Sax man and vocalist Reggie Houston was born in New Orleans on July 2, 1947. His recording credits include appearances on albums by Peter Gabriel, Neville Brothers, Yockamo All-Stars, Charmaine Neville, plus his own solo efforts. Read more here. See Reggie Houston's Facebook page. Watch Reggie Houston videos on YouTube.
1927
Tenor sax legend, session player and band leader Lee Allen was born in Pittsburgh, Kansas on July 2, 1927. He relocated to New Orleans in 1943. Allen played with Paul Gayten's band before joing Dave Bartholomew's famed session band. Recording at Cosimo's in the 1950's, Allen helped create the New Orleans R&B sound on hits by Little Richard, Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, and many others. He later recorded with Dr. John, Buddy Miles, Stray Cats, The Blasters, and Beat Farmers. Allen played three shows with the Rolling Stones in 1981. He passed away from lung cancer on October 18, 1994 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 67. Listen to some of Lee Allen's solos on YouTube.
1955
Bass player, vocalist, and founding member of Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk Nick Daniels III was born in New Orleans on July 2, 1955. Prior to Dumpstaphunk, Daniels worked in bands backing legends like Etta James, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and Boz Scaggs. He died on April 26, 2024 of complications from multiple myeloma at 68. See Nick Daniels recording credits. Watch Nick Daniels videos on YouTube.
1958
Singer and pianist Martha Boswell passed away in Peekskill, NY on July 2, 1958. Martha was a member of the famed jazz vocal group The Boswell Sisters, along with sisters Helvetia and Connee Boswell. Watch The Boswell Sisters videos on YouTube.
1962
The Eureka Brass Band were recorded by Atlantic Records at Preservation Hall in New Orleans on July 2, 1962. The recordings can be found on the limited edition box set "The Atlantic New Orleans Jazz Sessions." Band members included Percy Humphrey, George "Kid Sheik" Colar, Peter Bocage, Albert Warner, Oscar "Chicken" Henry, Willie Humphrey, Emmanuel Paul, Wilbert "Bird" Tillman, Josiah "Cie" Frazier and Robert "Son Fewclothes" Lewis.
1976
Singer, musician, composer and producer Paul Meany was born in New Orleans on July 2, 1976. He let the NOLA-based band Earthsuit prior to forming alt rock band Mutemath. He is currently known for his work (co-producing and collaborating) with Twenty One Pilots. His other producer credits include Yungblood, Pierce The Veil, Shania Twain, LANY, Above & Beyond, and many others. Watch Mutemath videos on YouTube. Watch Paul Meany videos on YouTube.
1991
Guitarist and 1950's & 60's session player Justin Adams passed away in New Orleans on July 2, 1991 at age 68. As a member of Dave Bartholomew's classic session band, Adams played on recordings by Little Richard ("Tutti Frutti"), Fats Domino ("When My Dreamboat Comes Home"), Smiley Lewis, Frankie Ford, Shirley and Lee, and many others. Read more here.
1999
Country music singer and songwriter Andy Griggs (from West Monroe, Louisiana) made his Grand Ole Opry debut on July 2, 1999.
2009
Piano player and business owner Warren Campo Jr. passed away on July 2, 2009 at age 86. The New Orleans native founded Campo Bros. Music Store with brother Lloyd Campo (1924-2014). Later ventures included New Orleans Music Supply and Hall Drum Co.
