; he left New Orleans and was in and out of music for several years; Bunk was "rediscovered" in the late 30's and made his first recordings in 1942; many feel he was past his prime, but Johnson did contribute to the public's renewed interest in early jazz during this period; he continued to record and tour until retiring to New Iberia in 1948.
1956	"Come Back To Me" by Big Mamou, LA native Jimmy C. Newman (the "C" stands for "Cajun" y'all) entered the Billboard Country Chart in 1956
1958	Louis Armstrong performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958; footage of the show was captured for the film, "Jazz On A Summer's Day", which also features a performance by Mahalia Jackson
1971	The New York Times and Newsday reported on the news of Louis Armstrong's death in 1971 (the jazz legend passed away on 07/06/71).

JULY 8
1929	Jelly Roll Morton recorded "Pep", "Seattle Hunch", "Frances (Fat Frances)", and "Freakish" for the Victor label in Camden, NJ in 1929 (listen to audio clips)
1929	Jimmie Noone recorded "Birminghan Bertha", "Am I Blue?", and "My Daddy Rocks Me" for the Vocalion label in Chicago in 1929 (listen to audio clips)
1952	Bluesman Larry Garner was born in New Orleans in 1952; Garner grew up in Baton Rouge where he was influenced by swamp blues players Clarence Edwards, Silas Hogan, Henry Gray and Lonesome Sundown; the critically acclaimed Garner tours extensively and is popular on the European blues circuit
1958	Webb Pierce recorded "Tupelo County Jail" for the Decca label in 1958; the tune went to #7 on the Country chart
1967	"I'll Do It For You" by Monroe, LA native Toussaint McCall entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1967
1967	"Tip On In (Part 1)" by swamp blues legend Slim Harpo entered the R&B Chart in 1967

JULY 9
1906	Late clarinetist and band leader Joe Darensbourg was born in Baton Rouge, LA in 1906; Darensbourg studied under Manuel Roque in Baton Rouge and Alphonse Picou in New Orleans; lengthy career (1920's - 1980's) included stints with Mutt Carey, Kid Ory, Louis Armstrong's All Stars, and dozens of others; for more info, see the book "Jazz Odyssey: The Autobiography of Joe Darensbourg"
1920	Late piano player and band leader Duke Burrell was born in New Orleans in 1920; Burrell worked with Louis Jordan, Johnny Otis, Barney Bigard, and others
1971	Funeral services were held for jazz legend Louis Armstrong at Corona Congregational Church in New York in 1971; Satchmo was laid to rest in Flushing Cemetary in his hometown of Queens, NY.
1972	Percussionist extraordinaire Stanton Moore (Galactic, Stanton Moore Trio, Garage a Trois) was born in New Orleans in 1972.
1979	Zydeco accordionist Andre Thierry was born in Richmond, California in 1979.
1982	Noted New Orleans-born trumpeter and vocalist Wingy Manone passed away in Las Vegas in 1982 at age 82

JULY 10
1929	Jelly Roll Morton recorded "Sweet Anita Mine" and "New Orleans Bump" for the Victor label in Camden, NJ in 1929.
1941	New Orleans born jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton passed away in Los Angeles in 1941. Morton is considered the crucial figure in bridging 19th century blues, vaudeville song and ragtime with the small jazz ensembles of the 1920's. The gifted pianist, arranger and composer penned many tunes that later became jazz standards, among them "King Porter Stomp", "Wolverine Blues", "Black Bottom Stomp", "Milneburg Joys", "Doctor Jazz" and "Shreveport Stomp."
1998	Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams appeared on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" in 1998. Lucinda performed "Right In Time" from the crticially acclaimed "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" album.

