Upright bassist Peter "Chuck" Badie was born (Peter Badie, Jr.) in New Orleans on May 17, 1925. The prolific Badie worked with Roy Brown, Paul Gayten, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Big Joe Turner, Sam Cooke, and many others. He passed away on April 15, 2023 at age 97. Watch Chuck Badie videos on YouTube.
1944
Noted singer and songwriter Jesse Winchester was born in Bossier City, LA on May 17, 1944. His songs have been covered by a variety of artists including Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Costello, Reba McIntyre, Wilson Pickett, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and the Everly Brothers. The two time Grammy nominee passed away from bladder cancer at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia on April 11, 2014 (aged 69).
1947
Louis Armstrong performed with a small band in a concert at New York's Town Hall on May 17, 1947. This setting gave birth to Louis Armstrong's All-Star band, the band he performed with for the rest of his career.
New Orleans drummer, vocalist and podcaster Derrick Freeman was born in Houston, TX on May 17, 1974. Freeman has worked with Kermit Ruffins, Coolbone, All That, Cronk, and others. He has also led several bands including Derrick Freeman's Smokers World, Soul Brass Band, and Low End Theory Players.
1974
Frankie Ford (perfoming "Sea Cruise") and Shirley & Lee ("Let the Good Times Roll") were among the guests on NBC's late night music show "The Midnight Special" on May 17, 1974. Watch the video.
1986
"Ain't Misbehavin'" (yes, the Fats Waller classic) by Shreveport native Hank Williams Jr. hit #1 on the Billboard Country Chart on May 17, 1986.
1993
In 1993, the Supreme Court refused to overturn a lower court ruling that granted Hank Williams' daughter Jett Williams partial rights to his music. The appeal was filed by Hank Williams Jr. (her half-brother) and publisher Acuff-Rose.
1995
Fats Domino was hospitalized in England on May 17, 1995 following a concert in Sheffield with Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Domino's promoter said he was suffering from a "serious infection" and needed to rest. Read more here.
2001
New Orleans R&B legend Ernie K-Doe was among honorees at the 2001 Governor's Arts Awards, held at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge in 2001. K-Doe, who passed away 7 weeks later at age 65, received the Lifetime Achievement award.
2022
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue were musical guests on CBS TV's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on May 17, 2022. They performed their song "Lifted". Watch the video.
2026
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) took place in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026. Lainey Wilson, the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, received seven nominations. but left empty handed. Brooks & Dunn were named Duo of the Year. Lainey Wilson premiered her song "Can't Sit Still". Thomas Rhett & Jordan Davis performed "Ain't A Bad Life".
