Early jazz trombonist Willie Cornish was born in New Orleans in August 1, 1875. Cornish played in jazz legend Buddy Bolden's band from 1897-1905, making him the earliest known jazz trombonist. He later worked with the Eureka Brass Band. Cornish passed away on January 12, 1942. Read more on Bolden and Cornish here.
Folk singer and songwriter Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter) was released from the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola on August 1, 1934. He had been in Angola since 1930, convicted of attempted homicide. Read more here.
1966
Drummer Raymond Weber was born in New Orleans on August 1, 1966. Weber has worked with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Harry Connick Jr, Charmaine Neville Band, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, and many others. See Raymond Weber discography.
1980
Brass musician (trombone, tuba) and songwriter Walter "Whoadie" Ramsey was born in New Orleans on August 1, 1980. Ramsey is leader and co-founder of the Stooges Brass Band. Read more here. See Stooges Brass Band discography. Watch Stooges Brass Band videos on YouTube.
1981
"Dixie On My Mind" by Shreveport native Hank Williams Jr. hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on August 1, 1981. The single received Gold certification by the RIAA on October 10, 2024.
1999
Sousaphone player Frank "Jo Friday" Bedell passed away in New Orleans on August 1, 1999 at age 46. Bedell played with the Algiers Brass Band, and was a member of Southern University's marching band in his college days.