JULY 11
1951	Noted guitarist and session player Cranston Clements was born in New Orleans in 1951; Cranston has played with Twangorama, Woodenhead, The Clements Brothers, and The Chilluns, among others. His recording credits include Maria Muldaur, Irma Thomas, Bobby Charles, and Amanda Shaw (see more). His daughter Annie Clements is bassist & backing vocalist with Sugarland; sons Austin and Tyler are also following in their dad's musical footsteps.
1953	"It�s Been So Long", by Webb Pierce hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1953
1957	Honky tonk singer Webb Pierce recorded "Holiday for Love" for the Decca label in 1957; the tune spent 17 weeks on the Country Chart, peaking at No. 3
1958	Cajun accordionist and vocalist Bruce Daigrepont (web site) was born in New Orleans in 1958
1960	"There's Something On Your Mind (Part 2)" by late R&B singer Bobby Marchan hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1960
1973	Lil Rascals Brass Band trombone player Gregory Veals was born in New Orleans in 1973

JULY 12
1895	Late cornet player Alfred "Baby" Laine (also known as "Pantsy") was born in New Orleans in 1895; Laine played with the Reliance Brass Band (founded by his father Papa Jack Laine), and also led his own bands, including "Pantsy" Laine and his Wampus Cats
1920	Late gospel vocalist Paul Foster was born in Shreveport, LA in 1920; Foster recorded with The Golden Echoes in the late 40's, and was a long time member of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, The Soul Stirrers (which also featured Sam Cooke)
1934	Celebrated classical pianist Van Cliburn was born in Shreveport, LA in 1934; Cliburn (at age 23) skyrocketed to fame in 1958 during the height of the Cold War when he conquered the heart of the Russian people as winner of the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow
1952	"Lawdy Miss Clawdy" by Lloyd Price and His Orchestra hit No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1952; it held the top position for a total of 7 weeks
1952	"That Heart Belongs To Me" by Webb Pierce hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1952
1994	The Neville Brothers' 1989 album "Yellow Moon" was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1994
2002	Traditional Cajun accordion player and vocalist Milton Adams passed away in 2002 at age 83. The Kaplan, Louisiana native was the leader of Milton Adams' Midnight Playboys.
2003	New Orleans-based musicians Susan Cowsill and Russ Broussard were married on July 12, 2003 in Lafayette, Louisiana.

JULY 13
1900	Legendary trad jazz clarinetist George Lewis was born (Joseph Lewis Francis Zeno) in New Orleans in 1900
1931	Blues guitarist and vocalist Long John Hunter was born in Ringold, Louisiana in 1931
1939	Noted swamp pop vocalist Joe Barry was born (Joseph Barrios) in Cut Off, Louisiana in 1939; Barry's biggest hits came in 1961 with "I'm A Fool To Care" (went to No. 15 on the R&B Chart) and "Teardrops In My Heart"; Barry passed away in 2004.
1963	"River's Invitation" by legendary R&B singer and songwriter Percy Mayfield entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1963

JULY 14
1958	Late gospel music great Raymond Anthony Myles was born in New Orleans in 1958; Myles was found murdered in New Orleans on October 11, 1998, the victim of an apparent carjacking
1965	New Orleans born pianist and composer Spencer Williams passed away in Flushing, NY in 1965 at age 75; Williams co-wrote "Squeeze Me" with Fats Waller, and also collaborated with Clarence Williams (no relation) on many hits; noted songs include "Basin Street Blues", "Royal Garden Blues", "I've Found a New Baby" and "Everybody Loves My Baby"; he also recorded with Lonnie Johnson, Teddy Bunn, and others.
1975	Noted jazz drummer Arthur "Zutty" Singleton passed away in New York in 1975 at age 77; the Bunkie, LA native's extensive resume included stints with Jimmie Noone, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and many others; Singleton was an important link from the New Orleans style to the swing drummers who came on the scene in the 1930's, and he was one of the first drummers to use wire brushes and the sock cymbal; he appeared in the films "Stormy Weather", "New Orleans", and "Turned-Up Toes", and also appeared on the 1950's "Timex All Stars" TV specials (see photos of Zutty)
1975	Trombonist Corey Henry (with Lil' Rascals Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins' BBQ Swingers, etc.) was born in New Orleans in 1975
1981	Sax player Devin Phillips was born in New Orleans in 1981

