On This Day in Louisiana Music History

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History

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OCTOBER 01
1912	Noted trad jazz bassist and vocalist Sherwood Mangiapane was born in New Orleans in 1912. Mangiapane worked with Johnny Wiggs, Raymond Burke, Edmond Souchon, and others. His grandson Joey Mangiapane is a noted local musican (with Black Diamond, Tom's House, The Chee-Weez).
1933	Noted boogie style R&B pianist and vocalist Willie Egan was born (Willie Lee Egan) in Minden, Louisiana in 1933. Egan - who's surname was often misspelled - recorded several gems in the mid-1950's for the Elko (as Willie Egans & His House Rockers), Mambo (as Lloyd & Willie, Willie Eggins & Orchestra and Willie Egans), Vita and Spry (Little Willie Egans) labels. A great sampling of his early recordings can be found on the album "Willie Egan: Legendary Bop, Rhythm & Blues Classics" Egan passed away on August 5, 2004 in Los Angeles.
1940	Musician, accordion maker, and Cajun music preservationist Marc Savoy was born in Eunice, Louisiana in 1940.
1968	Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and Better Than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin was born (Kevin Michael Griffin) in Atlanta, GA in 1968. Griffen grew up in Monroe, Louisiana. He formed Better Than Ezra with Tom Drummond and Cary Bonnecaze at LSU in Baton Rouge in the late 1980s.
1999	Neville Brothers keyboard player and production manager Eric Kolb passed away in Covington, LA in 1999 at age 32.

OCTOBER 02
1898	Songwriter Otis Rene was born in New Orleans in 1898. Rene founded the Exclusive Records label with his brother Leon Rene in the 1940s. The brothers also shared writing credits for several classic tunes, including the trad jazz staple, "When It's Sleepy Time Down South."
1941	Poet, author, "blues scholar", and former WWOZ deejay and John Sinclair was born in Flint, MI in 1941.
1942	Louis Armstrong was granted a divorce from his 3rd wife, Alpha Smith, in Chicago in 1942.
1946	Cajun accordionist, guitarist and songwriter Jo-El Sonnier was born in Rayne, LA in 1946
1951	Gospel vocalist and guitarist Willie Williams (with the Zion Harmonizers) was born in New Orleans in 1951. Williams also recorded with The Subdudes.
1958	Rockin' Cajun accordionist Wayne Toups was born in Crowley, LA in 1958.
1978	New Orleans-born jazz cornetist and band leader Albert "Abbie" Brunies passed away in Biloxi, MS in 1978 at age 78. 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 trad jazz musicians.
1989	Blues pianist, vocalist and songwriter Cousin Joe (born Pleasant Joseph) passed away in New Orleans in 1989 at age 81.
1997	RIAA certifications issued on this day in 1997 included Master P's "Ghetto D" (Platinum), Mia X's "Unlady Like" (Gold), Tru's "Tru 2 Da Game" (double-platinum) and the No Limit compilation "Down South Hustlers" (Gold)
1999	The Neville Brothers taped a performance for the PBS music series "Sessions at West 54th" at Sony Studios in New York City in 1999

OCTOBER 3
1892	Late brass band trombonist Joe "Kid" Avery was born in Waggaman, LA in 1892. Avery played in southwest Louisiana with the Black Eagles Band and the Yelpin' Hounds, and later had a long association with the Young Tuxedo Brass Band in New Orleans. Avery can be heard on recordings with Raymond Burke, Kid Clayton, the Avery-Tillman Band, and Percy Humphrey.
1889	Late musical instructor and multi-instrumentalist (piano, violin, brass, reeds) Manuel Fess Manetta was born in Algiers, LA in 1889; Manetta's performing career included stints with the Pacific Brass Band, Buddy Bolden, Original Tuxedo Orchestra, Papa Celestin, and Kid Ory; Manetta was noted for his ability to play two horns at the same time. Rare footage of Manetta can be seen in the video "New Orleans Piano Players."
1925	Late record producer and founder of Ace Records Johnny Vincent was born (John Vincent Imbragulio) in Hattiesburg, MS in 1925. As an A&R man for Specialty Records and owner of Ace Records, Vincent was the man behind many New Orleans classics including Guitar Slim's "The Things I Used To Do", Earl King's "Those Lonely, Lonely Nights", Jimmy Clanton's "Just A Dream", Huey "Piano" Smith's "Rockin' Pneumonia and The Boogie Woogie Flu", and Frankie Ford's "Sea Cruise." Vincent passed away in Jackson, MS on February 4, 2000 at age 74.
1989	Composer, fiddler, vocalist and Cajun music pioneer Dennis McGee passed away in Eunice, Louisiana in 1989 at age 96. McGee is noted for his early Cajun music recordings (1929 and 1930s) with fellow legends Amede Ardoin, Angelas LeJeune, Sady Courville and Ernest Fruge. Footage of McGee can be found in the film "Cajun Visits." (watch "Cajun Visits" online here)
1994	The 1987 Wynton Marsalis album "Marsalis Standard Time, Vol. 1" was certified Gold (500,000 units sold) by the RIAA in 1994.

OCTOBER 4
1921	Cajun musician (drums, guitar, fiddle) and vocalist Crawford Vincent was born in Gueydan, Louisiana in 1921. Vincent worked with The Hackberry Ramblers, Leo Soileau, Leo Soileau, Harry Choates, Cliff Bruner, Iry LeJeune, and many others. He passed away in 2005 at age 83. See Ron Yule's book Louisiana Fiddlers for more on Vincent.
1947	"Since I Fell For You" by Annie Laurie with Paul Gayten's Trio (Deluxe 1082) entered the R&B Chart in 1947. The song peaked at #3 and remained on the chart for a total of 8 weeks.
1984	Dr. John backed up Texas blues man Steve Ray Vaughan in a concert at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1984. Vaughan's backing band, Double Trouble, was also augmented on this night by the Tower of Power horns and Stevie's brother Jimmie. The session, captured on the 1997 release "Stevie Ray Vaughan: Live At Carnegie Hall", included a blistering cover of Guitar Slim's classic "The Things That I Used To Do."
2000	Country music legend and Shreveport, LA native Faron Young was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

