Trombonist and pianist Oscar "Chicken" Henry was born in New Orleans on June 8, 1888. Henry was known for his long association with the Eureka Brass Band. In his latter years he also performed at Preservation Hall. Henry recorded with Eureka Brass Band in 1962 for the album "Jazz at Preservation Hall, Vol. 1". Read more here.
1907
Piano player and vocalist Billie Pierce (Wilhelmina Madison Goodson) was born in Marianna, FL on June 8, 1907. Goodson accompanied several singers during the 1920's. She settled in New Orleans in 1930, playing at local clubs, where she met future husband De De Pierce. The pair led their own group for many years. and played regularly at Preservation Hall. Pierce passed away in New Orleans on September 29, 1974 at age 67. Read more. Listen to Billie & DeDe Pierce music on YouTube.
1939
Reeds legend Sidney Bechet recorded his classic version of "Summertime" for the Blue Note label in New York on June 8, 1939. Bechet, playing soprano saxophone, was backed by pianist Meade "Lux" Lewis, Teddy Bunn on guitar, Johnny Williams on bass, and Big Sid Catlett on drums. The track was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.
1957
Singer, songwriter, musician, and author Dege Legg (aka Brother Dege) was born (David John Legg) on June 8, 1967. He was a founding member (in 1994) of Lafayette rock band Santeria, and later released several acclaimed solo albums. His song "Too Old to Die Young" was featured on the Grammy nominated soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's film, "Django Unchained". Legg passed away at his home in Lafayette on March 8, 2024. He was 56. A mural memorializing Dege Legg was unveiled in Lafayette on March 8, 2026. The documentary "A Hard Row to Hoe - A Documentary on Brother Dege" was released on YouTube on June 8, 2026. See his official web site at brotherdege.net. See official Brother Dege Facebook page here. Watch videos on Brother Dege's YouTube channel.
2007
R&B and jazz vocalist, piano player and composer Nellie Lutcher passed away in Los Angeles on June 8, 2007 at age 94. The Lake Charles, LA native had a string of Top 10 R&B hits in the late 1940's, including "Hurry On Down", "He's A Real Gone Guy", "The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On)," "Fine Brown Frame," and "For You My Love" (a duet with Nat "King" Cole). She was the brother of sax player and vocalist Joe Lutcher. Listen to Nellie Lutcher music on YouTube.
