Jazz drummer, bandleader, and occasional brass player Monk Hazel was born (Arthur Frank Hazel) in Harvey, Louisiana on August 15, 1903. Hazel led his own band, the Bienville Roof Orchestra in the 20's. In his later years, he worked with Sharkey Bonano, George Girard, Santa Pecora, and many others. He passed away on March 5, 1968. Read more here. See Monk Hazel discography. Listen to Monk Hazel music on YouTube. Check out the album "Monk Hazel nnd His New Orleans Jazz Kings", which features Al Hirt and Pete Fountain.
1916
Cajun songwriter, musician, humorist, and storyteller Marion Marcotte (Louis Marion Marcotte Jr.) was born in Moreauville, Louisiana on August 15, 1916. Marcotte passed away in Gretna, LA on January 20, 1998 at age 81. Read more here. See Marion Marcotte discography. Listen to Marion Marcotte recordings on YouTube.
1931
Gospel vocalist Nolan "Woody" Washington was born in Thibodaux, LA on August 15, 1931. Washington was a lead voice of New Orleans gospel group The Zion Harmonizers. Nolan, the brother of Zion Harmonizers manager Sherman Washington, also worked with Lou Rawls and Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers. He died of a heart attack on May 19, 1997 at age 65. See Nolan Washington discography. Watch Zion Harmonizers videos on YouTube.
1968
Cajun songwriter and accordion legend Lawrence Walker passed away in Rayne, Louisiana on August 15, 1968 at age 60. The Duson, Louisiana native made his recording debut ("La Vie Malheureuse") in 1929 with his brother Elton Walker. He later cut records for the Bluebird, Khoury, La Louisiane, and Swallow labels. Read more here. See Lawrence Walker discography. Listen to Lawrence Walker music on YouTube.
1981
The film "A Time To Sing", starring Hank Williams Jr. (then 19 years old), Shelley Fabares and Ed Begley made its world premiere at the Paramount Theater in Nashville on August 15, 1968. Read more here. Watch the video here.
1976
Jazz clarinetist and vocalist Albert Burbank passed away in New Orleans on August 15, 1976 at age 74. Burbank studied under Lorenzo Tio, Jr. and first played professionally in the 1920's. He worked with Paul Barbain and Kid Ory in the 50's, and in latter years, Burbank was a regular at the Paddock Lounge, Dixieland Hall and Preservation Hall. He recorded with Wooden Joe Nicholas, Percy Humphrey, Paul Barbarin, Kid Thomas Valentine, Kid Ory, and others. Read more here and here. See Albert Burbank discography. Listen to Albert Burbank music on YouTube.
1985
New Orleans-born trumpeter Leon Prima passed away in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on August 15, 1985 at age 78. Prima worked with Tony Parenti, Leon Roppolo, Ray Bauduc, Jack Teagarden, Peck Kelley, Sharkey Bonano, and others. He also played with younger brother Louis Prima's big band in New York in the 40's. Leon ran several Bourbon Street night spots, including the Shim Sham Club and the 500 Club. See Leon Prima discography. Watch Leon Prima videos on YouTube.
2011
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue were the musical guests on "Conan" (Conan O'Brien's late night show on TBS) on August 15, 2011. They performed their song "Do To Me". Watch the video.