OCTOBER 5
1893	Trad jazz trumpeter, guitarist and banjo player Dominick Barocco was born in New Orleans in 1893. Barocco led his own band, which included his brother Joe (bass and tuba) circa 1912. They both also played with the Reliance Brass Band and on the Lake Pontchartrain steamship Susquehanna.
1905	Late trad jazz reeds player and bandleader Irving "Pinky" Vidacovich was born in Buras, LA in 1905.
1916	Musician, bandleader, promoter and manager Billy Diamond was born in New Orleans in 1916. Diamond was the road manager for Fats Domino from the early 1950s through 1965, and gave the 19 year-old Antoine Domino his nickname. Diamond played bass on several of Domino's hits, including "Ain't It A Shame," "All By Myself" and "Blue Monday." He also promoted other artists, including Shirley & Lee, Huey "Piano" Smith, James Booker and Solomon Burke. Diamond passed away in Los Angeles in 2011 at age 95.
1941	Baritone sax man and Dirty Dozen Brass Band co-founder Roger Lewis was born in New Orleans in 1941.
1949	Multi-talented vocalist Barbara Ann Shorts was born in New Orleans in 1949.
1952	"Swamp Pop Man" Morgan Blanchard was born in Pierre Part, Louisiana in 1952.
1968	Rebirth Brass Band beat keeper and co-founder Keith Frazier (aka "Bass Drum Shorty") was born in New Orleans in 1968.
1969	Brass band trumpeter and vocalist Kenny Terry was born in New Orleans in 1969. Terry has worked with Milton Batiste's Junior Olympia Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Rebirth Brass Band, Treme Brass Band, and New Birth Brass Band (which he co-founded with Tanio Hingle).
1986	Trad jazz guitar & banjo player Emanuel Sayles passed away in New Orleans in 1986 at age 79.

OCTOBER 6
1952	Noted bass player Dave Clements (with The Swingin' Haymakers, Plowboys, and others) was born in New Orleans in 1952.
1996	Songwriter, steel guitarist, and honky tonker Ted Daffan passed away in Houston, TX in 1996 at age 84; Daffan, a native of Merryville, LA, wrote the first truck driver song, "Truck Driver's Blues", which was a hit in 1939; other noted Daffan penned songs include "I'm A Fool To Care", and the Ray Charles classic "Born To Lose"; Ted Daffan and His Texans had eight Top 10 country hits between 1944 and 1946. Read more at Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
1996	Country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were married in McGraw's hometown of Rayville, La in 1996.
1996	Songwriter, steel guitarist, and honky tonker Ted Daffan died in Houston in 1996 at age 84 .. was born in Merryville, LA in 1912; Daffan wrote the first truck driver song, "Truck Driver's Blues", which was a hit in 1939; other noted Daffan penned songs include "I'm A Fool To Care", and the Ray Charles classic "Born To Lose"; Ted Daffan and His Texans had eight Top 10 country hits between 1944 and 1946
2005	New Orleans born singer and actress Linda Hopkins was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

OCTOBER 7
1924	Louis Armstrong made his first recordings with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra ("Manda" and "Go 'Long, Mule") for the Columbia label in New York in 1924.
1930	Late trad jazz trumpeter, vocalist and bandleader George Girard was born in Jefferson Parish, LA in 1930. 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. Girard died from cancer in 1957 at the age of 26.
1966	New Orleans R&B great Smiley Lewis passed away in New Orleans in 1966 at age 53. Lewis first recorded in 1947 and later came to prominence with national R&B hits including "The Bells Are Ringing" (No. 10 in 1952) and the classic "I Hear You Knocking" (No. 2 in 1955). The underappreciated singer recorded many other gems that went on to be hits by other artists - Blue Monday (popularized by Fats Domino), One Night (a hit by Elvis Presley), I Hear You Knocking (covered by Fats Domino and Dave Edmunds) - are examples.
1972	"I Hear You Knocking (It's Too Late)" by Shreveport, LA native Reuben Bell (DeLuxe 140) entered the R&B Chart in 1972. The song peaked at #38 and remained on the chart for a total of 7 weeks.
1991	Louis Armstrong's 1968 album "What A Wonderful World" was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1991.
1992	Noted New Orleans-born jazz drummer Ed Blackwell passed away in Hartford, CT in 1992 at age 62. The New Orleans native began his career playing the local R&B scene. He moved to Los Angeles in 1951, and later became a member of Ornette Coleman's "classic" quartet. His last solo effort, the posthumously released "Walls-Bridges", featured former Coleman bandmate Dewey Redman.
1994	Wynton Marsalis' 1984 album "Hot House Flowers" received Gold Certification by the RIAA in 1994.

OCTOBER 8
1893 (1898)	Pianist, singer, arranger, composer and bandleader Clarence Williams was born in Plaquemine, LA in 1893. Williams worked with Armand Piron in the early teens and formed a publishing company with him in 1915. He led many recording sessions during the 1920s and 30s that featured the likes of Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Red Allen and Coleman Hawkins. Williams wrote or shared credits (often with pianist Spencer Williams) for many trad jazz classics, including "Royal Garden Blues", "Squeeze Me", "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" and "West End Blues."
1937	R&B singer Wallace Johnson born in Napoleonville, Louisiana in 1937.
1955	Composer, bassist, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist James Singleton was born in 1955.
1955	Accordionist and composer Iry LeJeune passed away at age 26 in 1955. The Cajun music pioneer was struck and killed by an automobile near Eunice, LA while changing a flat tire. Noted fiddler J.B. Fuselier was also seriously injured in the accident. Iry's son Eddie LeJeune, also a noted Cajun accordionist, passed away in 2001.
1966	"Shake Your Tambourine" by Bobby Marchan entered the R&B Chart in 1966. The song peaked at #14 during its 11 week run on the charts.
1988	Ivan Neville appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in 1988, playing keyboards with musical guest Keith Richards & The X-pensive Winos. (video)

OCTOBER 9
1888	Late trad jazz trumpeter George "Pop" Hamilton was born in New Iberia, LA in 1888; Pop led his own band, Pop Hamilton's Orchestra, in the early 1930's; he also worked with Chris Kelly, Sam Morgan, Bunk Johnson, and others.
1925	Cajun guitarist Ernest Thibodeaux (aka "Calcasieu Ernest") was born in Mermentau, Louisiana in 1925. His first professional gig was with Will Kegley and the Lake Charles Playboys at age 13. Ernest was an original member of the popular Cajun band the Pine Grove Boys, who had a hit (featuring Nathan Abshire) in 1949 with "Pine Grove Blues." Over the years, Thibodeaux also worked with Iry LeJeune, August Broussard, and Donald Thibodeaux. He passed away in 2006 at age 80.
1930	Louis Armstrong & His Sebastian New Cotton Club Orchestra recorded "Body and Soul" for the Okeh label in Los Angeles in 1930.
1977	Trad jazz cornetist Johnny Wiggs (born John Hyman) passed away in New Orleans in 1977 at age 78; Wiggs' early career included stints with Norman Brownlee and Tony Parenti; he 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 played at Preservation Hall, and was featured at the 1969 Jazz & Heritage Festival.
1992	Popular 1940s & 50s R&B singer Joe August (aka "Mr. Google Eyes," "Mister G") passed away in New Orleans at age 61.

