Influential string bass player Al Morgan was born (Albert Morgan) in New Orleans on August 19, 1908. His 3 brothers (Sam Morgan, Isaiah Morgan and Andrew Morgan) were also musicians. Al Morgan's career included stints with Fate Marable, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Les Hite, Sabby Lewis, Buddy Banks, and many others. He appeared in several films, including "Cab Calloway's Hi-De-Ho", "Everyday’s a Holiday" (with Mae West and Louis Armstrong), "Going Places" (with Louis Armstrong), "King Creole" (playing tuba), and "The Gene Krupa Story". Morgan died in Los Angeles on April 14, 1974. Cab Calloway, Buddy Banks and Teddy Buckner took part in his funeral services. See Al Morgan discography. Watch Al Morgan videos on YouTube.
1908
Late clarinet, sax player and dance band leader Johnny Reininger was born in New Orleans on August 19, 1908. Reininger worked with the Ellis Stratakos Orchestra (at the Jung Hotel) and the Dawnbusters Orchestra before leading his own bands at Lenfant's Restaurant, and the My-Oh-My Club (for over 20 years). He died of pneumonia in New Orleans on September 14, 1999 at age 91. Read more here. Listen to Johnny Reininger music on YouTube.
1934
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Al Ferrier, known as the "King of Louisiana Rockabilly", was born (Alfous Glenn Ferrier, Sr.) in Olla, Louisiana on August 19, 1934. Ferrier first recorded in 1955, cutting "No No Baby" b/w "I'll Never Do Any Wrong" for Eddie Shuler's Goldband Records in Lake Charles, LA. This was followed by the rockabilly classic "Let’s Go Boppin' Tonight" in 1958. He continued to record and perform into the early 2000's. Ferrier passed away in Natchitoches, Louisiana on January 6, 2015 at age 80. See this interview and Louisiana Public Broadcasting profile. See Al Ferrier discography. Watch Al Ferrier videos on YouTube.
1944
Cajun and country music singer and songwriter Eddy Raven was born (Edward Garvin Futch) in Lafayette, Louisiana on August 19, 1944. Raven's extensive career includes 30 ASCAP songwriting awards, 8 #1 hits, 14 Top 10’s, 23 Top 100's, and 24 Albums to his credit. A brother, Greg Futch (1962-2002), was also a musician who performed around Lafayette. See Eddy Raven discography. Watch Eddy Raven videos on YouTube.
1950
"Hard Luck Blues" by Kinder, Louisiana native Roy Brown and His Mighty-Mighty Men hit No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart on August 19, 1950.
1957
Jerry Lee Lewis appeared on ABC music series "American Bandstand" on August 19, 1957. Lewis performed his hit "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", Watch the video here.
1959
Keyboard player, singer, songwriter, session musician, and bandleader (Dumpstaphunk) Ivan Neville was born in New Orleans on August 19, 1959. Ivan is the son of legendary crooner Aaron Neville. He has toured with Keith Richards' X-Pensive Winos, Bonnie Raitt, the Spin Doctors, and Dragon Smoke. His extensive recording credits include the Rolling Stones, Neville Brothers, Robbie Robertson, Buddy Guy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Trombone Shorty, and Gov't Mule. See Ivan Neville discography. Watch Ivan Neville videos on YouTube.
1970
Bass player and music manager/booking agent Mitchell Player was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 19, 1970. Read more here. See Mitchell Player discography. Watch Mitchell Player videos on YouTube.
1972
"Power of Love" by Simmesport, Louisiana native Joe Simon entered the Billboard Top 40 on August 19, 1972. It went on to reach #11 on the Pop Chart and #1 on the R&B Chart.
1989
Rapper and actor Romeo (Percy Romeo Miller, aka Lil' Romeo) was born in New Orleans on August 19, 1989. The son of No Limit Records founder Master P, Romeo began appearing on his dad's albums at the age of 4. He made history in 2001 when he became the youngest person to ever reach number one on the R&B / Rap Chart with his hit single "My Baby". Like his famous pop, he is an avid basketball player. See Romeo discography. Watch Romeo videos on YouTube.
2009
A live session by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue aired on NPR's "World Cafe with David Dye" on August 19, 2009. Listen to the interview and performance here.
