Jazz and soul singer O.C. Smith was born (Ocie Lee Smith) in Mansfield, LA on June 21, 1936. He sang with the Count Basie Orchestra (video) before gaining success as a solo artist, with hits including "The Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp", the Grammy nominated "Little Green Apples", and "Daddy's Little Man". Smith, who became a minister in the 1980's, passed away on November 23, 2001 after suffering a heart attack. Read more here and here. Listen to O.C. Smith music on YouTube.
1952
"Goin' Home" by Fats Domino reached #1 on the R&B Chart on June 21, 1952. This was Fats' first record to top the chart, but three earlier singles ("The Fat Man", "Every Night About This Time", and "Rockin' Chair") all cracked the Top 10. "Goin' Home", recorded at Cosimo Mattasa's famed J&M Studio in New Orleans, featured backing from Harrison Verrett (guitar), Billy Diamond (bass), Cornelius Coleman (drums), Wendell Duconge (alto sax), and Robert "Buddy" Hagans (tenor sax).
1956
Piano player and vocalist Nellie Lutcher appeared on NBC's "Today" show on June 21, 1956. She performed "Blue Skys" and "It Had To Be You" from her album "Our New Nellie", and chatted with host Dave Garroway. Watch the video here.
1962
Bass player Kevin Morris was born in New Orleans on June 21, 1962. Kevin is a long time member of Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers. He also leads his own band Kevin Morris & Uptown Productions when not backing up Kermit.
1969
The Johnny Adams classic "Reconsider Me" entered the R&B Chart on June 21, 1969. It later reached the #8 position, becoming the Tan Canary's only Top 10 R&B hit. "Reconsider Me" peaked at #28 on the Pop Chart.
1970
Accordionist, keyboardist, and vocalist Sir Reginald Masters Dural (aka Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr.) was born in Lafayette, LA on June 21, 1970. He is the son of late Zydeco legend Stanley Dural Jr., aka Buckwheat Zydeco. He took over his dad's band, now known as Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band. The group won a Grammy (Best Regional Roots Music Album for "New Beginnings") in 2024. Watch Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. videos on YouTube.
1973
Trumpeter, vocalist and bandleader Mark Braud was born in New Orleans on June 21, 1973. His career has included long stints with Harry Connick, Jr.'s band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He recently founded the all-star Colossus Brass Band (in 2025). See recording credits. Watch Mark Braud videos on YouTube.
Cajun and country music star Jimmy C. Newman passed away in Nashville, TN on June 21, 2014 following a battle with cancer. He was 86. The Mamou, Louisiana native first worked with Chuck Guillory in the late 40's. He was the first Cajun singer to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. More than 30 of his songs hit the Country charts, including "A Fallen Star", which reached the #2 spot (it also made the R&B and Pop charts). Newman and his band Cajun Country received a Grammy nomination for their 1991 album "The Alligator Man".