OCTOBER 10
1904	Late songwriter and vocalist Sam Theard was born in New Orleans in 1904. Theard's many songwriting credits include the classic's "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You)" and "Let The Good Times Roll." Also see his acting credits.
1929	Late jazz drummer Ed Blackwell was born in New Orleans in 1929.
1943	Soul singer and saxophonist Jerry LaCroix (Blood Sweat and Tears, Edgar Winters & White Trash, Rare Earth, Boogie Kings) was born in Alexandria, LA in 1943. LaCroix's lengthy career has included stints with The Boogie Kings, Edgar Winter's White Trash, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Rare Earth. Read more about LaCroix here and here.
1948	Soul vocalist Charles Brimmer was born in New Orleans in 1948. Brimmer hit the R&B Charts in 1975 with "God Bless Our Love."
1948	Neville Brother and Uptown Allstar Cyril Neville was born in New Orleans in 1948
1951	Zydeco musician and vocalist Donna Angelle was born (Donna Charles) in Cypress Island, LA in 1951.
1952	Clarinet great George Lewis and his band played their first concert outside of the South at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1952. George and his bandmates (Kid Howard, "Slow Drag" Pavageau, Alton Purnell, Lawrence Marrero and Joe Watkins) performed before a jubilant capacity crowd of 7,000 people.
1953	"Blues With A Feeling" by harmonica wizard and Marksville, LA native Little Walter entered the R&B Chart in 1953. The song peaked at the #2 position and remained on the chart for 11 weeks.
1969	Musical instructor and multi-instrumentalist (piano, violin, brass, reeds) Manuel Fess Manetta passed away in New Orleans in 1969 at age 80. Manetta's performing career included stints with the Pacific Brass Band, Buddy Bolden, Original Tuxedo Orchestra, Papa Celestin, and Kid Ory. Rare footage of Manetta can be seen in the video "New Orleans Piano Players."
1970	"Groove Me" by King Floyd entered the R&B Chart in 1970. The funky track (arranged by Wardell Quezergue) went on to reach the #1 spot (in January of 1971) and it remained on the chart for 22 weeks.
1978	Thaddeus "Fabulous" Ford II was born in New Orleans in 1978.
1989	The Caribbean Cultural Center in New York presented "Trumpet Traditions", a concert starring New Orleans trumpeters Dave Bartholomew, Wallace Davenport, Marlon Jordan, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Newman, and Umar Sharif (Emery Thompson) in 1989; each artist performing individually, followed by a six horn jam on "Original Second Line"; rhythm section for the evening included Herlin Riley on drums, Reginald Veal on bass, plus Ed Frank and Marcus Roberts on keyboards
1994	The Rolling Stones brought their "Voodoo Lounge" world tour to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in 1994.
1988	Crooner Hank Williams Jr. picked up awards for "Entertainer of the Year" and "Album of the Year" (for "Born to Boogie") at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in 1988

OCTOBER 11
1938	Louis Armstrong married Alpha Smith (his third marriage) in Houston, TX in 1938. Louisiana-born string bass legend and Armstrong sideman Pops Foster served as best man.
1976	Jazz vocalist Connee Boswell passed away in New York in 1976 at age 68. Connee worked with The Boswell Sisters (with siblings Martha and Helvetia Boswell) in the 1930s. She later worked as a solo artist and appeared on TV and in several films.
1997	Gregg Allman, Bo Diddley, Keb' Mo', Buddy Guy and Mem Shannon were among the musicians who performed at "A Tribute to Muddy Waters, King of the Blues" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1997
1998	Gospel singer & musician Raymond Anthony Myles was found shot to death at the corner of Chartres Street and Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans in 1998. The renowned gospel singer, arranger and composer was 41.
2010	Cajun fiddler, vocalist and songwriter Adam Hebert passed away in Broussard, LA in 2010 at age 87. Hebert penned over 50 songs during his career, including the Cajun music staples "La Pointe aux Pins," "Le Moulin," "Ouvre Cette Porte," "J'aimerais Connaitre" and "La Valse de ma Cherie."
2011	The 6th annual Bet Hip Hop Awards show aired nationally in 2011. Rapper Lil Wayne (who did not attend the event) picked up five awards including Best Live Performer and Lyricist of the Year. New Orleans native DJ Khaled was named DJ of the Year. The show was taped October 1, 2011 in Atlanta.

OCTOBER 12
1895	Late trad jazz drummer Alfred "Tubby" Hall was born in Sellers, LA in 1895. Hall first worked with Jack Carey's Crescent Orchestra around 1914. He later moved to Chicago to join Lawrence Duhé's band. After a stint in the military, Hall worked with Carroll Dickerson's Orchestra, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds and Jimmie Noone. He was the older brother of drummer Minor Hall. See credits.
1923	Trad jazz trombonist Wendell Eugene was born in New Orleans in 1923. Eugene worked with the Eagle Brass Band, Albert "Papa" French, Pud Brown, Olympia Brass Band, Andrew Hall's Society Jazz Band, and others.
1934	New Orleans R&B legend James "Sugar Boy" Crawford was born in New Orleans in 1934. Crawford is known for his 1954 hit (and perennial Mardi Gras classic), "Jock-A-Mo" - later popularized as "Iko Iko" by The Dixie Cups (and many others). He is the grandfather of New Orleans keyboard whiz Davell Crawford (and he provided vocals on Davell's 1995 album "Let Them Talk").
1942	Louis Armstrong married Lucille Wilson (his fourth wife) in St. Louis in 1942. Lucille and Louis remained together until his death on July 6, 1971.
1959	Keyboard player Keith Vinet was born in New Orleans on October 12, 1959.
1959	The Swamp Pop classic "Sea of Love" by Lake Charles native Phil Phillips (with The Twilights) hit #1 on the R&B Chart in 1959. The tune, which also reached #2 on the Pop Chart, was originally released on Khoury Records and was produced by Eddie Shuler.
1998	Long time local jazz supporter and entrepreneur Charlie Bering passed away in New Orleans in 1998 at age 62. Bering and Lula Lowe opened the pioneering modern jazz club Lu & Charlie's in 1971. He also had a 20 year association with Festival Productions, where he booked most of the modern jazz acts that performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Bering also founded Charlie B's, another jazz venue featuring local and national artists located on Convention Center Blvd.

