Late rockabilly singer and New Orleans native Werly Fairburn (aka The Singing Barber) joined the Louisiana Hayride radio show in 1955.
1958
Classical pianist Van Cliburn (born Harvey Lavan Cliburn, Jr. in Shreveport, LA on 7/12/34) signed a recording contract with RCA Victor records in 1958.
1986
Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis appeared on children's television series "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" on May 7, 1986 (Episode 1563). Wynton jammed with Johnny Costa, Bobby Rawsthone and Joe Negri. Watch a video clip here.
1991
Washboard pioneer Cleveland Chenier passed away in Lafayette, LA on May 7, 1991 at the age of 69. Cleveland was the brother of Zydeco King Clifton Chenier, and was a member of Clifton's "Red Hot Louisiana Band". Cleveland also performed with Lightnin' Hopkins (video). The first frottoir (rubboard) with shoulder straps made of tin was created for Cleveland in 1946 by Willie Landry.
1998
Blues and jazz songstress Blue Lu Barker (born Louise Dupont) passed away in New Orleans in 1998 at age 84. 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". Watch Blue Lu Barker videos on YouTube.
1998
Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang were musical guests on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on May 7, 1998. The two teamed up on the track "Midnight Train". Watch the video here. The broadcast was from a week of shows airing from Rosemont Theatre in Chicago.
2002
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Dr. John on piano and vocals were musical guests on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on May 7, 2002. The Dozen and the Doc performed "Everything I Do Gon' Be Funky" from the "Medicated Magic" album. The song, penned by Allen Toussaint, was originally released by Lee Dorsey in 1969 as "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky (From Now On)".