JULY 15
1898	Late trad jazz reeds player Tats Alexander was born (Adolph Alexander, Jr.) in New Orleans in 1898; Alexander played with the Tuxedo Brass Band in the early 1920's; his career also included long stints with Sidney Desvigne (see photo), and in later years, with Oscar "Papa" Celestin; his father, also a musician, worked in orchestras led by Gilbert "Bab" Frank and Manual Perez, and marched with the Excelsior and Onward Brass Bands
1933	New Orleans born jazz man Freddie Keppard passed away in Chicago in 1933 at age 43; Keppard succeeded the legendary Buddy Bolden as cornet "king" of New Orleans; worked with the Olympia Orchestra and the Eagle Band in the early 1900's; moved to Los Angeles in 1912 to co-lead the Original Creole Orchestra; later settled in Chicago and worked with King Oliver, Jimmie Noone, Doc Cook, Erskine Tate and Charlie Elgar; Keppard could have been the first jazz musician to record, but he turned the offer down for fear that others would "steal his ideas"; the honor of the first recorded "jass" music subsequently went to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, a group of white musicians
1960	Lance Ellis born in NOLA in 1960
1989	"In A Letter To You" by Lafayette, LA native Eddy Raven hit #1 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1989
1998	Mahalia Jackson was one of four Gospel music legends honored by the U.S. Postal Service with commemorative stamps issued in ceremonies held at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1998

JULY 16
1925	Long-time Louisiana Hayride announcer Frank Page was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1925
1955	"I Don't Care" by honky tonker Webb Pierce hit #1 on the Country Charts in 1955; it held the top spot for 12 straight weeks
1955	"Ain't It A Shame" (aka "Ain't That A Shame") by Fats Domino entered the Pop Chart on this day in 1955; it was Fats' first pop chart entry (his first R&B Chart entry was "The Fat Man" in 1950), and it peaked at #10; "Ain't It A Shame" later hit #1 on the R&B chart, holding the top spot for 11 weeks
1977	"Turn This Mutha Out (Part 1)" by New Orleans born drummer Idris Muhammad (born Leo Morris) entered the Billboard R&B Chart in 1977; the tune remained on the chart for 12 weeks, peaking at #21

JULY 17
1911	Renowned trumpeter and vocalist Lionel Ferbos was born in New Orleans in 1911.
1939	Blues singer and keyboard man Ironing Board Sam (née Sammie Moore) was born in Rockhill, South Carolina in 1939; Sam, aka The Human Jukebox, performed regularly in New Orleans from 1974 to 2003; read more.
1940	Blues singer and music historian Margie Evans was born in Shreveport, LA in 1940.
1951	Legendary Cajun fiddler Harry Choates (of "Jole Blon" fame) died in jail in Austin, Texas in 1951. Circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, but he is believed to have died after suffering an epileptic fit
1956	Trombone great Lucien Barbarin was born in New Orleans in 1956.
1983	Blues pianist and vocalist Roosevelt Sykes passed away at Charity Hospital in New Orleans in 1983 at age 77. His last public appearance had been on May 7th at the 1983 Jazz and Heritage Festival.
1991	A revamped Lynyrd Skynyrd band kicked off a national tour in Baton Rouge, LA in 1991; the original band was headed to Baton Rouge on 10/21/77 when their plane crashed killing six people, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines

JULY 18
1928	Late jazz trombonist Carl Fontana was born in Monroe, LA in 1928; Fontana's musical career includes stints with Woody Herman, Al Belletto, Lionel Hampton, Hal McIntyre, Stan Kenton and Kai Winding (more)
1932	Jazz legend Louis Armstrong wowed British music fans in his first overseas performance at the London Palladium in 1932
1947	Country singer Linda Gail Lewis was born in Ferriday, Louisiana in 1947; Gail is the sister of rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis
1949	The first broadcast of the New Orleans Jazz Club's radio program took place in 1949; for many years it was broadcast over WWL-AM on Sunday nights at 9 PM; the 50,000 watt station enabled the show to be heard over the entire USA and much of Canada
1964	Trombonist Keith "Wolf" Anderson was born Chicago in 1964
1964	"People Say" by The Dixie Cups entered the R&B Chart in 1964; the tune peaked at the #12 position
1985	Noted jazz bassist Stewart Davis passed away in New Orleans in 1985 at age 67
1986	Tenor sax great Don Wilkerson passed away in Houston, TX in 1986; the Moreauville, LA native played with Amos Milburn, Charles Brown, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and others before cutting his first solo album, "Texas Twister, in 1960
2003	Classical pianist Van Cliburn received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2003