OCTOBER 13
1937	Country music steel guitarist Tony Farr was born (Anthony Fardella) in New Orleans in 1937.
1956	"Teenage Boogie" by West Monroe, LA native Webb Pierce entered the Country Chart in 1956. The rollickin' tune made it to #10 during it's 8 week run on the chart.
1957	Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars appeared live on CBS's "The Edsel Show" in 1957. Others appearing on the show included Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Hope and The 4 Preps. Watch video clips from the show.
1958	"I'll Make It All Up To You" by Jerry Lee Lewis entered the Billboard Country Chart in 1958
1995	Happy birthday to us! The satchmo.com domain name went online on this day in 1995.
1999	New Orleans rapper Juvenile's 1998 album "400 Degreez" was certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA in 1999. This was Juvenile's third album, and his second release for Cash Money Records.
2002	Longtime Louisiana Hayride producer and emcee Horace Logan passed away in Victoria, TX in 2002 at age 86. Logan coined the phrase "Elvis has left the building" (uttered while trying to quiet a frenzied Hayride crowd after a Presley performance in 1956). Many future legends got their start on the Hayride during Logan's tenure (1948-57), including Elvis, Hank Williams, Webb Pierce, Johnny Horton, Johnny Cash, Kitty Wells and Jim Reeves; for more info, see Logan's 1998 book, "Elvis, Hank, and Me: Making Musical History on the Louisiana Hayride."

OCTOBER 14
1880	Late pianist and composer Spencer Williams was born in New Orleans in 1880. Williams co-wrote "Squeeze Me" with Fats Waller, and also collaborated with Clarence Williams (no relation) on many trad jazz classics. Noted songs include "Basin Street Blues", "Royal Garden Blues", "I've Found a New Baby" and "Everybody Loves My Baby."
1907	Late New Orleans blues great Jewell "Babe" Stovall was born in Tylertown, MS in 1907.
1930	Sax player, vocalist and bandleader Robert Parker was born in New Orleans in 1930. Parker recorded with Professor Longhair in 1949 and later did session work with a number of other local R&B musicians. His main claim to fame came in 1966 with the Top 10 hit, "Barefootin'."
1957	Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson recorded together for the Verve label in Chicago in 1957; the sessions produced 12 tracks, available on the album "Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson."
1957	Noted blues guitarist Kenny Neal was born in Baton Rouge, LA in 1957. Kenny is the son of late blues man Raful Neal.
1964	Blues man, laber owner and actor Chris Thomas King was born in Baton Rouge in 1964.
1967	"And You Wonder Why" by Winnsboro, LA native Fred Carter Jr. entered the Country Chart in 1967. Carter (1933 � 2010), a noted Nashville studio guitarist and producer, was the father of country superstar Deana Carter.
1985	"All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" by Hank Williams Jr. was named Video of the Year at the CMA Awards in 1985.
2003	New Orleans based singer and songwriter Theresa Andersson signed a deal with local label Basin Street Records in 2003.

OCTOBER 15
1915	R&B vocalist, piano player and composer Nellie Lutcher was born in Lake Charles, LA in 1915. Lutcher (who passed away in 2007) had a string of Top 10 R&B hits in the late 1940's, including "Hurry On Down", "He's A Real Gone Guy", "The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On)," "Fine Brown Frame," and "For You My Love" (a duet with Nat "King" Cole). She was the brother of sax player and vocalist Joe Lutcher.
1922	Blues songstress Blanche Thomas was born in New Orleans in 1922. Thomas recorded with Dave Bartholomew's band ("You Ain't So Such A Much"), Papa French, and the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, among others. She passed away in 1977 at age 54. Read more here.
1923	King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band recorded "Chattanooga Stomp" for the Columbia label in Chicago in 1923. Oliver's band included fellow New Orleans legends Louis Armstrong, Jimmie Noone, Johnny St. Cyr and Baby Dodds.
1955	Fats Domino recorded three tracks at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio in New Orleans in 1955. "Bo Weevil" went on to reach #5 on the R&B Chart and #35 on the Pop Chart. "I Can't Go On" reached #6 on the R&B Chart (it was the B-side of the #1 hit "Poor Me"). "I'm In Love Again" became a #1 hit in 1956, and it held the top spot for 9 weeks. It also reached #3 on the Pop Chart. Backing Fats on the session were Ernest McLean (guitar); Frank Fields (bass); Lee Allen (tenor sax); Herb Hardesty (tenor sax); Clarence Ford (alto sax); and Earl Palmer (drums).
2001	New Orleans rapper Mystikal's album "Let's Get Ready" entered the Billboard 200 and R&B charts on this day in 2001. The album, which produced the hits "Shake Ya Ass" and "Danger (Been So Long)", has since gone double platinum.

OCTOBER 16
1891	Late jazz bassist and tuba player Joe Barocco was born in New Orleans in 1891. Joe played with his brother Dominick in the Susquehanna Band; he also worked with the Reliance and Johnny Fischer brass bands; Barocco passed away in 1947
1896	Late jazz bass player and trumpeter Ricard Alexis was born in New Orleans in 1896. Alexis first worked with Bob Lyons Dixie Jazz Band (from 1919-25). He later recorded with Papa Celestin, Percy Humphrey, and Paul Barbarin. See recording credits.
1898	Late trad jazz clarinetist John Casimir was born in New Orleans in 1898. Casimir first played with the Young Eagles brass band in 1919. He was also a longtime member and manager of the Young Tuxedo Brass Band. Casimir was featured in the documentary "Sing On: A Film of New Orleans Brass Bands."
1922	The "last of the great Creole and Cajun fiddlers" Canray Fontenot was born in L'Anse aux Vaches, Louisiana in 1922. Fontenot had a long association with accordionist Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin, and the pair were awarded National Heritage Fellowships by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1986. He passed away on July 29, 1995 in Welsh, Louisiana.
1923	King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band recorded "Camp Meeting Blues" and "New Orleans Stomp" for Columbia in Chicago in 1923.
1953	Guitar Slim recorded his classic "The Things I Used To Do" at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio in 1953.
1954	Elvis Presley made his debut on the Louisiana Hayride radio show in Shreveport in 1954.
1954	Bass player Lee Allen Zeno was born in Lafayette, LA in 1954. Zeno is noted for his work with Buckwheat Zydeco, and has been a sideman for a number of other R&B and Zydeco artists.
1963	Noted jazz drummer and Sellers, LA native Minor "Ram" Hall passed away in Los Angeles in 1963 at age 66. See recording credits.
1972	Former Louisiana governor (1944-48 and 1960-64), performer, and song writer Jimmie Davis was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1972.
1998	Jazz trumpeter Umar Sharif (born Emery Humphrey Thompson) passed away in New Orleans in 1998 at the age of 71. Sharif played with the Jimmy Lundsford Band at the age of 14 and in the early 1940s was a member of the traveling Dooky Chase Band. He also played second trumpet in Louis Armstrong's band in 1947 and 1948. The following two years found him touring with Lionel Hampton's band. Sharif gave up music for 20 years while he pursued a ministry in the Muslim faith but later performed in the Broadway musical "Black and Blue," and performed with Wynton Marsalis at New York City's Lincoln Center. Sharif was the father of local trumpeter Jamil Sharif.

