On This Day in Louisiana Music History

New Orleans and Louisiana musician birthdays, deaths, awards, music charts, trivia, and more

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History - November

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NOVEMBER 1
1905	Late trombonist, banjo player and music educator Jacob "Papa Jac" Assunto was born in Lake Charles, LA in 1905. Papa Jac was a member of the Dukes of Dixieland in the 1950's with sons Frank and Fred Assunto. Read more.
1958	The Young Tuxedo Brass Band were recorded by Atlantic Records in New Orleans on November 1, 1958. The recordings were made outdoors to simulate a jazz funeral. The recordings can be found on the limited edition box set "The Atlantic New Orleans Jazz Sessions." Band members included John Casimir, Andrew Anderson, John "Pickey" Brunious, Albert "Fernandez" Walters, Clement Tervalon, Jim Robinson, Herman Sherman, Andrew Morgan, Wilbert Tillman, Emile Knox and Paul Barbarin.
1976	Tenor sax player Joe Tillman (Joseph Henry Tillman) passed away in New Orleans in 1976. Tillman worked with Lloyd Lambert's band, and recorded with Ray Charles, Guitar Slim, Little Richard, and others.
1999	Cash Money Records quartet Hot Boys (Juvenile, B.G., Lil Wayne & Turk) album "Guerrilla Warfare" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1999.
2004	The Neville Brothers were the musical guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on November 1, 2004 They performed "Ball of Confusion" from the album 'Walkin' in the Shadow of Life'. The brothers were joined by Ivan Nevile, Ian Neville and Nick Daniels III.

NOVEMBER 2
1938	Record producer, label owner, music distributor and Offbeat Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Floyd Soileau was born in Grand Prairie, LA in 1938. Soileau is also owner of Floyd's Record Shop in Ville Platte, founded in 1956.
1958	Saxophonist John "Prince" Gilbert was born (John Albert Gilbert) in New Orleans on November 2, 1958. Gilbert was an original member of Rebirth Brass Band. He also played with New Birth Brass Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, Little Rascals Brass Band, and Treme Brass Band. Gilbert died from cardiac arrest on December 14, 2024 at age 66. Read more.
1963	"I'm Leaving It Up To You" by Dale & Grace (Dale Houston and Grace Broussard) entered the R&B Chart in 1963 (it climbed to #6 on the R&B Chart, and hit #1 on the Pop Chart). The duo also appeared on TV's "American Bandstand" on this day in 1963.
1974	"Smoke My Peacepipe (Smoke It Right)" by The Wild Magnolias entered the R&B Chart in 1974. It peaked at #74 and remained on the chart for 6 weeks.
1981	Hank Williams, Jr.'s 1979 album "Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound" was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1981. The album went Platinum in 1998.
2001	Noted bass player Julius Farmer passed away in New Orleans in 2001 at age 52. Farmer worked with Chick Corea, Ellis Marsalis, George Benson, Charles Neville, and many others. Recording credits include releases by The Wild Magnolias, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Professor Longhair and Dr. John.
2001	Swamp pop legend Tommy McLain was the musical guest CBS TV's The Late Late Show with James Corden on November 2, 2022. He performed the title song from his new album "I Ran Down Every Dream". Watch the video. McLain was backed by an all-star Louisiana band including C.C. Adcock, Jon Cleary, Dave Ranson, Tiff Lamson, Kelli Jones and Mike Dillon.

NOVEMBER 3
1921	Cajun fiddler and singer Shelton Manuel was born in Eunice, Louisiana in 1921. Manuel, who also played accordion, guitar, and drums, performed with J. B. Fuselier, Harry Choates, Chuck Guillory, Papa Cairo, Nathan Abshire, Lawrence Walker, Aldus Roger, Shirley Bergeron and others. He passed away in 2005 at age 83. Watch Shelton Manuel videos on YouTube.
1930	R&B and Gospel songstress Mable John was born in Bastrop, LA in 1930. John was the first female artist signed by Berry Gordy Jr. on the Tamla label (which preceded the Motown label by 2 years). She was also a long time member of Ray Charles' Raelettes. Popular songs included "Your Good Thing Is About To End" and "Running Out." She passed away on August 25, 2022 at her home in Los Angeles. See Mable's web site for more info. Watch Mable John videos on YouTube.
1942	Accordionist and Cajun music pioneer Amede Ardoin passed away in Pineville, Louisiana in 1942 at age 44. Ardoin's complete recording career, consisting of only 34 tracks, is available on the compilation "Mama, I'll Be Long Gone: The Complete Recordings of Amede Ardoin."
1946	Former John Fred & The Playboys keyboard player Tommy "Dee" DeGeneres was born in Baton Rouge in 1946.
1956	Fats Domino's version of "Blueberry Hill" (Imperial 5407) hit #1 of the R&B Chart in 1956, beginning an eleven week run at the top spot. The song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2005. It was included in Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" (Issue RS963).
1957	Sun Records released the Jerry Lee Lewis classic "Great Balls of Fire" (Sun 281) on this day in 1957.
1958	Vocalist extraordinaire John Boutte was born in New Orleans in 1958.
1998	Cash Money Records rapper Juvenile released his third album, "400 Degreez", in 1998. The CD went on to sell over 4 million copies, and had a 60-week run on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

NOVEMBER 4
1931	Legendary New Orleans jazz figure Charles "Buddy" Bolden passed away at the state insane asylum in Jackson, Louisiana in 1931 at age 54.
1965	Louis Armstrong & the All-Stars appeared in a special episode of the ABC music series "Shindig! on November 4, 1965. They performed several tunes, including "Sleepy Time Down South," "Indiana", "Blueberry Hill," "Hello Dolly" and "When the Saints Come Marching In". The second part of the Shindig! Armstrong special aired on November 11, 1965.
1981	Country music star Hank Williams, Jr. made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1981.
1991	The 1992 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced on this day in 1991. The honor roll included New Orleans' own Professor Longhair.