JULY 19
1894	Late trombonist Eddie Morris was born in New Orleans (Algiers) in 1894; Morris worked with Punch Miller, Kid Rena and Buddy Petit in the 1920's and 30's; he worked with Miller regularly from 1956 onward, and appeared on his album "1960"
1894	Late trad jazz musician (violin, string bass, tuba) Sidney Brown was born in Deering, Louisiana in 1894; Brown played with bands led by Isaiah and Sam Morgan, the Tuxedo Brass Band, Papa Celestin, and others; he recorded with Celestin, George Lewis, and others
1940	Noted local blues man Little Freddie King was born (nee Fread E. Martin) in McComb, MS in 1940
1957	Pianist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter John Autin was born in New Orleans.
1969	"The Hook and Sling - Part 1" (Scram 117) by Eddie Bo entered the R&B Chart in 1969; the tune, Bo's only solo chart entry, peaked at the #13 position

JULY 20
1928	Clarence Williams recorded "My Woman Done Me Wrong (As Far As I Am Concerned)" and "Farm Hand Papa" for the Columbia label in New York in 1928
1948	Vocalist Brazella Briscoe was born in New Orleans in 1948; Briscoe is a former member of the Zion Harmonizers
1959	"Sea of Love" by Phil Phillips entered the Top 40 chart in 1959; it went on to become a million seller, reaching #2 on the Pop Chart and #1 on the R&B Chart; the record was produced by Eddie Shuler, and featured backing from The Cupcakes and The Twilights; it was later a hit for Del Shannon and The Honeydrippers.
1998	Jazz trumpeter Samuel Alcorn passed away in New Orleans in 1998 at age 61; Sammy's career included work with Fats Domino, Duke Ellington, Jerry Butler, and others; he was the son of late New Orleans trumpet great Alvin Alcorn
2000	Rap star Juvenile was arrested at his Mandeville home in 2000, and charged with 3 counts of simple battery and 5 counts of aggravated assault; the incident arose after the rapper manhandled five dancers (wink wink) he had picked up for his housewarming party (read more).

JULY 21
1902	Late clarinet and sax player Omer Simeon was born in New Orleans in 1902; Simeon's career included stints with King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Earl Hines, the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra and Wilbur DeParis
1931	Tenor sax great Plas Johnson (web site) was born (John Johnson, Jr.) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana in 1931; the prolific session player has recorded with Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Johnny Rivers, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, and many others; you have probably heard Johnson dozens of times without knowing it ... he played the slinky sax intro on the "Pink Panther Theme", heard both in the "Pink Panther" film and in the cartoon series
1935	Trad jazz trombonist Honore Dutrey passed away in Chicago in 1935 at age 41; the New Orleans native played with many local groups (Melrose Brass Band, John Robichaux's Orchestra, Silver Leaf Orchestra) before enlisting in the Navy in 1917; Dutrey settled in Chicago after his release; he worked and recorded with King Oliver, Johnny Dodds, Louis Armstrong, and others
1958	"Just A Dream" by Baton Rouge native Jimmy Clanton entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1958; the song went on to reach the #4 position on the Pop Chart and #1 on the R&B Chart (August, 1958); the track was recorded at Cosimo Matassa's studio in New Orleans, with backing from Earl King, Huey "Piano" Smith, Lee Allen and Red Tyler
1958	"Alone With You" by Shreveport native Faron Young hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1958; the tune, the second #1 for the "Hillbilly Heartthrob", topped the chart for 13 weeks; Young, who committed suicide in 1996, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 4, 2000
1965	Singer, songwriter and guitarist Sidney Cox (The Cox Family) was born in Homer, Louisiana in 1965
1971	Country music singer Robert Mizzell was born in Shreveport, LA in 1971.

