Pioneering pianist, bandleader, and composer Jelly Roll Morton passed away in Los Angeles on July 10, 1941 at age 50. The New Orleans native is considered a crucial figure in bridging 19th century blues, vaudeville song, and ragtime with the small jazz ensembles of the 1920's. The gifted pianist, arranger and composer penned many tunes that later became jazz standards, among them "King Porter Stomp", "Wolverine Blues", "Black Bottom Stomp", "Milneburg Joys", and "Shreveport Stomp". Read more here and here. Listen to Jelly Roll Morton music on YouTube.
1949
Iconic tenor sax player Illinois Jacquet (1922-2004) appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show (then known as Toast of the Town) on July 10, 1949. He performed "Blues Part Two", and his signature track, "Flying Home".
1976
Hot 8 Brass Band co-founder and sousaphone player Bennie Pete was born (Bennie Gerald Pete Jr.) in New Orleans on July 10, 1976. Pete died from complications from sarcoidosis and Covid-19 on September 6, 2021 at age 45. Watch Bennie Pete videos on YouTube.
1998
Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams appeared on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on July 10, 1998. Lucinda performed "Right In Time" from the crticially acclaimed "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" album. Sorry, no video available.
1982
Cajun musician and vocalist Courtney Granger was born (Courtney Wayne Granger) in Eunice, Louisiana on July 10, 1982. The grandnephew of Balfa Brothers member Dewey Balfa, Granger toured with the bands Balfa Toujours and Pine Leaf Boys (3 time Grammy nominees) before releasing an acclaimed solo country album ("Beneath Still Waters") in 2016. He died on September 18, 2021 from a suspected blood clot related to diabetes complications (obituary). He was 39 years old. Read more here. Watch Courtney Granger videos on YouTube.
2012
Award winning country music star and Shreveport, LA native Kix Brooks made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry as a solo performer on July 10, 2012. Hit-making duo Brooks & Dunn announced they were parting ways on August 10, 2009. They reunited in 2015 for Las Vegas shows with Reba McEntire and have since continued performing together.
2013
President Barack Obama awarded the 2012 National Medal of Arts to Allen Toussaint in a ceremony at the White House on July 10, 2013. Watch the presentation here. See other National Medal of Arts recipients from Louisiana here.
