Clarinetist and music teacher Willie Humphrey was born (Willie Eli Humphrey) in New Orleans on May 24, 1880. He was the son of trumpeter and music teacher Professor Jim Humphrey, and father of famed musicians Percy Humphrey (trumpet), Earl Humphrey (trombone), and Willie James Humphrey (clarinet). Willie Eli Humphrey passed away on January 8, 1964. Read more here.
1937
Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter B.B. Major was born (Image Helaire, Jr.) in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana on May 24, 1937. He passed away on October 19, 2008 at age 71. See obituary notice. Read more here.
Noted clarinet and sax player Joe Darensbourg passed away in Van Nuys, CA on May 24, 1985 at age 78. Darensbourg studied under Manuel Roque in Baton Rouge and Alphonse Picou in New Orleans. His lengthy career (1920's - 1980's) included stints with Mutt Carey, Kid Ory, Louis Armstrong's All-Stars (he played on Armstrong's hit "Hello, Dolly!"), and many others. See this lengthy interview with Joe Darensbourg by Barry Martyn. His autobiography, "Jazz Odyssey", was published posthumously in 1988. Read more here. Watch Joe Darensbourg videos on YouTube.
1989
Singer, songwriter and musician Lelia Broussard was born in Lafayette, LA on May 24, 1989. She released 3 solo albums between 2005 and 2011. Lelia formed the Los Angeles based duo Jupiter Winter in 2016, with her husband Royce Whittaker.
1999
Britney Spears' debut album "...Baby One More Time" was certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA on May 24, 1999. It has since been certified 14x Platinum, and sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