JULY 22
1929	Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra (Carroll Dickerson's band) recorded "(What Did I Do To Be So) Black And Blue", "That Rhythm Man", and "Sweet Savannah Sue" for the Okeh label in New York in 1929; these tunes, along with "Ain't Misbehavin'" (recorded on 6/19/29), were all from the popular all Black musical review "Hot Chocolates" (audio clips).
1953	Blues harmonica great Pat Ramsey was born in Shreveport, LA in 1953. He recorded with Johnny Winter and Coco Robicheaux, and also released several solo albums. Ramsey passed away in Florida in 2008 after battling a lengthy illness.
1957	"A Fallen Star" by Big Mamou native and Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy C. Newman entered the Top 40 in 1957; it reached #23 on the Pop Chart, and cracked the Top 10 on both the R&B and Country Charts.
1967	"Make Me Yours" by Shreveport, LA native Bettye Swann hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1967.
1994	Sammy Kershaw's 1991 album "Don't Go Near the Water" was certified Platinum (sales of one million copies) by the RIAA in 1994
1995	Trad jazz trumpeter Percy Humphrey passed away in New Orleans in 1995 at age 90; Percy's brothers Earl and Willie, his father (Willie Humphrey, Sr.), and his grandfather ("Professor" Jim Humphrey) were also noted jazz musicians; Percy 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; his last performance came as the closing act at the 1995 New Orleans Jazz Fest

JULY 23
1920	Blues man George Curly "Barefoot" Miller was born in New Orleans in 1920; the son of Barnum and Bailey Circus performers, Miller began his career shining shoes and tap-dancing on the streets of New Orleans; he settled in Dallas in the 60's where he became known for his flamboyant suits, racy jokes and shoeless tap-dancing; a throwback to the vaudville era, Miller's shows were a blend of stand-up comedy and blues, with a bit of vaudevillian sparkle thrown in for good measure; Miller performed regularly in the Dallas area until his death on May 2, 1999 (photo)
1943	Swamp pop guitarist, singer and songwriter Tony Joe White was born in Oak Grove, Louisiana in 1943; White had a Top 10 hit in 1969 with his self-penned "Polk Salad Annie"; his songs have been covered by Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Brook Benton, Johnny Adams, Tina Turner (he wrote 4 tracks for Tina's "Foreign Affair" album), Joe Cocker, Waylon Jennings, and others; White's classic, "Rainy Night In Georgia", has been covered by over 100 different artists
1943	New Orleans rapper Juvenile (Terius Gray) was arrested in a Jacksonville, Florida shopping mall in 1999; Juvenile was charged with resisting arrest and breach of peace after he and two of his associates got into a fracas with Regency Square mall security guards who had asked Juvenile to remove a tilted cap and bandanna, a breach of the mall's safety code

JULY 24
1962	Sax player Byron Bernard was born in New Orleans in 1962; Bernard has worked with the Young Olympians, the Soul Rebels, and others
1986	Swamp blues guitarist Clarence Garlow passed away in Beaumont, Texas in 1986 at age 75; the Welsh, Louisiana native had a hit with his zydeco flavored "Bon Ton Roula" (on the Houston based Macy's Records label) in 1950; Garlow later ran a club (Bon Ton Drive-In) and deejayed (KJET) in Beaumont, where he became a mentor to blues man Johnny Winter.