NOVEMBER 5
1960	Honky tonk legend Johnny Horton was killed by a drunk driver in an auto accident in Milano, TX in 1960. Horton, a native of Los Angeles, moved to Shreveport, LA in 1951 and became a regular on the Louisiana Hayride radio show. The accident occurred while Horton was driving back to Shreveport from a performance in Austin, Texas. Also injured in the accident were Horton's manager and bassist Tillman Franks, and guitarist Tommy Tomlinson. In an interesting bit of trivia, Horton's last gig was at the Skyline in Austin, Texas - the same place where Hank Williams last performed before his death. At the time of Horton's passing, he was married to Shreveport native, Billie Jean Jones, the widow of Hank Williams.
1994	"New Age Girl" by New Orleans alt rock band Deadeye Dick entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1994. It peaked at #27 and remained on the chart for 11 weeks. The catchy tune was later featured in the film "Dumb and Dumber".
1998	New Orleans R&B legend Fats Domino was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Clinton at the White House in 1998. Fats, who did not attend the ceremony, was represented by his daughter Antoinette Domino Smith; said Fats, who had not traveled for a few years: "My spirit told me not to leave New Orleans until I make up my mind to travel again" .... said President Clinton: "Ain't that a shame".
1998	Country music legend and two-time Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis passed away at his home in Baton Rouge in 2000 at age 101. Davis wrote an estimated 400 songs, including the American classic, "You Are My Sunshine". He was an inductee of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

NOVEMBER 6
1889	Cornetist Amos White was born in Kingstree, SC in 1889. White settled in New Orleans in 1919 and worked with Lizzie Miles and the Tuxedo Brass Band before a brief stint with Fate Marable's band on the S.S. Capitol. White also organized the New Orleans Creole Orchestra, which featured Barney Bigard on clarinet.
1924	The Red Onion Jazz Babies (Clarence Williams, backed by a young Louis Armstrong on cornet) recorded "Of All The Wrongs You Done To Me" and "Everybody Loves My Baby" for the Okeh label in Chicago in 1924.
1941	R&B and blues guitarist and singer Roscoe Chenier was born in Notleyville, Louisiana in 1941. He was a cousin of the late Zydeco legend Clifton Chenier. Roscoe Chenier passed away on February 7, 2013. Listen to Roscoe Chenier music on YouTube.
1954	"More And More" by West Monroe, LA native Webb Pierce hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1954. The tune, written by Merle Kilgore, held on to the top spot for 10 consecutive weeks.
1956	Webb Pierce recorded his top ten country hits "Cryin' Over You" and "I'm Tired" for the Decca label in 1956.
1959	Singer and songwriter Paul Sanchez was born in New Orleans in 1959. Sanchez was a founding member of local rock band Cowboy Mouth. (see Paul Sanchez on Facebook)
1961	"Ya Ya" by Lee Dorsey hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1961. It dislodged Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack" (written by Minden, LA native Percy Mayfield), which had enjoyed a 5 week run at the top spot. The Lee Dorsey-penned tune also reached #7 on the Pop Chart, and earned him his first Gold Record.
1965	Pianist, singer, arranger, composer and bandleader Clarence Williams passed away in (Queens) New York City at age 72. The Plaquemine, LA native worked with Armand Piron in the early teens and formed a publishing company with him in 1915. He led many recording sessions during the 20's and 30's 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".
1993	Country music legend David Houston gave his final performance at the Grand Ole Opry on November 6, 1993. The Grammy winning singer and Shreveport, LA native passed away on November 30, 1993 after suffering brain aneurysm. He had been a member of the Opry since 1972.
2001	Britney Spears appeared on Late Show with David Letterman on November 6, 2001. She performed her single "I'm a Slave 4 U".
2005	The first live performance by roots-rockers Honey Island Swamp Band took place at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. Founding members Aaron Wilkinson, Chris Mulé, Sam Price and Garland Paul hooked up after being stranded in San Francisco due to Hurricane Katrina.
2011	Country music star and Shreveport, LA native Kix Brooks was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville in 2011.
2012	Guitarist Shelton Broussard died in a fire at his mobile home in Opelousas, Louisiana on November 6, 2012 at age 49. Broussard was a founding member of the band Zydeco Force with his brother Jeffery Broussard (Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys). He was the son of Creole and Zydeco music legend Delton Broussard.
xxxx	TV Appearances: Harry Connick, Jr. on the Late Show With David Letterman (1997); Christian music trio Trin-i-Tee 5:7 on Soul Train (1999); Britney Spears on CBS Early Show and Late Show with David Letterman (2001).

NOVEMBER 7
1905	Late trad jazz drummer Albert Jiles was born in Thibodaux, LA in 1905. He worked with Kid Howard, Sam Morgan, Papa Celestin, and others. He also led Albert Jiles Original Creole Stompers. In later years, he played regularly with Billie and Dede Pierce at Preservation Hall. Jiles passed away on September 3, 1964.
1922	Dixieland and jazz trumpet legend Al Hirt was born (Alois Maxwell Hirt) in New Orleans in 1922. After a stint as an Army bugler during World War II, Hirt joined Benny Goodman's Orchestra in 1946. He later worked with The Dorsey Brothers, Ray McKinley, and Horace Heidt. He returned to New Orleans in the 50's and became a French Quarter fixture in the 60's. Hirt played Las Vegas, ran a popular Bourbon Street jazz club, played for John F. Kennedy's inauguration, starred at Carnegie Hall, headlined numerous TV variety shows, and recorded a string of pop hits, including "Cotton Candy" and the Grammy-winning "Java". In his latter years, Hirt performed at 4 Super Bowls, played for Pope John Paul II during the pontiff's 1987 visit to New Orleans, he performed at Farm Aid VII (September 18, 1994), and toured with long time associate Pete Fountain, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He passed away at home on April 27, 1999 at age 76.
1932	Jazz clarinetist, composer and educator Alvin Batiste Sr. was born in New Orleans in 1932. Batiste performed with Ed Blackwell, Ornette Coleman, American Jazz Quintet, New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra, and Wynton Marsalis, among many others. His students at Southern University, and later the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, included Randy Jackson, Branford Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Henry Butler, Herlin Riley, Wessell Anderson, Maurice Brown, Conun Pappas, Joe Dyson, Max Moran, and Khris Royal. Batiste passed away in his sleep on May 6, 2007, just hours before a scheduled performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
1937	Bayou soul singer and drummer Lil' Bob (Camille Bob) of Lil' Bob & the Lollipops fame was born in Arnaudville, LA in 1937. Lil' Bob, who had been performing since the early 1950's, had a hit in '66 with "I Got Loaded" (which has since been covered by Robert Cray, Los Lobos, and others). He died of cancer on July 6, 2015. Read more.
1942	Perennial rocker Johnny Rivers was born (John Henry Ramistella) in New York City in 1942. Rivers moved to Baton Rouge at age 5, and formed his first band there while in junior high school. He appeared on the Louisiana Hayride radio show in 1960, prior to relocating to Los Angeles.
1954	Country and rockabilly singer Johnny Horton left the Louisiana Hayride radio show in 1954. Horton had temporarily quit the music business due to hard times. He would soon hook up with manager Tillman Franks.
1965	Longtime Buckwheat Zydeco drummer Kevin Menard was born in Lafayette, LA in 1965.
1997	Late great sax man Sam Butera appeared on TV's "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" in 1997.
2001	CMA Winners: congratulations to all winners at the 35th Annual CMA Awards, which took place on November 7th in Nashville; winners with Louisiana ties included Tim McGraw ("Entertainer of the Year"), Brooks & Dunn ("Vocal Duo of the Year", for the ninth time!), and the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" ("Album of the Year"), which featured tracks by Chris Thomas King and The Cox Family.
2002	Ivan Neville was among honorees at the 3rd annual MAP Awards (Musicians' Assistance Program), held on November 7, 2002 at the House of Blues Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The event included performances by The Neville Brothers, Bob Forrest, Dr. John, Gary LeMel, Jimmie Vaughan and Scott Weiland.

