Jazz clarinetist Edmond Hall was born in Reserve, Louisiana on May 15, 1901. Edmond was the son of Onward Brass Band regular, Edward Hall. One of four clarinet playing brothers, Hall worked with Buddy Petit, Zutty Singleton, Red Allen, Eddie Condon, and many others. He was a member of Louis Armstrong's All-Stars from 1955-58, and also performed with Satchmo at the famed Carnegie Hall Concert in 1947. Edmond Hall passed away in Cambridge, MA on February 11, 1967 at age 65. Read more here. Listen to Edmond Hall music on YouTube.
1906
Blues guitarist and vocalist "Uncle" Johnny Williams (John Antwine Jr.) was born in Alexandria, LA on May 15, 1906. Williams moved to Chicago in 1938 and became a fixture on the Maxwell Street blues scene. He was featured in the documentary "Cheat You Fair: The Story of Maxwell Street". Williams died on March 6, 2006 at age 99. Listen to Johnny Williams music on YouTube.
1947
Zydeco and blues accordionist, singer, and band leader Major Handy was born (Joseph Majay Handy) in St. Martinville, Louisiana on May 15, 1947. Handy played guitar with Rockin' Dopsie and Buckwheat Zydeco before switching to accordion and forming his own band. He was honored for his accordion skills at the 2011 Living Blues Awards. Read more here and here. See Major Handy's Facebook page. Watch Major Handy videos on YouTube.
1963
The 5th annual Grammy Awards ceremonies were held on May 15, 1963. Winners included Mahalia Jackson, who took home her second straight Grammy in the Gospel Recording category for the album "Great Songs of Love and Faith". Mahalia also performed "The House I Live In" at the event. Non-winning nominees included Claude King (Best Country & Western Recording for "Wolverton Mountain"), and B. Bumble and The Stingers (Best Rhythm & Blues Recording for "Nut Rocker"). Personnel on "Nut Rocker" included Wrecking Crew members Rene Hall and Earl Palmer.
1998
It was "New Orleans Night" on The Late Show with David Letterman on May 15, 1998. Dave flew in an audience from New Orleans for his CBS late night talk show. Guests included Richard Simmons, John Goodman, and a cameo by Mayor Marc Morial. The musical guest was Zydeco legend Beau Jocque, who performed with his band, The Zydeco Hi-Rollers (video). Goodman presented The Top 10 list for the evening: "Top 10 Nicknames for New Orleans" (No. 5: Where the Saints Go 6-and-10).