JULY 25
1885	Late jazz trombonist Charles Christian was born in New Orleans in 1885; Charles was the brother of Emile (trombone and string bass) and Frank (trumpet) Christian; Christian worked with his brothers in bands led by Papa Jack and Alfred Laine
1899	Late jazz cornetist Johnny Wiggs was born (Johnny Wigginton Hyman) in New Orleans in 1899; his early career included stints with Norman Brownlee and Tony Parenti; he later led his own band before leaving music in the early 30's to become an elementary school teacher (one of his students was Pete Fountain); he resumed playing in the late 40's and was a member of the New Orleans Jazz Society; Wiggs was featured at the 1969 Jazz & Heritage Festival
1969	Blues scholar and former New Orleans resident (and WWOZ DJ) John Sinclair was found guilty of possession of marijuana (2 reefers) by a jury in Detroit in 1969; Sinclair was subsequently sentenced to a ten year jail term; he was released after serving 29 months, three days after a massive rally (attended by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Bobby Seale, Jerry Rubin, and Allen Ginsberg) in Ann Arbor, Michigan demanding his release
1995	Country music legend Charlie Rich died in his sleep at a Hammond, Louisiana motel in 1995 at age 62; "The Silver Fox" suffered a blood clot in the lungs while en route to Florida with his wife

JULY 26
1932	Noted New Orleans session guitarist Walter "Papoose" Nelson was born in New Orleans in 1932; Nelson, recorded with Professor Longhair and Fats Domino among many others, and he was a mentor to a young Mac Rebennack (Dr. John); his brother was Lawrence "Prince La La" Nelson. He died of a drug overdose in New York City in 1962 while on tour with Fats Domino.
1941	Soul singer Brenton Wood (née Alfred Jesse Smith) was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1941; Wood first recorded with Little Freddy & The Rockets in 1958; his 1967 hits, "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme Little Sign" are soul music "greatest hits" staples
1955	Dirty Dozen Brass Band tenor sax man Kevin Harris was born in New Orleans in 1955
1969	"Reconsider Me", by the great Johnny Adams, entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1969; it peaked at #28 ... "Polk Salad Annie", by swamp rocker Tony Joe White, also entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1969; it reached the #8 spot
1999	Drummer Albert "Lil' June" Gardner passed away in New Orleans in 1999 at age 48; Lil' June worked with many local musical luminaries, including The Neville Brothers, Raymond Myles, Professor Longhair, and Irma Thomas; he was the son of drummer Albert "June" Gardner

JULY 27
1922	Guitarist Papa Cairo (nee Julius Lamperez) was born in New Orleans in 1922; Papa Cairo sang on Chuck Guillory & His Rhythm Boys' 1949 hit, "Big Texas"; he later toured with Ernest Tubb, and recorded with Harry Choates and Chuck Guillory, among others; Lamperez passed away in 1999 at age 79.
1933	Master fiddler, fiddle maker, teacher and Cajun cultural ambassador Leo Abshire was born in Kaplan, LA in 1933. Abshire performed with Joe Bonsall and the Orange Playboys for 20 years, and also worked with August Broussard, Milton Adams, Horace Trahan, D.L. Menard, Eddie LeJeune, and Doug Kershaw. He appeared in the 1999 PBS special The Mississippi: River of Song and he was the subject of the award winning documentary "It's In the Blood: Leo Abshire & the Cajun Tradition."
1943	Trumpeter, composer, session player and influential music educator Clyde Kerr, Jr. was born in New Orleans in 1943; Kerr's students included Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, Irvin Mayfield, Christian Scott and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. He passed away in New Orleans in 2010 at age 67.
1954	Vocalist Leigh "Li'l Queenie" Harris was born in New Orleans in 1954
1973	Omnipresent drummer Kevin O'Day was born in New Orleans in 1973
1974	Legendary Baton Rouge blues man Lightnin' Slim (born Otis Hicks) passed away in Detroit in 1974 at the age of 61
2001	Louis Armstrong earned his first Platinum record certification on July 27, 2001 for his 1968 album, "What A Wonderful World"; Pops has earned Gold Album status for "All Time Greatest Hits" and "Hello, Dolly!".

