Jazz bassist Rodney Richardson was born in New Orleans on August 21, 1917. Richardson is best known for his work with Count Basie's Orchestra in the 40's. He also worked with Lester Young, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Harlan Leonard, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Joe Williams, Tiny Grimes, Buddy Rich, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry, Nat King Cole, Freddy Cole, Carmen McRae, and many others. His brother, James "Beans" Richardson (1919-2013), was another celebrated bassist who worked with Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Thad Jones, and many others. Rodney Richardson passed away in California on October 29, 2005 at age 88. Listen to Rodney Richardson music on YouTube.
1920
Vocalist, songwriter and actress Savannah Churchill was born (Savannah Valentine Roberts) in Colfax, Louisiana on August 21, 1920. Churchill was forced into show business when her husband died in an auto accident in 1941, leaving her with two children to support She worked with Benny Carter, The Four Tunes, The Striders, Nat "King" Cole, and others. She hit the R&B charts several times. Her biggest hits included "Hurry Hurry" (reached #2, with Benny Carter & his Orchestra), and the self-penned tunes "Daddy Daddy" (#3) and "I Want To Be Loved (But Only By You)" (#1, for 8 weeks). She also appeared in the films Miracle In Harlem and Souls of Sin. Churchill died from pneumonia in New York on April 19, 1974. She was 53. See Savannah Churchill discography. Watch Savannah Churchill videos on YouTube.
1937
R&B, blues and zydeco guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Classie Ballou was born (Classie Joseph Ballou) in Elton, Louisiana on August 21, 1937. Classie Ballou's band backed Boozoo Chavis on what is considered to be the first zyeco record, "Paper In My Shoe", in 1954. The band, Classie Ballou and the Tempo Kings, at times included Shelton Dunaway, Cookie Thierry, and Carol Fran. He was later based in Dallas and Little Rock before settling in Waco, Teras. Ballou, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. died at his home in Waco on July 27, 2022 at age 84. Read more here. Read more about "Paper In My Shoe" here. See Classie Ballou discography. Watch Classie Ballou videos on YouTube.
1939
Legendary guitarist and sideman James Burton was born in Dubberly, LA on August 21, 1939. Burton came to fame for his twangin' on Dale Hawkin's 1957 hit "Susie-Q". He was Ricky Nelson's guitarist from 1958-1965, was a member of the The Shindogs (house band for the 1960s ABC television show Shindig!), then replaced Scotty Moore as Elvis Presley's guitarist in the late 1960's. Burton later hooked up with Gram Parsons, and joined Emmylou Harris and The Hot Band after Parsons' death. Burton's session work can be heard on albums by The Everly Brothers, Merle Haggard, The Monkees, Johnny Rivers, The Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, and dozens of others. On August 21, 2005, his 66th birthday, a statue honoring him was unveiled in front of the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024. Burton won a Grammy in 2009 for "Cluster Pluck" (in the Best Country Instrumental Performance category). Here's a video of James on Shindig! from April 14, 1965. Read more here. See James Burton's extensive discography. Watch James Burton videos on YouTube.
1961
Patsy Cline recorded her country masterpiece "Crazy" in Nashville on August 21, 1961. Campti, Louisiana native Floyd Cramer provided his signature "slip-note" style piano playing on the track. Cline, who was recovering from broken ribs suffered in a near-fatal car accident, overdubbed her vocals on September 15, 1961. The single, written by Willie Nelson, was released on October 16, 1961. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and #10 on the Hot 100 chart. "Crazy" is the most-played jukebox song in U.S. history. It was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2003. Read more here.
1970
Jazz trumpeter Marlon Jordan was born in New Orleans on August 21, 1970. Marlon is the son of late sax legend and educator Edward "Kidd" Jordan. Siblings include flutist Kent Jordan, singer Stephanie Jordan, and violinist Rachel Jordan. See Marlon Jordan discography. Watch Marlon Jordan videos on YouTube.
1981
Reggae singer Collie Buddz was born (Colin Patrick Harper) in New Orleans on August 21, 1981. Buddz received Grammy nominations in 2024 and 2025. See Collie Buddz discography. Watch Collie Buddz videos on YouTube.
1988
Singer Anjelika Joseph (aka "Jelly" Joseph) was born in New Orleans on August 21, 1988. Jelly led the band Speakerboxx, and has also been a member of Original Pinettes Brass Band and Tank and the Bangas (watch their 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert winning performance). She received national recognition as a contestant on Season 14 of American Idol. Jelly is currently the featured vocalist for NOLA funk/jam band Galactic, and has been performing and touring with them since 2020. Watch Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph videos on YouTube.
2016
Musician Jon Batiste was featured on CBS News Sunday Morning on August 21, 2016. The interview with journalist Michelle Miller also features Jon Batiste & Stay Human performance clips. Watch the video here.