NOVEMBER 8
1955	R&B harmonica player and vocalist J.D. Hill was born in Lockport, New York on November 8, 1955. The long time leader of blues band J.D. & the Jammers relocated to New Orleans in the 1980s. Hill died of cancer on August 8, 2021 at age 65.
1968	Jazz saxophonist and music educator Roderick Paulin (aka "The Reverend" or "Rev") was born in New Orleans on November 8, 1968. Roderick is the son of legendary New Orleans bandleader Ernest "Doc" Paulin. His musical career spans over four decades collaborating with a variety of artists from John Legend and Harry Connick Jr., to The Grateful Dead and PJ Morton and many other artists of various genres.
1983	New Orleans keyboard legend James Booker passed away in Charity Hospital in 1983 at age 43. Cause of death was renal failure as a complication of drug abuse. Fellow New Orleans legend Dr. John reportedly described Booker as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced". A documentary on Booker, "Bayou Maharajah", was released in 1983.
1988	Filming of the Jerry Lee Lewis biopic "Great Balls Of Fire!" began on this day in 1988.
1997	Musician, producer, and songwriter Dr. Tommy Comeaux was killed in a bicycling accident in Broussard, LA at age 45. Comeaux was a long time member of music groups Beausoleil, Coteau, The Clickin' Chickens, and The Basin Brothers.
2001	The Rhythm & Blues Foundation's 12th Annual Pioneer Awards took place at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on November 8, 2001. Honorees included Allen Toussaint, who was a no-show at the event.
2008	New Orleans based singer and songwriter Eric Lindell made his national TV debut on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Eric and his band performed "Lay Back Down".

NOVEMBER 9
1880	Early trad jazz trombonist Bill Gallaty Sr. was born (William Joseph Gallaty) in New Orleans on November 9, 1880. Gallaty worked with the Reliance Brass Band, and later fronted his own band. His son was also a trombone player, who worked with Santo Pecora's band. Gallaty Sr. passed away on June 29, 1943 at age 62.
1908	Trad jazz saxophonist Ernest Poree was born in New Orleans in 1908. Poree was a long time member of the George Williams Brass Band.
1959	"Be My Guest" by Fats Domino entered the Billboard Top 40 in 1959. It remained in the Top 40 for 10 weeks, peaking at #8 (the "B" side, "I've Been Around", also entered the Top 40 on this day in 1959; it reached #33).
1959	"Country Girl" by honkytonk legend Faron Young hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1959;. It held on to the top spot for 4 consecutive weeks.
1960	Tony Spargo and Eddie Edwards (of Original Dixieland Jazz Band appeared as guests on TV's "I've Got A Secret" in 1960. The Original Dixieland Jazz Band (lineup was Eddie Edwards, Phil Napoleon, Tony Parenti, Russell Robinson, and Tony Spargo) also performed on the show. See YouTube clip.
2006	The Preservation Hall Jazz Band (represented by Ben Jaffe and his mother Sandra Jaffe) were awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush at the White House on November 9, 2006. (photo, photo)
2007	In a rare appearance outside of New Orleans, rock legend Fats Domino appeared live on NBC's "Today Show" in 2007. Fats performed "Blueberry Hill" for the national TV audience accompanied by Leo Nocentelli, Ivan Neville, Donald Harrison, Nick Daniels, Toots Hibbert, and Adam Deitch. Watch the video.

NOVEMBER 10
1933	Indefatigable blues man Bobby Rush was born (Emmit Ellis, Jr.) in Homer, Louisiana on November 10, 1933. (bobbyrushbluesman.com/)
1945	Trumpeter, composer amd educator Stanton Davis born in New Orleans in 1945.
1958	Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars appeared on national television onThe Timex All-Star Jazz Show in 1958.
1958	"A Part Of Me" by Baton Rouge native and teen idol Jimmy Clanton entered the R&B Chart on this day in 1958.
1959	Better Than Ezra's debut album "Deluxe" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1995
1968	Country music singer Chris Cagle was born on November 10, 1968 in DeRidder, Louisiana.
2001	Legendary New Orleans piano man Dr. John appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in 2001. The good doctor was sitting in with Lenny Pickett and the Saturday Night Live Band.
2005	Wynton Marsalis was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush at the White House in 2005 (photo). Allen Toussaint performs at 40th Anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities Dinner Party.

NOVEMBER 11
1934	Tenor sax man, bandleader, and composer David Lastie (of the noted musical Lastie family) was born in New Orleans in 1934. Lastie worked with Guitar Slim, Sugarboy Crawford, Smiley Lewis and Eddie Bo in the 50's. A sought after session player, he recorded with Jessie Hill, James Booker, Dr. John, Earl King, and many others. Lastie died in New Orleans on December 5, 1987 at age 53.
1944	Blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Chris Smither was born in Miami in 1944. Chris spent his formative years (1947-1964) in New Orleans before heading north to pursue his musical career.
1965	Louis Armstrong & the All-Stars appeared on ABC's music series Shindig! in 1965. They performed several tunes, including "Sleepy Time Down South", "Struttin' With Some Barbecue", "I've Got A Lot of Living To Do", "Mack The Knife" and "Ole Mis". The episode was the 2nd of two shows featuring Satchmo and his band (Part 1 aired on 11/04/65). Watch performances from the show.
1972	"I Found My Dad" by Simmesport, LA native Joe Simon entered the Billboard R&B Chart on this day in 1972, It peaked at #15 and remained on the chart for 13 weeks.
1972	Bass guitarist, producer and Tipitina's co-owner Robert Mercurio was born in Chevy Chase, MD in 1972. Mercurio is a founding member of NOLA funk band Galactic. Rob's side projects include Good Enough For Good Times, Frequinox, and Dragon Smoke. Read more.
1999	Kentwood, LA pop star Britney Spears was the big winner at the MTV Europe Music Awards held in Dublin in 1999. Spears took home awards for Best Female Artist, Best Pop Artist, Breakthrough Artist, and Best Single (for "Baby One More Time"). Britney also performed at the event.
1994	Branford Marsalis made a guest appearance on the Cartoon Network series "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" in 1994 (episode "Gum, Disease").
1994	Harry Connick, Jr. appeared on TV's "Live with Regis and Kelly".