OCTOBER 17
1901	Noted trumpeter Lee Collins was born in uptown New Orleans in 1901. Living in New Orleans, Chicago and New York, Collins worked with King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, David Jones (Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight sessions), Zutty Singleton, and many others.
1920	Late jazz family patriarch, pianist, trumpeter, and arranger John Brunious, Sr. was born in New Orleans in 1920. Brunious worked with Jay McShann, Billy Eckstine, and Cab Calloway, and he recorded with Paul Barbarin, and the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, among others. Sons Wendell Brunious and John Brunious Jr. (1940-2008), and grandson Mark Braud are all well known local trumpeters.
1924	Clarence Williams' Blue Five recorded "Texas Moaner Blues", "Early In The Morning", and "You've Got The Right Key, But The Wrong Keyhole" for the Okeh label in New York in 1924; the sessions featured the first recorded pairing of future jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet
1927	Trad jazz drummer Louis Cottrell, Sr. passed away in New Orleans in 1927 at the age of 48. Cottrell is credited with developing the quiet press roll style, and influenced later drummers such as Baby Dodds and Cie Frazier. He played with the Excelsior Brass Band, John Robichaux, and A.J. Piron, among others.
1964	Cowboy Mouth drummer and frontman Fred LeBlanc was born in New Orleans in 1964.
1966	Guitarist and vocalist Mike Darby (Irene & The Mikes; Creatures of Habit; Mike Darby and the House of Cards) was born in New Orleans in 1966.
2006	Actor and country music star Tim McGraw was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.

OCTOBER 18
1891	Early jazz cornetist Chris Kelly was born on the Magnolia Plantation in Deering, LA in 1891. Kelly studied under Professor Jim Humphrey, and played with the plantation's Eclipse Brass Band. After a stint in the Army in 1917-18, Kelly led his own band in New Orleans and toured regularly along the Gulf Coast. Kelly, who was never recorded, was considered one of New Orleans' top cornetists during the 1920s.
1903	Late Cajun accordion great Ambrose Thibodeaux was born in Eunice, LA in 1903.
1925	Late blues pianist Boogie Woogie Red (real name Vernon Harrison) was born in Rayville, LA in 1925. He moved to Detroit with his family in 1927, and later had a longtime association with John Lee Hooker in the 1940s and 50s.
1947	The single "True" by the Paul Gayten Trio entered the R&B Chart in 1947.
1952	Country music legend Hank Williams and Bossier City, LA native Billie Jean Jones Eshlimar were married by a Justice of the Peace in Minden, LA in 1952. They were married again the following day in New Orleans. After Hank's passing, Billie Jean was married to singer Johnny Horton.
1961	Trumpeter, multiple Grammy winner, and Pulitzer Prize winning composer Wynton Marsalis was born in New Orleans in 1961.
1969	Richard Nader held the first of his "Rock & Roll Revival" shows at Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum in New York City in 1969; performers included Bill Haley & His Comets, Chuck Berry, The Platters, The Shirelles, Jimmy Clanton, The Coasters, and Sha Na Na.
1975	"We Can Love", a duet by King Floyd and Dorothy Moore, entered the R&B Chart in 1975.
1994	Tenor sax legend and bandleader Lee Allen passed away in Los Angeles in 1994 at age 68. As a member of Dave Bartholomew's famed session band recording at Cosimo's in the 1950s, Allen wailed on tracks by Little Richard, Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, and many others.

OCTOBER 19
1878	Clarinet legend Alphonse Picou was born in New Orleans in 1878. Picou began playing with the Accordiana Band in 1894. He was later with his own Independence Band, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Superior Orchestra (with Bunk Johnson), Freddie Keppard's Olympia Band and George Moret. After a brief stay in Chicago circa 1917, Picou returned to New Orleans and worked regularly with the Tuxedo Brass Band. He recorded with Kid Rena (1940s) and Papa Celestin (1950s), and led his own group at The Paddock. His compositions included King Oliver's "Chattanooga Stomp" and "New Orleans Stomp", and he is credited for developing the famed clarinet solo from "High Society."
1963	"Mountain of Love" by Shreveport native David Houston entered the Country Chart in 1963. The song - the first of 60+ chart entries for the Grammy winning singer - peaked at the #2 spot.
1973	"He Can't Fill My Shoes" by Jerry Lee Lewis entered the Country Chart in 1973.
1998	New Orleans mayor Marc Morial declared October 19, 1998 as "Raymond Myles Memorial Day". The noted local Gospel singer was slain on October 11, 1998.
2008	Central Louisiana blues man B.B. Major (Image Helaire, Jr.) passed away in Natchitoches, Louisiana in 2008 at age 71.

OCTOBER 20
1888	Piano, clarinet and cello player Paul Beaulieu was born in New Orleans in 1888. Beaulieu began playing very young, with the Bloom Orchestra in 1903 and the Melrose Brass Band (with Honoré Dutrey and Joe Oliver) in 1907. In 1932, he organized and conducted a 20 piece symphoney orchestra (Crescent City Orchestra) for a concert at Xavier University which included Tom Gaspard, Alphonse Picou and Clyde Kerr. In later years, he performed with various chamber groups.
1949	Country blues man Crying Sam Collins passed away in Chicago in 1949 at age 62. The Louisiana native was raised in McComb, Mississippi. He first recorded ("The Jail House Blues") in 1927. He later recorded under the aliases Salty Dog Sam and Jim Foster.
1958	"Hey Sheriff" by brothers Rusty & Doug Kershaw entered the Country Chart in 1958. Backing on the track included Chet Atkins, Hank Garland and Floyd Cramer.
1994	Late jazz great Danny Barker was inducted into New Orleans Hilton Riverside's Walk of Fame in 1994.
2001	Blues man Buddy Guy performed with Eric Clapton on "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" at "The Concert for New York City", held at Madison Square Garden in 2001. The nationally televised fundraiser for victims of the September 11th attacks also featured Keith Richards & Mick Jagger, The Who, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and many others.

