Cornetist, violin player, trombonist, bandleader and composer Peter Bocage was born (Peter Edwin Bocage) in New Orleans (Algiers) on July 31, 1887. His lengthy career included work with Onward Brass Band, Tuxedo Orchestra, Excelsior Brass Band, Armand Piron's Orchestra, Sidney Bechet, and others, He was one of the initial performers at Preservation Hall in the 60's. Bocage, who passed away in 1967, was the cousin of late piano great Eddie Bo. See Peter Bocage discography. Listen to Peter Bocage music on YouTube.
1964
Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Reeves died when his private plane crashed outside of Nashville on July 31, 1964. Reeves was an announcer and performer on the Louisiana Hayride radio show at KWKH in Shreveport in the early 1950's. Reeves was "discovered" at the Hayride after performing as a last minute replacement for a missing Hank Williams.
1980
Jazz guitarist and educator Davy Mooney was born in New Orleans on July 31, 1980. Watch Davy Mooney videos on YouTube.
1998
Jazz bassist James Prevost passed away in New Orleans on July 31, 1998 at age 79. Prevost, a native of Houma, LA, performed with many New Orleans artists including Sing Miller, Jim Robinson, Kid Thomas, Roy Brown, and Eddie Bo. He played at The Paddock Lounge on Bourbon Street in the 60s, then he was a regular at Preservation Hall from 1970 until the time of his death. Listen to James Prevost music on YouTube.
1999
Local rapper Warren Mayes was murdered in New Orleans on July 31, 1999. Mayes was 33 years old. The popular rap artist, concert producer, and owner of Bomb Records was also a member of the Jolly Bunch, Money Wasters, and Tambourine and Fan SAPC's. Watch Warren Mayes videos on YouTube.
2003
Lucinda Williams was featured in an episode of the PBS concert series "Soundstage" on July 31, 2003. She performed favorites from her catalogue, and tunes from her (then) new album, "World Without Tears". Watch her performance here.
2008
Jazz drummer Lee Young passed away in Los Angeles on July 31, 2008 at age 94. The New Orleans native (nee Leonidas Raymond Young) was a prolific sideman, recording with Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, Nat King Cole, and many others. In later years, Young was also a producer, working with the Vee-Jay, Motown and ABC/Dunhill labels. He was the brother of tenor sax great Lester Young. Read more here.
