Longtime Louisiana Hayride announcer (from 1948-1960, and a later revival in the 1970's) Frank Page was born (Raymond Franklin Page) in Malvern, Arkansas on July 16, 1925. Working as an announcer for KWKH in Shreveport, he introduced Elvis Presley's first radio appearance, which took place on the Louisiana Hayride radio show on October 16, 1954 (audio). Page passed away in Shreveport on January 9, 2013 at age 87. See Frank Page obituary.
1930
Country music legend Jimmie Rodgers recorded "Blue Yodel Number 9 (Standing on the Corner)" in Hollywood on July 16, 1930. Backing Rodgers on the track were Louis Armstrong (trumpet) and his wife, Lil Hardin Armstrong (piano). Neither were credited on the original pressing of the song. 40 years later, Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash performed the song together on an episode of ABC TV's "The Johnny Cash Show" (on October 28, 1970). Watch the video here. Read more about the Johnny Cash Show appearance here.
1955
"I Don't Care" by West Monroe, Louisiana native Webb Pierce hit #1 on the Country Singles Chart on July 16, 1955. It held the top spot for 12 straight weeks.
1955
Fats Domino first appeared on a Billboard pop singles chart on July 16, 1955, when "Ain't It A Shame" (aka "Ain't That A Shame") debuted at #14. It remained on the chart for 13 weeks, peaking at the #10 spot. "Ain't It A Shame" hit #1 on the R&B Chart on June 11, 1955. It was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, and it was included in Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" (Issue RS963, 2004).
1977
"Turn This Mutha Out (Part 1)" by New Orleans born drummer Idris Muhammad (born Leo Morris) entered the Billboard R&B Chart on July 16, 1977. The tune remained on the chart for 12 weeks, peaking at #21.
1985
Multi-genre (and multi-language) musician, singer and songwriter Sarah Quintana was born in New Orleans on July 16, 1985. Watch Sarah Quintana videos on YouTube.