OCTOBER 21
1916	Late guitar player and vocalist T.V. Slim (Oscar Wills) was born in Houston in 1916. Wills, a television repairman, got his nickname from Shreveport record store owner, Stan Lewis. His claim to fame came in 1957 with the hit, "Flatfoot Sam." The tune was first recorded for Cliff Records with Slim's own band in Shreveport. Chess picked up rights to the track and rerecorded it in New Orleans with backing from Robert Parker, Red Tyler, Paul Gayten, Justin Adams, Frank Fields and Charles "Hungry" Williams.
1959	Jazz and R&B piano player Michael Torregano was born in New Orleans in 1959.
1966	New Orleans R&B legend Lee Dorsey appeared on the UK television music series "Ready Steady Go!" on 10/21/1966 (performed "Holy Cow").
1972	"My Ding-A-Ling" by Chuck Berry hit #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart in 1972. The novelty tune, written by Dave Bartholomew (although Berry also claims credit for it), was first recorded by Bartholomew in 1952.
1995	Blind Melon lead singer Shannon Hoon was found dead in the band's parked tour bus outside a St. Charles Avenue hotel in New Orleans in 1995. A cocaine overdose was the reported cause. The group was on a nationwide tour promoting their album, "Soup" (which featured guest appearances by Kermit Ruffins and the Lil' Rascals), and were due to perform at Tipitina's that evening.

OCTOBER 22
1958	Louis Armstrong began work on the film "The Beat Generation" on this day in 1958
1970	New Orleans-born bass player and session man Ransom Knowling passed away in Chicago in 1967 at age 55. Knowling played in New Orleans with Sidney Desvigne (photo) and John Robichaux before settling in Chicago. He later worked with the Harlem Hamfats, Big Bill Broonzy, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (Knowling and fellow New Orleanian Judge Riley backed Crudup on the classic "That's All Right"), Roosevelt Sykes, Washboard Sam, Muddy Waters, and many others.
1970	Louis Armstrong appeared on NBC's "The Flip Wilson Show" in 1970. Armstrong (on vocals only due to his failing health) performed "Mack the Knife," "When The Saints Go Marching In," and a medley of other tunes with Flip joining in. Watch video clips.
1986	Fats Domino and band (including Dave Bartholomew, Lee Allen, Freddie Kemp and Herb Hardesty) taped a concert for the Austin City Limits television show in 1986. The performance, including footage not aired on the show, was later released on the video "Fats Domino: Live From Austin TX."
1990	Wynton Marsalis appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 1990. The accompanying article, titled "Horns of Plenty", detailed how the trumpeter was inspiring a youthful renaissance of America's greatest music tradition.
1998	On TV in 1998: Lucinda Williams appeared on the syndicated "Rosie O'Donnell Show" (she performed "Can't Let Go"). Local music show Louisiana Jukebox featured Danny O'Flaherty, the JJ Muggler Band, and a duet by Theresa Andersson & Caleb Guillotte. Marva Wright was the guest host.

OCTOBER 23
1892	Barrel-house piano player and vocalist Speckled Red (nee Rufus Perryman, 1892-1973) was born in Monroe, LA in 1892.
1925	Late, great New Orleans R&B vocalist and pianist Tommy Ridgley was born in the Shrewesbury section of Jefferson Parish in 1925. Ridgley passed away on August 11, 1999 after a battle with lung cancer. See tommyridgley.com for more info. (Note: Some listings show his birthday as Oct. 30, 1925)
1930	Pioneering Zydeco accordionist and vocalist Boozoo Chavis was born (Wilson Anthony Chavis) near Church Point, LA in 1930. Boozoo's 1954 single "Paper in My Shoe" is considered to be the first zydeco recording. Chavis passed away in Austin, TX in May 2001 after suffering a heart attack and stroke while on tour. He was posthumously awarded an NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 2001.
1933	R&B diva Carol Fran was born (Carol Martin) in Lafayette, LA in 1933.
1943	R&B vocalist Barbara Ann Hawkins was born in New Orleans in 1943. Hawkins was a founding member of famed R&B trio The Dixie Cups, along with her sister Rosa Lee Hawkins and their cousin, Joan Marie Johnson.
2001	Singer and guitarist Rusty Kershaw passed away in New Orleans in 2001 at age 63. The Tiel Ridge, LA native was the brother of fiddler Doug Kershaw and a cousin of country music star Sammy Kershaw. He first played with brothers Doug and Peewee Kershaw as the Continental Playboys in the late 1940s. The duo of Rusty & Doug Kershaw had a string of country hits in the 1950s and early 60s. Later recording sessions by Rusty included Neil Young's "On the Beach" and the solo album "Now & Then" (which featured guest appearances by Art Neville, Neil Young, Ben Keith, and The Subdudes).
2010	The first Red Bull Street Kings brass band showcase and competition took place in New Orleans (Treme) in 2010. The Stooges Brass Band edged out ther competitors (Free Agents Brass Band, To Be Continued Brass Band, and Soul Rebels Brass Band) to take the title at the event.

OCTOBER 24
1900	Late trad jazz banjo player and guitarist Lawrence Marrero was born in New Orleans in 1900. Marrero's three brothers were musicians, and his father, Billy Marrero, was a bassist with Manuel Perez in 1905 and the Superior Orchestra in 1910. His early career included stints with Wooden Joe Nicholas and Chris Kelly in 1919. Marrero is most know for his long association with George Lewis (they were both with Bunk Johnson's band in Chicago in 1942). After returning to New Orleans, he toured and recorded with Lewis from the mid-1940s until retiring in 1955 after suffering a series of strokes.
1900	Late trad jazz drummer and vocalist Joe Watkins was born in New Orleans in 1900. Watkins was a long time member of George Lewis' band (along with Lawrence Marrero). See recording credits.
1902	Late trad jazz drummer Louis Barbarin was born in New Orleans in 1902. Louis was the son of noted brass player Isidore Barbarin (Onward Brass Band) and brother of famed drummer Paul Barbarin (1901-1969). He performed with John Robichaux, Buddy Petit, Punch Miller, Jim Robinson, George Lewis, and others.
1944	Soul singer Bettye Swann was born (Betty Jean Champion) in Shreveport, LA in 1944. She had a number of R&B hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Make Me Yours", which hit No. 1 in 1967
1947	Jazz singer Banu Gibson was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1947. Gibson moved to New Orleans in 1973 and formed the "New Orleans Hot Jazz" band in 1981. She was also a principle (along with Levon Helm of The Band) in the short lived Decatur Street music venue, Levon Helm's Classic American Cafe.
1970	Singer and songwriter Jeff Mangum (of Neutral Milk Hotel fame) was born in Ruston, Louisiana.
1970	The Soul Bowl was held at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans on October 24, 1970. The outdor concert featured James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Isaac Hayes, Jr. Walker and the All Stars, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Rare Earth. The concert had an estimated attendance of over 25,000. The Soul Bowl was sponsored by Tulane University to raise money for disadvantaged black and other minority group students. (Photo)
2009	The Britney Spears single "3" made its debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2009. This was Spears' third #1 hit on the Hot 100 (priors were "Womanizer" in 2008 and "...Baby One More Time" in 1999).

