Pianist, composer, arranger, music educator and actor Willie Metcalf, Jr. was born in Highland Park, Michigan on May 3, 1930. Metcalf, who moved to New Orleans in 1975, mentored many local musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, and Donald Harrison. He died of cancer in New Orleans on September 9, 2004 at age 74. Watch Willie Metcalf videos on YouTube.
1962
Salina, Kansas based music empresario Chad Kassem (aka The Wizard of Vinyl) was born in Lafayette, LA on May 3, 1962. Kassem is the founder and owner of a number of businesses: Acoustic Sounds, Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez, Blue Heaven Studios, Quality Record Pressings, APO Records, Analogue Productions, and the annual Blues Masters at the Crossroads festival. Watch interviews with, and profiles of Chad Kassem on YouTube. Read more on Chad Kassem here.
1994
Drummer (and noted plasterer) Milford "Stack" Dolliole passed away in New Orleans on May 3, 1994 at the age of 90. Dolliole played with Chris Kelly, Buddy Petit, Papa Celestin, Emile Barnes, Tuxedo Brass Band, Onward Brass Band, and others. When asked how he would like to be remembered, Mr. Dolliole humbly replied, "I would". Dolliole was featured in the video "Baby Dodds: New Orleans Drumming". See this 1965 interview with Milford Dolliole. Listen to Milford Dolliole music on YouTube.
1995
The Neville Brothers, The Dixie Cups, Allen Toussaint and Professor Longhair were inducted into the New Orleans Musical Walk of Fame on May 3, 1995. The walk is located at 738 Camp Street, the site of Cosimo Matassa's old "Jazz City" recording studio.
1997
After a two year hiatus from public performances, Fats Domino appeared at the 1997 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
2008
Lil Wayne scored his first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper with "Lollipop" on May 3, 2008. The rap superstar had made 20 appearances on the chart since 1999 (including collaborations). His previous best as lead artist was with "Go DJ," which peaked at #14 in 2004. "Lollipop" held the top spot for 4 straight weeks.
2010
Pioneering Zydeco accordionist and bandleader (Roy Carrier & The Night Rockers) Roy Carrier passed away in Opelousas, Louisiana on May 3 2010 at age 63. He opened the popular Zydeco dance hall the Offshore Lounge in Lawtell in 1981 where he supported younger, aspiring musicians. Sons Chubby Carrier and Troy ("Dikki Du") Carrier are also well known musicians. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on April 26, 2025. Read more here. Listen to Roy Carrier music on YouTube.
2010
Grammy winning bass player Lee Allen Zeno passed away on May 3, 2026 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 71. The Lafayette, LA native was noted for his work with Buckwheat Zydeco, and he was also a sideman for a number of other R&B and Zydeco artists. Read more here. Watch Lee Allen Zeno videos on YouTube.
