Popular 1930's jazz and swing vocalist Teddy Grace was born (Stella Gloria Crowson) in Arcadia, Louisiana on June 26, 1905. Grace sang with Al Katz and His Kittens, Mal Hallett Orchestra, Paul Whiteman Orchestra, Bob Crosby Orchestra, and others. She recorded for Decca Records, appeared in film shorts, and was a corporal in the WAAC during World War II. She passed away on January 4, 1992 at age 86. See Teddy Grace recording credits. Read more here. Listen to Teddy Grace music on YouTube.
1920
The legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso gave his first and only performance in New Orleans at The Athenaeum concert hall on June 26, 1920. Caruso was joined by coloratura soprano Nina Morgana at the performance.
1942
R&B singer and songwriter Eldridge Holmes was born in Violet, Louisiana on June 26, 1942. Holmes had a long association with Allen Toussaint, and he was backed by The Meters on a couple of his singles. Holmes passed away in New Orleans on November 13, 1998. Read more here and here. Listen to Eldridge Holmes music on YouTube.
1953
NW Louisiana guitar legend, singer and songwriter Buddy Flett (Deane Roberts Flett, Jr.) was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 26, 1953. Flett played in the band A-Train with frequent songwriting partner David Egan. He later started The Bluebirds with his brother Bruce Flett. He was a mentor to fellow Shreveport guitar great Kenny Wayne Shepherd. He toured with Shepherd on his "Ten Days Out: Blues From The Backroads" tour, and he received a Grammy nomination as part of Kenny's "Live! in Chicago" album. Flett passed away on May 10, 2026 at age 72. See partial list of songwriting credits. Listen to "Pass It On By" by A-Train. Listen to The Bluebirds album "South From Memphis". Watch Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Buddy Flett playing "Dance With Me Girl".
1955
Louis Prima (with Keely Smith, backed by Sam Butera & The Witnesses) appeared on NBC TV's 'The Colgate Comedy Hour' on June 26, 1955. Songs performed include "Flip, Flop, and Fly", "Oh Marie", "Can't Help Lovin' That Man", and "When The Saints Go Marchin' In". Watch the video here.
1960
Cajun fiddler, guitarist, mandolinist, vocalist, composer, educator and studio owner Al Berard (Albert "Pyook" Berard) was born in Grand Anse, Louisiana on June 26, 1960. His band the Basin Brothers (name comes from Atchafalaya River Basin) performed throughout the U.S. and Canada, and also toured Europe. They were nominated for a Grammy in 1990. Berard passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2014 at age 53. Daughters Laura Huval and Maegan Berard, and niece Callie Guidry make up the Grammy-nominated trio Sweet Cecilia. Watch Al Berard videos on YouTube.
1961
Country piano legend Floyd Cramer's cover of "San Antonio Rose" entered the Billboard Top 40 on June 26, 1961. The song remained on the chart for 8 weeks, peaking at No. 8. It also reached No. 8 on the Country Chart.
1971
Trombonist Earl Humphrey passed away in New Orleans on June 26, 1971 at age 68. Earl was brother to Percy Humphrey (trumpet) and Willie Humphrey (clarinet). All three played at Preservation Hall. His father was noted clarinetist, Willie Humphrey Sr., and his grandfather, "Professor" Jim Humphrey, was a celebrated music teacher. Earl can be heard on CD with Louis Dumaine's Jazzola Eight, and he later recorded with Kid Thomas and Lars Edegran. Listen to Earl Humphrey music on YouTube.
1971
Fans began leaving the 1971 Celebration of Life Festival (held in McCrea, Louisiana) in droves, due to heat, and a lack of facilities, food, water, and music. Desperate festival promoter Steve Kapelow opened the gates to the event, allowing free entry.
1984
Singer and songwriter Micah McKee was born in New Orleans on June 26, 1984. McKee has been part of several bands, including Silent Cinema, Empress Hotel, Little Maker, Baby Grand, The Essentials, and Lonesome Wild. See Micah's Bandcamp page. Watch videos on YouTube.
President George W. Bush welcomed singer Patti Austin, blues legend B.B. King and trumpeter Irvin Mayfield to a Black Music Month celebration at the White House on June 26, 2006. Mayfield performed "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" in honor of his father, who drowned in the floods following Hurricane Katrina. See photos.
2010
The third Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival took place in Bridgeview, IL on June 26, 2010. Performers at the event included Sonny Landreth (watch "Promise Land" w/ Clapton), Buddy Guy (watch "Five Long Years" w/ Jonny Lang & Ronnie Wood), and James Burton with Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, Albert Lee, Keb' Mo and Earl Klugh ("Lay Down Sally"). Highlights from the event aired on PBS "Great Performances" on June 6, 2011.