OCTOBER 25
1888	Late trad jazz trombonist Harrison Brazlee was born in New Orleans in 1888. Brazlee worked with the Excelsior Brass Band (of Mobile, Alabama) during the first World War, and was later with the Evan Thomas band. He recorded with De De Pierce at Luthjen's, Ken Colyer, and Emile Barnes, among others.
1895	Late blues songstress Edna Hicks was born in New Orleans in 1895
1897	Late guitarist, banjo player, jazz historian, and physician Edmond "Doc" Souchon was born in New Orleans in 1897. Souchon organized the Six-and-Seven-Eighths String Band in 1911. This group eventually recorded in the early 1950s. He can also be heard on recordings by Danny & Blue Lu Barker, Raymond Burke, Paul Barbarin, Jack Delaney, and others. Souchon was a founder of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and was editor of its publication, "The Second Line." He also co-wrote the book New Orleans Jazz: A Family Album with Al Rose.
1910	Late brass band bass drummer George Williams was born in New Orleans in 1910. He worked with Excelsior Brass Band, Kid Howard Brass Band, Henry Allen Brass Band, and led the George Williams Brass Band.
1924	Legendary drummer and session player Earl Palmer was born in New Orleans in 1924. The lynchpin behind Cosimo Matassa's famed J&M Studio band, Palmer's backbeat propelled hits by Little Richard, Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, and numerous others. He moved to Los Angeles in 1957 and became one of rock's premiere session players. From 1957 to 1966, he played on 50 Top 10 hits, from Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive", to Sam Cooke's "Shake" to The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." His biography, "Backbeat: Earl Palmer's Story," was published in 1999. Palmer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He passed away in California on September 19, 2008 at age 83. See recording credits.
1935	R&B singer, musician and songwriter Li'l Millet (McKinley James Millet) was born in New Orleans in 1935. Millet worked with Edgar Blanchard and the Gondoliers and The Hawketts before recording on his own as Li'l Millet and the Creoles in 1955. His songwriting credits included "All Around the World" (a Top 20 R&B hit for Little Richard in 1956) and "Rich Woman" (a 2008 Grammy winning cover by Alison Krauss & Robert Plant). Look for Li'l Millet tracks on the albums "The Cosimo Matassa Story," "Creole Kings of New Orleans, Volume Two" and "Jiving Jamboree 2: Good Time R&B and Rock 'N' Roll." Millet passed away in 1997 at age 61.
1943	Late accordionist and bandleader Zydeco Joe was born (Joseph Adam Mouton) in Lafayette, LA in 1943.
1947	Swamp blues man Coco Robicheaux was born (Curtis John Arceneaux) in Ascension Parish, LA in 1947. Robicheaux passed away in New Orleans on November 25, 2011 at age 64.
1952	"Port of Rico" by late tenor sax legend and Broussard, LA native Illinois Jacquet entered the R&B chart in 1952. It later reached the #3 spot, and remained on the chart for 11 weeks.
1971	Zydeco sweetheart Rosie Ledet was born (nee Mary Roszela Bellard) in Church Point, LA in 1971. The award-winning accordionist, singer and songwriter has fronted her band Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys since 1994.
1976	Identical twin rappers Kane & Abel were born (David and Daniel Garcia) in the Bronx in 1976. The duo moved to New Orleans at the age of 15. After releasing an indie album under the name of "Double Vision" in 1995, they met Mia X, who hooked them up with Master P and No Limit Records. They released two albums before splitting amicably with No Limit to form their own label. Involvement with a New Orleans drug dealer landed the duo a federal prison stay (news story) in 2001. Since their release, the brothers have resumed their careers releasing new music, authoring books, and writing & producing films.
1997	"Everywhere" by Tim McGraw hit #1 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1997. The tune remained on the chart for 26 weeks.
2004	The Brooke Ellison Story premiered on the A&E cable channel in 2004. The made-for-TV flick included appearances by Lauren Barrett and Theresa Andersson.
2008	The Britney Spears single "Womanizer" hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2008. This Britney's second Hot 100 chart-topper - "...Baby One More Time" reached #1 in 1999.

OCTOBER 26
1911	Late Gospel Queen Mahalia Jackson was born in uptown New Orleans in 1911. Among Jackson's many accomplishments were multiple Grammy awards, and performing for John F. Kennedy's inauguration ceremony. She was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. A commemorative stamp was issued in her honor in 1998. Jackson, who died of heart failure in 1972, is buried in Providence Memorial Park in Metairie.
1918	Traditional Cajun accordion player and vocalist Milton Adams was born in Kaplan, Louisiana in 1918. His band, Milton Adams' Midnight Playboys, played at festivals and other events in Washington, DC, Wisconsin, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois. Adams passed away in 2002 at age 83.
1969	Singer and songwriter Eric Lindell was born in San Mateo, California in 1969. Lindell relocated to New Orleans in 1999.
1976	R&B vocalist Leonard Lee passed away in New Orleans in 1976 at age 41. Lee was half of the hit-making 1950s R&B duo, Shirley & Lee.

