Trumpeter and bandleader Teddy Riley was born (Theodore Riley) in New Orleans on May 10, 1924. Riley worked with the Dookie Chase Orchestra, led Roy Brown's band, backed Fats Domino and 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.. His father Amos Riley (1879-1925) was also a noted trumpeter and band leader. Riley died on November 14, 1992 at age 68. See Teddy Riley recording credits. Watch Teddy Riley perform "Mahogany Hall Stomp" at the 1990 Newport Jazz Festival. Watch more Teddy Riley videos on YouTube.
1935
Singer, songwriter, and pianist Larry Williams was born in New Orleans on May 10, 1935. Willams worked with Roy Brown, Percy Mayfield and Lloyd Price prior to being signed by Art Rupe to his Specialty label in 1955. He had a string of R&B hits in 1957-58 including "Short Fat Fannie" (#1) and "Bony Maronie" (#4). His songs have been covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and many others. Williams died on January 7, 1980 (aged 44), an apparent suicide victim. Read more here and here. Listen to Larry Williams music on YouTube.
1947
Zydeco accordionist, vocalist and songwriter Thomas "Big Hat" Fields was born in Rayne, LA on May 10, 1947. Listen to Thomas "Big Hat" Fields music on YouTube.
New Orleans-born blues guitarist Frankie Lee Sims passed away in Dallas, TX on May 10, 1970 at age 53. Sims was the cousin of blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins. Read more here and here. Check out Sim's "Lucy Mae Blues" (1953) and "Walking with Frankie" (1957).
1986
Influential R&B drummer Charles "Hungry" Williams passed away in New York City on May 10, 1986 at age 51. The New Orleans native was a prolific studio musician, and can be heard on records by Fats Domino, Paul Gayten, Professor Longhair, Smiley Lewis, Art Neville, Bobby Mitchell, Frankie Ford, Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Bobby Charles, and many others. Read more here. Listen to Charles "Hungry" Williams music on YouTube.
The 2007 Blues Music Awards took place in Memphis on May 10, 2007. Winners included Jerry Lee Lewis, Marcia Ball, Bobby Rush, Irma Thomas (2), and Tab Benoit (2). Performers at the event included Bobby Rush (see brief video clip). See photos from the 2007 Blues Music Awards here.
2026
Country superstar Lainey Wilson tied the knot with former NFL player Devlin "Duck" Hodges on May 10, 2026 at The Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee. Friends attending the event included Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Lauren Alaina, Jelly Roll and Ella Langley. Guests celebrated with music from Rebirth Brass Band, a Cajun feast, and an all-night dance party. See photos.
2026
Shreveport guitar legend, singer and songwriter Buddy Flett passed away on May 10, 2026 at age 72. Flett played in the band A-Train with frequent songwriting partner David Egan. He later started The Bluebirds with his brother Bruce Flett. He was a mentor to fellow Shreveport guitar great Kenny Wayne Shepherd. He toured with Shepherd on his "Ten Days Out: Blues From The Backroads" tour, and he received a Grammy nomination as part of Kenny's "Live! in Chicago" album. See partial list of songwriting credits. Listen to "Pass It On By" by A-Train. Listen to The Bluebirds album "South From Memphis". Watch Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Buddy Flett playing "Dance With Me Girl".