JULY 28
1907	Trumpeter Leon Prima was born in New Orleans in 1907; Prima worked with Tony Parenti, Leon Roppolo, Ray Bauduc, Jack Teagarden, Peck Kelley, Sharkey Bonano, and others; he also played with older brother Louis Prima's big band in New York in the 40's, and led his own combo at local clubs in the 50's (photo)
1957	Rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis made his television debut on "The Steve Allen Show" in 1957 (performing "Crazy Arms" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On")
1958	"Just A Dream" by Baton Rouge native Jimmy Clanton entered the R&B Chart in 1958; the song went on to reach the #1 spot in August of '58; backing band on the track included Earl King, Huey "Piano" Smith, Lee Allen and Red Tyler
1965	Record producer and trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis was born in New Orleans in 1965
1969	Blues scholar and ex-White Panther Party chairman John Sinclair was sentenced in a Detroit courtroom to nine-and-a-half to ten years in jail for possession of 2 marijuana cigarettes; he was later released after serving 29 months of the term.

JULY 29
1907	Late jazz trombonist Albert Wynn was born in New Orleans in 1907
1952	Honky tonk singer Webb Pierce recorded his #1 country hit "Back Street Affair" for the Decca label in 1952
1957	"Short Fat Fannie" by New Orleans native Larry Williams hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1957
1979	saxophonist Aaron Fletcher born in NOLA
1995	Legendary cajun fiddler Canray Fontenot passed away in Welsh, LA in 1995 at age 72; Fontenot was honored with a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1986
2006	Rock guitarist Luke Fauver (with Knever and others) passed away in Baton Rouge in 2006 at age 22.

JULY 30
1923	Clarence Williams' Blue Five (featuring clarinet legend Sidney Bechet) recorded "Wild Cat Blues" and "Kansas City Man Blues" for the Okeh label in New York in 1923 (audio clips)
1928	Noted jazz drummer Vernell Fournier was born in New Orleans in 1928; Fournier -- who worked with Charlie Parker, Teddy Wilson, Ahmad Jamal, Clifford Jordan, Lester Young and others -- passed away in November, 2000 at age 72
1936	Chicago blues man Buddy Guy was born in Lettsworth, LA in 1936
1950	Pastor of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church and Gospel singer Bishop Paul S. Morton was born in Windsor, Ontario in 1950; Bishop Morton has been with associated with Greater St. Stephen since moving to New Orleans in 1972 (see recent interview)
1953	Honky tonker Webb Pierce recorded his Top 5 country hit "I'm Walking the Dog" for the Decca label in 1953; the tune was penned by brothers Cliff and Tex Grimsley.
1977	Rapper Mac (McKinley J. Phipps Jr) was born in New Orleans in 1977.
1994	Tickets for Farm Aid 7 went on sale in New Orleans in 1994; the benefit concert was held at the Superdome on 09/18/94

JULY 31
1887	Early trad jazz cornetist and violin player Peter Bocage was born in New Orleans in 1887; his career included long stints with Papa Celestin, A.J. Piron, and Louis Warneke's Creole Orchestra, who played on Bourbon Street for many years in the 30's, broadcasting over WWL radio; Bocage, who passed away in 1967, was the uncle of late piano great Eddie Bo.
1964	Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Reeves died when his private plane crashed outside of Nashville in 1964; Reeves was an announcer and performer on the Louisiana Hayride radio show at KWKH in Shreveport in the early 1950's; Reeves was "discovered" at the Hayride after performing as a last minute replacement for a missing Hank Williams
1980	Jazz guitarist Davy Mooney was born in New Orleans
1998	Jazz bassist James Prevost passed away in New Orleans in 1998 at age 79; Prevost performed with many New Orleans artists including Sing Miller, Jim Robinson, Kid Thomas, Roy Brown and Eddie Bo; he also played with the Preservation Hall band from 1970 until the time of his death
1999	Local rapper Warren Mayes was murdered in New Orleans in 1999 (Mayes was 33 years old); the popular rap artist, concert producer, and owner of Bomb Records was also a member of the Jolly Bunch, Money Wasters, and Tambourine and Fan SAPC's
2008	Jazz drummer Lee Young passed away in Los Angeles in 2008 at age 94. The New Orleans native (nee Leonidas Raymond Young) was a prolific sideman, recording with Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, Nat King Cole, and many others. In later years, Young was also a producer, working with the Vee-Jay, Motown and ABC/Dunhill labels. He was the brother of tenor sax great Lester Young.

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History