OCTOBER 27
1933	Late piano player, session man and songwriter Floyd Cramer was born in Campti, LA in 1933. Cramer is credited with helping create "The Nashville Sound" that helped lure pop audiences to country music in the 1950s and 1960s. As an in demand session player, he recorded with the Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, and many others. Cramer recorded more than 50 solo albums during his career. His hits included "Last Date," "San Antonio Rose," "Fancy Pants," and "On the Rebound." He was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003. His single "Last Date" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.
1948	Blues man Sherman Robertson was born in Breaux Bridge, LA in 1948. Roberston worked with Clifton Chenier, Rockin' Dopsie and Terrance Simien before going solo. His 1994 debut album, "I'm the Man," was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award.
1951	Noted record producer Scott Billington was born in Melrose, MA in 1951. Scott has been behind the boards on albums by Gatemouth Brown, James Booker, Buckwheat Zydeco, Irma Thomas, Johnny Adams, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Beau Jocque, Geno Delafose, All That, Soul Rebels Brass Band, and many, many others.
1954	Trumpeter, vocalist, session player, and bandleader Wendell Brunious was born in New Orleans in 1954. Wendell took over the Kid Thomas band at Preservation Hall after Thomas passed away in 1987. He was featured in the 2000 PBS special "Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Night In New Orleans." Read more here.
1956	"Ain't Got No Home", by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, was issued by Argo Records in 1956. The catchy novelty tune went on to reached #3 on the R&B Chart and #20 on the Top 40 pop chart. Backing musicians on the track included Lee Allen, Eddie Smith, Big Boy Myles, Walter "Papoose" Nelson, Paul Gayten, Frank Fields, and Eugene Jones. Henry acquired the nickname "Frogman" as a result of the song.

OCTOBER 28
1892	Jazz pianist, drummer, clarinetist, and vocalist Ollie "Dink" Johnson was born in Biloxi, MS in 1892. Johnson worked in New Orleans before moving to Los Angeles. There, he worked with Bill Johnson (his brother), Jelly Roll Morton, Kid Ory, and others.
1928	Accordionist and composer Iry LeJeune was born in Point Noir, Louisiana in 1928. The Cajun music pioneer's career was cut short when he was struck and killed by an automobile near Eunice, LA in 1955.
1931	Musician, arranger, producer, composer, educator, and AFO Records founder Harold Battiste was born in New Orleans in 1931. See bio from All Music Guide.
1950	"Please Send Me Someone To Love", by Minden, Louisiana native Percy Mayfield, entered the R&B Chart in 1950; it later hit #1 and remained on the chart for 27 weeks.
1958	Jazz musician Kent Jordan was born in New Orleans in 1958. Kent is the brother of trumpeter Marlon Jordan and son of jazz legend Edward Kidd Jordan. Sisters Stephanie Jordan and Rachel Jordan are also gifted musicians.
1967	"Go-Go Girl", by Lee Dorsey, entered the R&B Chart in 1967; it peaked at No. 31 and remained on the chart for 5 weeks
1987	Singer/songwriter Frank Ocean was born (Christopher Breaux) in New Orleans in 1987. Ocean evacuated to Los Angeles just as Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, and stayed in Los Angeles to pursue a music career. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, John Legend, Brandy, and Beyonce Knowles. Ocean is a member of the alt hip-hop collective OFWGKTA (aka Odd Future).
1998	On this day in 1998, President Bill Clinton announced that New Orleans R&B legend Fats Domino was among the year's dozen winners of the National Medal of Arts.
2010	Noted bass & sousaphone player and educator Walter Payton passed away in New Orleans in 2010 at age 68. Payton (the father of jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton) played with several brass bands, performed at Preservation Hall, and also led his own jazz combos. As a studio musician, he can be heard on recordings by Aaron Neville, Lee Dorsey, Harry Connick Jr., Kermit Ruffins, Leroy Jones, and many others.

OCTOBER 29
1948	Swamp pop singer Wayne Foret was born in Westwego, LA in 1948.
1955	"All By Myself", by Fats Domino hit #1 on the R&B Chart in 1955. The tune, penned by Fats and Dave Bartholomew, held the top spot for a total of 3 weeks.
1966	Noted string bass player Wellman Braud passed away in Los Angeles in 1966 at age 75. The St. James Parish native was a long time member of Duke Ellington's Orchestra. He recorded with Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Bunk Johnson, Kid Ory, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and many others.
1981	Guitarist, vocalist and big band leader Bardu Ali passed away in Inglewood, CA in 1981 at age 71. The New Orleans native had long associations with Johnny Otis and Chick Webb. He is also noted for discovering a young Ella Fitzgerald at an Amateur Night Contest in Harlem
1991	Harmonica and washboard player Percy Randolph passed away in New Orleans in 1991 at age 77. Randolph recorded with Snooks Eaglin among others
1998	No Limit Records founder and rap magnate Master P (Percy Miller) appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, issued on this day in 1998
2005	Noted jazz bassist Rodney Richardson passed away in Modesto, California in 2005 at age 88. The New Orleans native was best known for his work with Count Basie's Orchestra in the 40's; he also worked with Lester Young, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Harlan Leonard, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Joe Williams, Tiny Grimes, Buddy Rich, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry, Nat King Cole, Freddy Cole, Carmen McRae, and dozens more.

OCTOBER 30
1917	Dixieland trombonist Joe Rotis was born in New Orleans in 1917; Rotis worked with the Basin Street Six, Sharkey Bonano, Phil Zito, and others
1939	Soul vocalist Norman West was born in Monroe, LA in 1939; West was a member of popular 60's & 70's vocal group Soul Children, and later recorded with Soul Children member J. Blackfoot.
1964	New Orleans vocal trio The Dixie Cups appeared on the UK television music series "Ready Steady Go!" on 10/30/1964 (performed "People Say").
1969	Trad jazz bassist George "Pops" Foster passed away in San Francisco in 1969 at age 77; Foster was born in McCall, LA in 1892 and moved to New Orleans circa 1903; his lengthy career included stints with Fate Marable, Kid Ory, King Oliver and Louis Armstrong
1969	Trad jazz drummer and kazoo blower Tony Spargo (born Tony Sbarbaro) passed away in New York in 1969 at age 72; Spargo moved from New Orleans to Chicago in 1916 and was an original member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band; he stayed with the ODJB until their breakup in 1925 and participated in their reunions in later years
1971	"Set The World On Fire (With Love)" by Bogalusa, LA native Red Lane entered the Billboard Country Chart on this day in 1971
2003	Singer/songwriter Ron Davies passed away in Nashville, TN in 2003 at age 57; 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; the Shreveport, LA native was the brother of singer & songwriter Gail Davies and the son of country singer Tex Dickerson (official web site).

OCTOBER 31
1922	Tenor sax titan Illinois Jacquet was born in Broussard, Louisiana in 1922
1995	Noted bassist and bandleader "Luscious" Lloyd Lambert passed away in New Orleans in 1995 at age 67; Lambert's band backed Guitar Slim in the studio and on the road in the 1950's; he also worked with Ray Charles and Little Richard, among many others; in later years, he was a fixture at Bourbon Street clubs, toured with Lillian Boutté, and occasionally sat in at Preservation Hall; he was the brother of late piano great Phamous Lambert, the father of Theresa Andersson bassist Lloyd Lambert, Jr., and the grandfather of blues man Kipori Woods

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History