NOVEMBER 12
1895	Late trad jazz bass drummer Edgar Mosely was born in Algiers, LA in 1895. Edgar and his brother Baptiste, who played together in Kid Rena's Brass Band, were the most popular street drummers in New Orleans for years. He played with Kid Howard, Algiers Brass Band, Eureka Brass Band, and others. Edgar recorded with Bunk Johnson and George Lewis' New Orleans Stompers.
1917	The Storyville district of New Orleans was closed down on November 12, 1917 after the Navy and War Department banned vice near military bases. Early jazz legends Jelly Roll Morton, Tony Jackson, Clarence Williams, King Oliver, Freddie Keppard, and Kid Ory were among the many musicians featured in the area's brothels, barrel houses and taverns. Many musicians lost steady work and moved north to Chicago, taking New Orleans jazz with them.
1925	Louis Armstrong made his first "Hot Five" recordings for the Okeh label in Chicago in 1925. Louis, along with Kid Ory, Johnny Dodds, Lil Armstrong and Johnny St. Cyr laid down "My Heart", "I'm In The Barrel" and "Gut Bucket Blues". The tracks were produced by Richard M. Jones.
1949	"Mary is Fine" by Vinton, LA native Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown entered the R&B Chart on this day in 1949.
1955	Fats Domino was named Favorite Rhythm & Blues Artist in Billboard's annual DJ's Poll in 1955.
1957	The film "Jamboree", which starred Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino, premiered in Hollywood in 1957.
1988	"Not Just Another Girl" by Ivan Neville entered the Billboard Top 40 on this day in 1988. The track appeared on the soundtrack for the film "My Stepmother Is an Alien".
2003	Blues legend Buddy Guy was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush at the White House in 2003. (photo)

NOVEMBER 13
1872	Late trad jazz trombonist George Filhe was born in New Orleans in 1872; Filhe began playing with the Cousto-Desdunes Orchestra in 1892, and later the Peerless and Imperial Orchestras. He was a long time member of the Onward Brass Band, and played in Chicago with Manuel Perez, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet, and others.
1913	Blues and jazz songstress Blue Lu Barker was born (Louisa Dupont) in New Orleans in 1913. Blue Lu, the wife of noted jazz figure Danny Barker, was known for her risque novelty tunes, such as "Don't You Feel My Leg". She died on May 7, 1998.
1939	Noted jazz and funk drummer Idris Muhammad was born (Leo Morris) in New Orleans in 1939. Initially working with R&B artists, Muhammad later focused on jazz, working with Pharoah Sanders, Lou Donaldson, Grover Washington Jr., Nat Adderley, Freddie Hubbard, Ahmad Jamal, George Benson, and many others. He also released several albums as bandleader. Muhammad passed away on July 29, 2014 at age 74.
1939	R&B guitarist and vocalist Rockie Charles was born (Alfred Charles Merrick, Sr.) in Boothville, Louisiana in 1939. Rockie, known as the President of Soul, passed away in 2010. Listen to Rockie Charles music on YouTube.
1948	Former curator of Tulane University's Hogan Jazz Archive, Bruce Boyd Raeburn was born in New York City in 1948.
1965	"C.C. Rider" by Baton Rouge native Bobby Powell entered the Billboard R&B Chart on this day in 1965.
1967	Lee Dorsey, Arthur Conley and Sam & Dave were among the guests on the German TV music series "Beat! Beat! Beat!" on November 13, 1967. Lee Dorsey performed "Get Out Of My Life, Woman" and "Ride Your Pony". Watch the performances here.
1982	"Take It Off" by New Orleans funksters Chocolate Milk entered the Billboard R&B Chart on this day in 1982.
1989	The Rolling Stones "Steel Wheels Tour" rolled into the Louisiana Superdome on this day in 1989, Opening band for the Stones was Living Colour. Listen to the entire Rolling Stones performance on YouTube.
1991	Buddy Guy performed "Damn Right I've Got The Blues" on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1991.
1998	Soul and funk singer/songwriter Eldridge Holmes passed away in New Orleans in 1998 at age 56. Read more.
1999	Steel guitar player Julius "Papa Cairo" Lamperez passed away in Crowley, LA in 1999 at age 79. Papa Cairo played with Cajun and Western swing bands for 64 years. He wrote (and sang on) Chuck Guillory & His Rhythm Boys' 1949 hit, "Big Texas". He claimed that Hank Williams stole the "Big Texas" melody to write the classic tune known as "Jambalaya". Hank would probably lose a lawsuit today. Read more about Big Texas / Jambalaya.

NOVEMBER 14
1918	Guitarist and vocalist Arthur "Guitar" Kelly was born in Clinton, LA in 1918. The under-recognized Swamp blues great passed away on September 17, 2001. See Arthur "Guitar" Kelly discography. Listen to Arthur "Guitar" Kelly music on YouTube.
1934	Jazz patriarch, pianist and music educator Ellis Marsalis Jr. was born in New Orleans in 1934. His students included Terence Blanchard, Harry Connick Jr., Irvin Mayfield, Jesse Davis, Charlie Dennard, Victor Goines, Donald Harrison, Marlon Jordan and Paul Longstreth (and sons Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason). Marsalis died on April 1, 2020 from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 85. The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, founded by Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis, opened in New Orlean in 2012.
1936	R&B drumming legend Joseph "Smokey" Johnson was born in New Orleans in 1936. Johnson was a member of Fats Domino's band for 23 years. Extensive session credits include backing Professor Longhair (on "Big Chief") and Earl King ("Trick Bag"); Johnson had a regional hit in 1964 with the now classic "It Ain't My Fault". Johnson died on October 6, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was 78.
1947	Accordionist and zydeco legend Buckwheat Zydeco was born (Stanley Dural Jr.) in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1947. Buckwheat Zydeco & Ils Sont Partis Band were one of the few Zydeco bands to gain mainstream success. They became the first zydeco artist on a major label when Island Records released the Buckwheat Zydeco album "On A Night Like This" in 1987. The band made many national TV appearances, performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics and President Bill Clinton's inaugural festivities, and toured with Eric Clapton. Buckwheat Zydeco received 5 Grammy nominations, including a Grammy win in 2010 for the album "Lay Your Burden Down". Dural died of lung cancer on September 24, 2016. He was 68.
1949	Sax man Humphrey Davis Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1949. He was the son of late jazz bassist Stewart Davis. Davis passed away on May 12, 2007.
1969	Mighty bass drummer Cayetano Hingle was born in New Orleans in 1969. Tanio has played with the Junior Olympian Brass Band, Storyville Stompers, New Birth Brass Band, and Grammy winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers.
1983	Rapper Boosie, aka Lil Boosie, aka Boosie BadAzz, (of "Wipe Me Down" fame) was born (Torrence Hatch) in Baton Rouge in 1983.
1992	Respected trumpeter, session player, and bandleader Teddy Riley passed away in New Orleans in 1992 at age 68. Riley worked with the Dookie Chase Orchestra, led Roy Brown's band, backed Fats Domino & Wynton Marsalis, and fronted his own groups at area clubs. He was also a regular on the parade scene, and marched with the George Williams Brass Band, the Olympia Brass Band, and his own Royal Brass Band, among others.
1997	Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and his band (Corey Henry, Kevin Morris, Emile Vinette and Jerry Anderson) recorded their performance at Tipitina's on this day in 1997 for later release as "The Barbecue Swingers Live" (the first release for local label Basin Street Records).
2001	Harry Connick, Jr. appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on this day in 2001. Backing Harry were hometown favorites Leroy Jones and Lucien Barbarin, with Arthur Latin and Neal Caine.
2006	New Orleans R&B singer and songwriter Timothea Beckerman died of complications from hepatitis C on November 14, 2006 at age 55. Timothea was a pioneer in promoting education and awareness of Hepatitis C, founding the Siren to Wail charitable organization in 1999.
2006	R&B and swamp pop singer Lil' Alfred (nee Alfred Babino) passed away at age 62. The Lake Charles, LA native had a regional hit with "Walking Down the Aisle" in 1960 (which he recorded at age 16). He later performed with Cookie and the Cupcakes, the Boogie Kings, and others. His only solo album, "Dealin' With the Feelin'", was released in 1996 on Jin Records.

