Drummer and bandleader Johnny Stein was born (John Philip Hountha) in New Orleans on June 15, 1891. He formed Stein's Dixie Jass Band in 1915, which featured cornetist Nick LaRocca, trombonist Eddie Edwards, pianist Harry Ragas, and clarinetist Alcide "Yellow" Nunez. These four later went on to form the legendary Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Stein passed away on September 30, 1962. YouTube.
1900
Cornet player Paul Mares was born in New Orleans in 1900. The son of trumpeter Joseph Mares, Paul worked with Leon Roppolo and Tom Brown as a teen. They later formed the Friars Society Orchestra, which became the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. His brother Joe Mares Jr. was founder of trad jazz label Southland Records. Paul Mares passed away on August 18, 1949. See Paul Mares recording credits. Listen to New Orleans Rhythm Kings music on YouTube. Listen to Friars Society Orchestra music on YouTube.
1937
Award-winning photographer Michael P. Smith was born in New Orleans on June 15, 1937. Smith spent more than 30 years documenting the musical and cultural happenings of New Orleans, and authored several photo collections. He passed away on September 26, 2008 at age 71 (obituary). Read more here and here.
1946
Guitarist, songwriter. and session musician Leo Nocentelli was born in New Orleans on June 15, 1946. Nocentelli was a founding member of legendary funk band The Meters. See Leo Nocentelli songwriting and recording credits. Watch Leo Nocentelli videos on YouTube. Watch The Meters videos on YouTube.
1986
The final of a six date "A Conspiracy of Hope" tour was held at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on June 15, 1986. The benefit concerts on behalf of Amnesty International featured headliners U2, Sting, Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Joan Baez, and The Neville Brothers. Watch video of The Neville Brothers performing with Carlos Santana, Fela, and Joan Baez. Listen to the entire concert here.
1992
Buckwheat Zydeco appeared on NBC TV's "Late Night with David Letterman" on June 15, 1992. Buckwheat and band performed "Hey Joe".
1998
The soundtrack to rapper Master P's self written, financed and produced film "I Got The Hook-Up" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1998.
1998
Sarepta, LA native Trace Adkins received the "Male Star of Tomorrow" award at the 32nd TNN/Music City News Country Music Awards, held in Nashville on June 15, 1998.
2000
Singer, songwriter and 2-time Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis was presented with the Towering Song Award (for his classic "You Are My Sunshine") at the 31st annual Songwriter's Hall of Fame Induction Awards, held in New York on June 15, 2000. Performers at the event included Aaron Neville, who paid a musical tribute to crooner Johnny Mathis. Read more here and here.
2001
Respected audio technician and bass player Rodger Poche passed away on June 15, 2001 at age 49. Poché playd with Blackmale (audio), The Neville Brothers, and others. His brother is musician, songwriter and producer Renard Poché. Check out Rodger with the Neville Brothers at the 1997 Monterey Jazz Festival (backing band also featured Gerald Tillman, Renard Poche, and Newton Mossop Jr.).
2005
Rocker Jerry Lee Lewis and his sixth wife, Kerrie Lynn McCarver Lewis, finalized their divorce on June 15, 2005, in DeSoto County, Mississippi. The couple married in East Memphis, TN on April 24, 1984.
2006
Dr. John was the musical guest on NBC TV's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on June 15, 2006. He performed "That Old Black Magic" from his album "Mercernary - Songs of Johnny Mercer". Dr. John was backed by John Fohl, David Barard, and Herman Ernest III. Watch the video.
2022
On June 15, 2022, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law Act No. 425, S.B. 426, named the "Allen Toussaint Legacy Act." The Act is named after Allen Toussaint, the late New Orleans musician, songwriter, and producer. The law protects the right of publicity for individuals and their estates, prohibiting unauthorized commercial use of a person's name, image, likeness, voice, or digital replica for 50 years after death.
