Blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Baby Boy Warren (Robert Henry Warren) was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana on August 13, 1919. Warren grew up in Memphis, where he picked up his guitar skills He moved to Detroit in the early 1940's to work at General Motors. He later became a fixture on the Motor City blues scene, recording with Sonny Boy Williamson and others. He passed away from a heart attack in Detroit on July 1, 1977 at the age of 57. See Baby Boy Warren discography. Listen to Baby Boy Warren music on YouTube.
1947
Louis Armstrong and his All Stars (Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Dick Cary, Morty Corb, and Big Sid Catlett) made their official debut at Billy Berg's night club in Los Angeles on August 13, 1947. Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Woody Herman, and many other Armstrong acolytes were in attendance. See photos.
1954
Louis Armstrong recorded his version of the popular 1950's tune "Skokiaan" (Decca 29256) in New York City on August 13, 1954. Armstrong was backed on the track by Sy Oliver's Orchestra (which included New Orleans homies Omer Simeon, Barney Bigard and Danny Barker).
1957
At a session in Los Angeles on August 13, 1957, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald recorded "I Won't Dance", "A Fine Romance", "Don't Be That Way", "I'm Puttin' All My Eggs In One Basket", and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm". The tracks would appear on their second joint release "Ella and Louis Again". Listen to the album on YouTube.
1966
"Almost Persuaded" by Bossier City, LA native David Houston hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart on August 13, 1966. The tune, penned by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton, remained atop the chart for nine consecutive weeks. It also won Grammy awards in 1967 for Best Country & Western Recording, Best Country & Western Vocal Performance, and Best Country & Western Song.
1966
The Righteous Brothers and Simmesport, Louisiana native Joe Simon were musical guests on ABC's "American Bandstand" on August 13, 1966. Simon performed "Teenager's Prayer" and "My Adorable One".
1973
Country music star Andy Griggs (Andrew Tyler Griggs) was born in West Monroe, Louisiana on August 13, 1973. His 1999 debut album "You Won't Ever Be Lonely" was certified Gold by the RIAA on September 15, 2000.
1987
Singer and songwriter Mia Borders was born in New Orleans on August 13, 1987. Mia is the founder of Third Coast Entertainment, a booking agency and event production company aimed at elevating women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC artists. See official web site at miaborders.com. Listen to music on YouTube.
1992
B.B. King & Friends were musical guests on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on August 13, 1992. B.B. King, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, Kim Wilson, and Tonight Show band leader Branford Marsalis jammed on "Let The Good Times Roll" and "Everyday I Have The Blues". Watch the video here.
1995
Blues guitarist and singer Jesse "Babyface" Thomas passed away in Shreveport, LA on August 13, 1995 at age 84. The Logansport, Louisiana native, whose career spanned over 60 years, was the brother of Texas bluesman Willard "Ramblin'" Thomas (also from Logansport, LA). See Jesse "Babyface" Thomas discography. Listen to Jesse Thomas music on YouTube.
2007
Fats Domino was named an American Music Legend by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) on August 13, 2007. Also, Capitol/EMI Records presented Fats with reproductions of 20 of his gold record awards that were lost when Hurricane Katrina floodwaters destroyed his Lower 9th Ward home. The events took place at Tipitina's French Quarter location. Read more here and here.