NOVEMBER 15
1885	Late trad jazz clarinetist and saxophonist Achille Baquet was born (Achille Joseph Baquet) in New Orleans in 1885. Achille played with the Reliance Brass Band, Jimmy Durante's Original New Orleans Jazz Band, and others. He was the brother of clarinetist George Baquet. Their father was cornet player Theogene V. Baquet, who led the Excelsior Brass Band in the late 1800's. Baquet died on November 20, 1955. Read more.
1905	Late Cajun fiddler Sady Courville was born in Chataignier, LA in 1905. Courville is noted for his work with his brother-in-law and fellow Cajun fiddler Dennis McGee. The two made history on March 5, 1929 by recording as a Cajun fiddle duet for the first time, at the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. Courville died on January 3, 1988 in Eunice, Louisiana at age 82. Listen to Dennis McGee & Sady Courville music on YouTube. Read more here and here.
1929	The Jones-Collins Astoria Hot 8 recorded for the first and last time at the Italian Hall (located at the corner of Rampart Street and Esplanade Avenue) in 1929; the group was led by cornetist Lee Collins and tenor sax player David Jones, and featured Sidney Arodin, Emanuel Sayles, Theodore Purnell, Joe Robichaux, Al Morgan and Joe Stroughter-Raphael. Listen to Jones-Collins Astoria Hot 8 music on YouTube.
1981	New Orleans based singer, songwriter and bassist Roland Guerin was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 15, 1968.
1981	Cajun fiddler and vocalist Wallace "Cheese" Read passed away in Eunice, Louisiana in 1981 at age 67. Read more. Listen to Wallace "Cheese" Read music on YouTube.

NOVEMBER 16
1910	Late trad jazz banjo player Albert "Papa" French was born in New Orleans in 1910. French had a long association with Oscar "Papa" Celestin's Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, and led the group after Celestin's passing. Albert's son Bob French (December 27, 1937 � November 12, 2012) took over the helm of the group after Papa French passed away on September 28, 1977. Albert's grandson Gerald French has led the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band since December 2011.
1915	Creole accordionist and vocalist Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin was born near Duralde, Louisiana in 1915. As a young man, Ardoin played with his first cousin Am�d� Ardoin. In 1948 Ardoin and violinist Canray Fontenot began playing together as the Duralde Ramblers. This pair later performed as Ardoin Family Band with three of Bois Sec's sons. After Fontenot's death in 1995, Ardoin performed with the band Balfa Toujours, and recorded an album, 'Allons Danser', with them in 1998. He died on May 16, 2007 at age 91. Ardoin and Fontenot received National Heritage Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1986.
1933	Late steel guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Shirley Bergeron was born (Shirley Ray Bergeron) in Church Point, Louisiana in 1933. He was the son of accordionist Alphee Bergeron, and he played in his fathers band, the Veteran Playboys. He passed away in Church Point on November 20, 1995.
1966	Louis Armstrong and singer Caterina Valente were guests on TV's "The Danny Kaye Show" on November 16, 1966. Watch the three of them performing a 9 minute musical extravaganza 'A Salute to Louis'.
1969	Jerry Lee Lewis performed "Great Balls of Fire", "What I'd Say" and "Whole Lotta Shakin" on TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show" on this day in 1969. Watch Jerry Lee's performance on YouTube.

NOVEMBER 17
1885	Late trad jazz trombonist Charles "Sonny" Henry was born on the Magnolia Plantation in Louisiana in 1885. Henry studied under Professor Jim Humphrey. He first played with the plantation brass band (Eclipse Brass Band) at age 17 (on cornet). He later took up the trombone, and moved to New Orleans in 1913. His lengthy career included stints with the Excelsior, W.P.A., Young Tuxedo and Eureka Brass Bands. Read more.
1933	Late R&B pianist Elmore Nixon was born in Crowley, Louisiana in 1933. Nixon recorded with Henry Hayes, Clifton Chenier, Lightning Hopkins, Hop Wilson, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, among others. His solo efforts can be found on the "Mercury Blues 'n' Rhythm Story" and "Best of Duke-Peacock Blues" collections.
1967	Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tab Benoit was born at Bayou Petit Caillou (near Houma) in 1967. See tabbenoit.com for tour dates and more info.
1994	Country star Sammy Kershaw's 1993 album "Haunted Heart" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1994.
2003	Pop star Britney Spears was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003 (see photo). At age 21, Spears tied with former "Little House on the Prairie" actress Melissa Gilbert for being the youngest person to receive a Walk of Fame star.
2007	Accordionist and bandleader Zydeco Joe (nee Joseph Adam Mouton) passed away in Lafayette, LA in 2007. He was 64.
2008	Blues harmonica great Pat Ramsey passed away in Florida in 2008 at age 55. The Shreveport native recorded with Johnny Winter and Coco Robicheaux, and also released several solo albums.

