Saxophonist Ernest "Doc" Watson was born (Ernest James "Doc" Watson Jr.) in New Orleans on June 2, 1932. Watson played with Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Olympia Brass Band, and Presevation Hall Jazz Band. He passed away on on Friday, February 19, 2010 at age 77. Watch footage from Ernest "Doc" Watson's Jazz Funeral.
1938
Cajun fiddle legend and CFMA Hall of Fame inductee Tony Thibodeaux was born (Antoine Thibodeaux) near Rayne, LA in June 2, 1938. Thibodeaux performed with Adam Maitre, Walter Mouton, Aldus Roger and the Lafayette Playboys, Belton Richard, Rufus Thibodeaux, and many others. He passed away on September 30, 2010 at age 72. See Tony Thibodeaux Obituary. Watch Tony Thibodeaux videos on YouTube.
1958
"You'll Come Back" by honky tonk star Webb Pierce entered the Billboard Country Singles Chart on June 2, 1958. The tune peaked at #10.
1970
Jazz guitarist Todd Duke was born (Christopher Todd Duke) in New Orleans on June 2, 1970. The NOCCA graduate worked with Bob French, Leroy Jones, New World Funk Ensemble, Wardell Quezergue, John Boutte, Hot Club of New Orleans, and many others. Duke passed away on January 6, 2019 at the age of 48 after a long battle with cancer. See Todd Duke, An Appreciation by Jay Mazza.
1997
Jazz trumpet legend Doc Cheatham (born Adolphus Anthony Cheatham) passed away in Washington D.C. in 1997 at age 91. At the time of his death, he was on tour with New Orleans trumpet great Nicholas Payton. The two had also collaborated in 1996 on the album "Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton", which made the Billboard Jazz Chart and also won a Grammy for the song "Stardust". Doc's career began in the early 1920's backing Bessie Smith, and he once subbed for his idol Louis Armstrong. He also worked with Ma Rainey, Cab Calloway, Billy Holiday, Benny Goodman, and many others.
2002
The 56th Annual Tony Awards ceremony was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 2, 2002. Nominees included Harry Connick, Jr. for Best Original Score (for the musical, "Thou Shalt Not"). Harry didn't win, but he did perform in a tribute to Richard Rodgers, that also featured Marvin Hamlisch, Michele Lee, Mos Def, Lea Salonga, Peter Gallagher, John Raitt, Bernadette Peters, Gregory Hines.
