Drummer and composer Tony Spargo was born (Antonio Sparbaro) in New Orleans on June 27, 1897. Spargo was a founding member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Check out this video of Tony Sbarbaro with the ODJB from the 'I've Got A Secret' TV show. He passed away in New York on October 30, 1969 at age 72.
1913
Cajun accordionist and songwriter Nathan Abshire was born (Nathan Joseph Abshire) in Gueyden, LA on June 27, 1913. Abshire first recorded in the early 1930's with the Rayne-Bo Ramblers (led by Leroy "Happy Fats" Leblanc). He was featured in the 1971 Les Blank film "Spend It All", the 1975 PBS special "Good Times Are Killing Me" and the documentary video "Les Blues de Balfa". Abshire passed away in Basile, Louisiana on May 13, 1981 at age 67. Read more here and here. Watch Nathan Abshire videos on YouTube.
1948
The Radiators guitarist and co-founder Camile Baudoin was born in New Orleans on June 27, 1948. His side projects have included The Back Porch Rockers, Camile Baudoin and the Living Rumors, Bayou Brothers. and Raw Oyster Cult. Watch Radiators videos on YouTube. Watch Camile Baudoin videos on YouTube.
1949
Drummer extraordinaire and session musician Johnny Vidacovich was born in New Orleans on June 27, 1949. Vidacovich is member of Astral Project and Nolatet, and he has worked with a who's who of R&B, jazz, blues and rock musicians. See recording credits. You can catch Johnny regularly at the Maple Leaf and Snug Harbor. Watch Johnny Vidacovich videos on YouTube.
1971
The last day of the Celebration of Life festival held in McCrea, Louisiana featured performances by Boz Scaggs, Delaney and Bonnie, and Steve Stills. Only 8 of the 27 bands advertised by promoters actually played at the event. There were 3 deaths and 150 drug arrests during the trouble plagued festival.
1980
New Orleans born clarinet legend, bandleader and composer Barney Bigard passed away in Culver City, CA on June 27, 1980 at age 74. Bigard played with King Oliver and Louis Armstrong in the 20's before becoming a fixture in Duke Ellington's Orchestra (from 1927-42). In later years he worked with Kid Ory's band and Louis Armstrong & His All Stars. Read more here. See Barney Bigard recording credits. Watch Barney Bigard videos on YouTube.
1986
Saxophonist Earl Turbinton appeared in an episode of children's television series "Reading Rainbow" ("Mama Don't Allow" episode) on June 27, 1986. Host LeVar Burton talked with Turbinton about creating improvisational music, and Earl demonstrated how music can express emotion. Episode also features a brief appearance by the Earl Turbinton Quintet (Jamil Sharif, James Singleton, Michael Pellera, David Lee Jr.). Watch the video here.