NOVEMBER 18
1930	Noted trumpeter Melvin Lastie (of the musical Lastie family) was born in New Orleans in 1930. The prolific session player was featured on recordings by Sam Cooke, Dr. John, Aretha Franklin, Barbara George (#1 R&B hit, "I Know), Little Sonny Jones, Herbie Mann, David "Fathead" Newman, and many others. Lastie passed away from cancer on December 4, 1972 at age 42.
1955	Honkytonk legend Webb Pierce recorded his #2 single, "Yes, I Know Why" for the Decca label in 1955.
1956	Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Fats Domino performed "Blueberry Hill" on TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show" on November 18, 1956. Watch the performance on YouTube.
1964	New Orleans-born Gospel great Bessie Griffin and the Gospel Pearls appeared on ABC TV's 'Shindig' on November 18, 1964. The group performed "Dry Bones" and "Come on Children".
1978	Tuba player and cofounder (with Royce Lockett and Thomas Watson) of the New Creations Brass Band, Ronald "Fat" Lockett was born in New Orleans in 1978. Lockett passed away on March 19th, 2025.
1989	"Bayou Boys" by Lafayette, LA native Eddy Raven hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1989. The tune remained on the chart for a total of 26 weeks.
1993	Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder was booked on misdemeanor charges after he and Chicago White Sox pitcher Jack McDowell were involved in a brawl in a Decatur Street bar in 1993. Vedder, who allegedly spat on a waiter, was charged with public drunkenness and disturbing the peace. He was acquitted of all charges in August, 1995.
2001	The 90 minute special "Britney Spears: Live From Las Vegas" aired live on HBO in 2001. The concert, Britney's first live television concert, went out to millions of cable viewers and Armed Forces personnel around the globe.

NOVEMBER 19
1965	Accordionist and Cajun music pioneer Joseph Falcon passed away in Crowley, Louisiana on November 19, 1965 at age 65. Falcon and wife Cleoma Breaux recorded the first Cajun French record, "Allons � Lafayette", in 1928. Read this 1962 interview with Joe Falcon. Allons � Lafayette was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2007.
1966	"Holy Cow" by Lee Dorsey entered the Pop and R&B Charts in 1966. It later peaked at #10 on the R&B Chart and #23 on the Pop chart.
1969	Drummer Travis McNabb was born in Kenner, LA in 1969. McNabb was the long time beat-keeper for rockers Better Than Ezra. He left BTE in 2009 to join the backing band for country duo Sugarland (their backing band also featured Annie Clements). He was toured and recorded with dozens of other artists over the years.
1974	Trad jazz trombonist and bandleader Georg Brunis (born George Clarence Brunies) passed away in Chicago in 1974 at age 72. The New Orleans native was a member of Papa Jack Laine's "Kid" band at age 8. He moved to Chicago in 1919 and played with Paul Mares' Friar's Society Orchestra which later became the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. Other work included stints with Louis Prima, Wingy Manone, Sharkey Bonano, Muggsy Spanier and Eddie Condon, among many others. Read more.
1999	Snare drummer Eldridge "Eldo" Andrews passed away in 1999 at the age of 23. Eldridge, a co-founder of the Lil' Rascals Brass Band, was a member of the noted Andrews musical family, which includes brother Revert Andrews (Dirty Dozen; ReBirth), cousins James Andrews & Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and New Orleans legends Jessie "Ooh Pooh Pah Do" Hill and Louis Nelson
2009	New Orleans based rock band The Revivalists appeared in an episode ("The Order of the Mongoose") of the CBS series NCIS: New Orleans on November 19, 2019. (video clip)

NOVEMBER 20
1827	Creole composer, conductor and violin prodigy Edmond Dede was born (Edmond D�d�) in New Orleans in 1827. He passed away in Paris in January of 1901. Read more here and here.
1941	Rock, funk and R&B legend, Dr. John was born (Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr.) in New Orleans on November 20, 1941. Dr John is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of 6 Grammy awards. The good doctor died of a heart attack on June 6, 2019 at age 77.
1961	"I Know" by Barbara George entered the R&B chart in 1961. It later hit #1 on the R&B chart (on 01/20/62), and #3 on the Pop chart.
1964	Rocker Jerry Lee Lewis appeared on the UK television music series "Ready Steady Go!" on 11/20/1964. He performed "High Heel Sneakers" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". Watch the performance on YouTube.
1971	"Drowning In The Sea Of Love" by Simmesport, LA native Joe Simon entered the Billboard R&B chart in 1971. It had a 15 week run on the chart, peaking at the #3 position. It also reached #11 on the Top 40 chart.
1971	"Where Did Our Love Go" by New Orleans-born R&B vocalist Donnie Elbert entered the Billboard Top 40 chart in 1971. It peaked at #15 and remained in the Top 40 chart for 8 weeks (the tune reached #6 on the R&B Chart).
1995	Cajun steel guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Shirley Bergeron passed away in Church Point, Louisiana on November 20, 1995. Shirley played in his father's band, Alphee Bergeron & The Veteran Playboys, and also released two solo albums.
1997	Influential music journalist Robert Palmer passed away in New York in 1997 at age 52 after a lengthy bout with liver disease. Palmer's credits included a 10-year stint as chief pop music critic of The New York Times, senior editor of Rolling Stone, the books "Deep Blues" and "Rock & Roll: An Unruly History", plus award-winning documentary films. Palmer moved to New Orleans in 1992, and he occasionally sat in on clarinet with jazz bands at the Little People's Place.

NOVEMBER 21
1942	"C Blues" by Barney Bigard & His Orchestra (a subset of the Duke Ellington Orchestra) entered the R&B chart on this day in 1942. The oft-covered tune, composed by Ellington, is also known as "C Jam Blues" and "Duke's Place".
1953	"There Stands The Glass" by West Monroe, LA native Webb Pierce hit #1 on the Country Chart in 1953. The tune topped the chart for a total of 12 weeks.
1953	Clarinetist Larry Shields passed away in Los Angeles in 1953 at age 60; the New Orleans native joined the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in Chicago in 1916, staying with them until 1921; after a move to California, Shields returned to New Orleans and joined a reformed ODJB from 1936-38; he retired from music and moved back to the West Coast in the early 40's
1960	Noted trombone slinger Craig Klein was born in New Orleans in 1960. Klein is a founding member of NOLA bands The Storyville Stompers, Bonerama, and New Orleans Nightcrawlers. He was also a longtime member of Harry Connick, Jr.'s band.
1960	"Gonzo" by New Orleans "piano prince" James Booker entered the R&B chart in 1960. It later peaked at #3, and also reached #43 on the Pop chart.
1981	"All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)" by Shreveport native Hank Williams, Jr. hit #1 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1981.

NOVEMBER 22
1901	Late trad jazz reeds player, band leader, and composer Paul "Polo" Barnes was born in New Orleans in 1901. His lengthy career included stints with the Original Tuxedo Orchestra, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Kid Howard, and others. He performed wih the Young Men From New Orleans at Disneyland in L.A., and was a regular at Preservation Hall (1964-1981) after his return to New Orleans. He dued on April 3, 1981 (aged 79).
1906	Late trad jazz trumpeter and vocalist Guy Kelly was born in Scotland, LA in 1906. Kelly played with Papa Celestin and Kid Howard before moving to Chicago in 1930. He later worked with Jimmie Noone and Albert Ammons, among others. Kelly passed away in Chicago in 1940.
1933	Legendary zydeco and R&B drummer Clarence "Jockey" Etienne was born in St. Martinville, LA on November 22, 1933. Etienne played with Fernest Arceneaux and the Thunders, the Creole Zydeco Farmers, Lazy Lester, Carol Fran, Katie Webster, and Lil Band O' Gold. He also toured with R&B greats Solomon Burke and Joe Simon in the 1960s. He was drummer on the Slim Harpo classic "Scratch My Back," a No. 1 Billboard R&B hit in 1966. Etienne passed away at his home in Lafayette on August 16, 2015. He was 81.
1960	Renowned drummer, singer and songwriter Carlo Nuccio was born (Carlo Anthony Nuccio) in New Orleans on November 22, 1960. Nuccio was a founding member of The Continental Drifters and Royal Fingerbowl. He also worked with Dr. John, Tori Amos, Emmylou Harris, Marianne Faithful. and many others. Songwriting credits include the classic Saints tunes Who Dat and Glory Bound. Nuccio died on August 24, 2022 (aged 61) from complications related to liver cancer.
1965	Louis Armstrong began work on the film "A Man Called Adam" (which starred Sammy Davis, Jr.) on this day in 1965.
1980	"Dreams Come True" by Mansfield, LA native O.C. Smith entered the Billboard R&B chart on this day in 1980
1995	Creole accordionist Ambrose Sam passed away in Lawtell, LA in 1995 at age 76. Ambrose's nephews perform with the Sam Brothers Five. His brother was Zydeco accordionist Herbert "Good Rockin'" Sam

NOVEMBER 23
1963	"I'm Leaving It Up To You" by Dale & Grace (Dale Houston and Grace Broussard) hit #1 on the Pop Chart on 11/23/63.
1973	Blues and trad jazz trumpeter De De Pierce (Joseph De La Croix Pierce) passed away in New Orleans in 1973 at age 69. De De toured and recorded extensively with wife Billie Pierce in the 1960's. Both were regulars at Preservation Hall.
1976	Rocker Jerry Lee Lewis was arrested outside the gates of Graceland in Memphis in 1976 after showing up for the second time that night shouting, waving a pistol, and demanding to see Elvis Presley. Authorities charged him with public intoxication and possession of a weapon
1985	Queen Ida & The Bon Temps Zydeco Band were musical guests on the NBC TV show Saturday Night Live in 1985. They performed "La Louisiane" and "Frisco Zydeco".
1985	R&B singer O.C. Smith passed away in Los Angeles in 2001. The Grammy nominated crooner, born Ocie Lee Smith in Mansfield, LA, was 65. Read more.
2023	Fiddler Amanda Shaw and country singer Alex Smith rode and performed on Louisiana's Celebration Gator float in the 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2023. Watch videos. Jon Batiste also performed at the event with the AAMU Marching Band.

NOVEMBER 24
1926	Richard M. Jones and his Jazz Wizards recorded "Dusty Bottom Blues" and "Scagmore Green" for the Okeh label in Chicago in 1926.
1956	"I Feel Good" by Shirley & Lee (Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee) entered the R&B Chart in 1956. The song, which ultimately hit #3, was the follow up to their chart topper, "Let The Good Times Roll".
2001	New Orleans rap star Juvenile performed with the Grambling State Tiger Marching Band during the halftime "Battle of the Bands" at the 2001 Bayou Classic, held in the Louisiana Superdome.
2022	Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue rode and performed on Louisiana's Celebration Gator float in the 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2022. They performed "Hurricane Season".

NOVEMBER 25
1859	Musician, teacher, bandleader and trad jazz patriarch Professor Jim Humphrey was born (James Brown Humphrey) in Sellers, LA in 1859; Humphrey taught dozens of musicians in his time, including Chris Kelly, Harrison Barnes, Lee Collins, Charles "Sonny" Henry, Punch Miller, and Burke Stevenson, and is often credited for the high standards of New Orleans music in the early days of jazz; his son Willie Humphrey, Sr. (clarinet), and grandsons Willie, Jr. (clarinet), Earl (trombone) and Percy Humphrey (trumpet), were all noted trad jazz musicians
1940	Soul singer and longtime Baton Rouge resident Percy Sledge was born in Leighton, Alabama in 1940. He was known for his 1966 #1 hit "When a Man Loves a Woman". Sledge died of liver cancer at his home in Baton Rouge on April 14, 2015. His interment was in Baton Rouge's Heavenly Gates Cemetery.
1967	Zydeco guitarist Joseph "Cookie" Chavis was born in Lafayette, LA in 1967. Chavis has worked with Buckwheat Zydeco, Beau Jocque, Geno Delafose, Chubby Carrier, Rosie Ledet, and others.
1976	"The Last Waltz", advertised as rock group The Band's "farewell concert appearance", took place at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, Guest performers included Louisiana legends Dr. John ("Such A Night") and Bobby Charles ("Down South in New Orleans").
1995	Traditional Cajun accordionist Ambrose Thibodeaux passed away in Lafayette, LA in 1995 at age 92. (Not to be confused with fiddler Andrus "Uncle Ambrose" "Nonc Ambrose" Thibodeaux)
2021	Jon Batiste rode and performed on Louisiana's Celebration Gator float in the 95th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25, 2021. Watch videos.

NOVEMBER 26
1906	Trumpeter and bandleader Dick Mackie was born in New Orleans in 1906. Mackie played with the The Invincibles String Band, which became the jazz band New Orleans Owls (brother Frank "Red" Mackie played sousaphone and string base with the Owls) in the 1920's. In later years, he toured with the big bands of Hal Kemp, Kay Kayser, and others.
1949	"That Lucky Old Sun" (Decca 24752) by Louis Armstrong entered the R&B Charts on this day in 1949. Satchmo was backed on the track by the Gordon Jenkins Orchestra and Choir.
1955	"Tutti Frutti" (Specialty 561) by Little Richard entered the R&B Chart in 1955. The rock 'n roll classic, which ultimately reached the #2 spot, was written by Dorothy LaBostrie and was recorded at Cosimo Matassa's famed J&M Studio on September 14, 1955. Backing Little Richard on the track were Earl Palmer (drums), Frank Fields (bass), Justin Adams (guitar), Huey Smith (piano), Alvin "Red" Tyler (baritone sax) and Lee Allen (tenor sax). Read more about the recording of "Tutti Frutti". Watch a video clip on the origins of "Tutti Frutti".
1965	Singer, songwriter and bassist Steve Grisaffe was born in New Iberia, LA in 1965. Grisaffe founded the country band River Road in 1989. He has also worked with GG Shinn, Sammy Kershaw, Trace Adkins, Hunter Hayes, Wayne Toups, and others.
1967	Musician, singer and songwriter John Stirratt was born in New Orleans, LA in 1967. Stirratt has been the bass player for Wilco since their start in 1994, and was with Uncle Tupelo prior to that.
1975	Award winning producer, DJ, and record label exec DJ Khaled was born (Khaled Bin Abdul Khaled) in New Orleans 1n 1975.
2003	Rapper Soulja Slim was shot and killed in front of his mother's house in New Orleans in 2003. The rising rap star (born James Tapp) was 26 years old.

NOVEMBER 27
1876	Trad jazz musician "Papa" John Joseph was born in St. James Parish, LA in 1877. Joseph played in Kid Ory's band in Lutcher, LA and stayed with Ory when he moved to New Orleans. Johnson ran a barbershop at First and Liberty, a block from Buddy Bolden's home, and his memories of Bolden are included in the Donald Marquis book, "In Search of Buddy Bolden: First Man of Jazz". He led his own band in Storyville, and occasionally worked with the Original Tuxedo Orchestra and the Claiborne Williams Band in the 20's. After a long layoff, Joseph began playing again with other veteran musicians at Preservation Hall. It was there on January 22, 1965, that Joseph collapsed and died at age 88, shortly after finishing a bass solo on "When The Saints Go Marching In". Read more.
1894	Late trad jazz drummer Christopher "Black Happy" Goldston was born in New Orleans in 1894. Goldston's early career included stints with the Golden Leaf Orchestra, Onward Brass Band, and the W.P.A. Brass Band; he later worked with Papa Celestin and Bill Mathews.
1924	Late rockabilly singer, guitarist, and songwriter Werly Fairburn was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans in 1924. He died of lung cancer on January 18, 1985 at age of 60. Read more. Listen to Werly Fairburn music on YouTube.
1926	Louis Armstrong's Hot Five recorded "You Made Me Love You" and "Irish Black Bottom" for the Okeh label in Chicago in 1926; personnel on the tracks were Armstrong (trumpet and vocals), Henry "Hy" Clark (trombone), Johnny Dodds (clarinet), Lil Hardin Armstrong (piano) and Johnny St. Cyr (banjo).
1964	New Orleans-based saxophonist and music educator, Wessell "Warmdaddy" Anderson was born on November 27, 1964 in Brooklyn New York.

NOVEMBER 28
1928	Late sax player Auguste "Dimes" DuPont was born in New Orleans in 1928. DuPont played alto and baritone sax with Edgar Blanchard and the Gondoliers for 12 years, and also performed with his uncle, noted guitarist and banjo player Danny Barker. He recorded with Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner, Joe Houston, and others. He passed away on September 14, 1997 at age 68. Check out the track Loud Mouth Annie by Warren Myles and August "Dimes" DuPont.
1971	Blues singer and harmonica player Papa George Lightfoot (Alexander Lightfoot) passed away in Natchez, MS in 1971 at age 47. Papa George moved to New Orleans in the 40's and occasionally sat in with Fats Domino, Tommy Ridgley and Shirley & Lee He recorded with Edgar Blanchard & The Gondoliers, and on his own for the Aladdin and Imperial labels. Listen to Papa George Lightfoot on YouTube.
1992	Legendary blues guitarist and session player Wayne Bennett passed away in New Orleans in 1992 at age 58. The Oklahoma native was a long time member of Bobby Blue Bland's band. Check his guitar work with Bland on "Stormy Monday" and "Driftin' Blues".
2006	Musician, arranger and songwriter Charlie Brent (Charles M. Brent Jr.) passed away in 2006 at age 58. The New Orleans native was a long time associate of Luther Kent, and also worked with Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders, Lenny McDaniel, The Mambo Brothers, The Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks, and others. He was also a composer and arranger for the Ronnie Kole Septet, Ann-Margret, Irma Thomas, and the Tonight Show Band.

NOVEMBER 29
1936	Late sax player and session musician Nat Perrilliat was born (Nathaniel Leonard Perrilliat) in New Orleans in 1936. In the 50's Perrilliat worked in the backing band of Professor Longhair, and played on many R&B sessions backing Smiley Lewis, Shirley & Lee, Clarence Frogman Henry, Ernie K-Doe, and others. He later focused on contemporary jazz, working with the A.F.O. Records studio band. He was featured on Ellis Marsalis Quartet's "Monkey Puzzle" album, aka "The Classic Ellis Marsalis" (with James Black and Marshall Smith). Also noteworthy was Nat Adderley Sextet's "In the Bag" album (Cannonball Adderley, Nat Perriliat, James Black, Sam Jones and Ellis Marsalis). He also toured with Joe Tex, Junior Parker and Fats Domino. He died on January 26, 1971 at age 34. See recording credits.
1944	Saxophonist and bandleader Gary Brown was born in New Orleans in 1944. Brown has recorded with Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Andy Gibb, The Bee Gees, and many others.
1953	Honky tonk crooner Webb Pierce recorded his No. #1 singles, "Slowly" and "Even Tho" for the Decca label in 1953
1954	Clarinetist, bandleader, educator and New Orleans traditional jazz ambassador Dr. Michael White was born in New Orleans in 1954. Dr. White has released several critically acclaimed albums leading the Original Liberty Jazz Band. He has also recorded with Wynton Marsalis, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others. White was honored with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts in 2008.
1959	Classical pianist and Shreveport, LA native Van Cliburn was a winner at the 2nd annual Grammy Awards, held on this day in 1959. He won for his performance on the RCA Victor album, "Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3".

NOVEMBER 30
1947	Louis Armstrong & His All Stars (Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Dick Cary, Arvell Shaw, Big Sid Catlett and Velma Middleton) performed at Boston's Symphony Hall in 1947. Listen to "Satchmo at Symphony Hall 65th Anniversary: The Complete Performances", courtesy of YouTube.
1993	Country music great David Houston died of a ruptured brain aneurysm in Bossier City, LA on November 30, 1993 at age 54. Houston made his debut on the Louisiana Hayride at age 12. He signed with Epic in 1963, and his first single, "Mountain of Love", reached #2 on the Country charts. During his career, Houston had seven #1 hits records, including his 1966 recording of Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton's "Almost Persuaded", which topped the chart for 9 weeks, and netted 3 Grammy Awards. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1972 until his death.
2001	Dr. John was the musical guest on TV's Late Night with Conan O'Brien on November 30, 2001. The good Dr. performed "Food for Thot" (from his album "Creole Moon").
2002	Country music superstar Tim McGraw made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2002.

Satchmo.com - On This Day in Louisiana Music History

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