Bass player (and trombonist) John Lindsay was born in New Orleans (Algiers) on August 23, 1894. John, the brother of Herb (violin) and "Little Joe" Lindsay (drums), started his career in Storyville in 1910. He played with Armand Piron's band in the early 20's after serving in the U.S. Army. He later moved to Chicago, worked with King Oliver's band, recorded with Jelly Roll Morton, and toured with Louis Armstrong. He also recorded with Jimmie Noone, Sidney Bechet, Harlem Hamfats, Louis Armstrong, and many others. Lindsay passed away in Chicago on July 3, 1950 at age 63. See John Lindsay discography.
1923
Cajun fiddler, vocalist and songwriter Adam Hebert was born (Joseph Adam Hebert) in Grand Marais (near Church Point), Louisiana on August 23, 1923. He played with Felton Carriere, The Veteran Playboys, and others before forming Adam Hebert and The Country Playboys in the mid-50s. Hebert penned over 50 songs during his career, including the Cajun music staples "La Pointe aux Pins," "Le Moulin," "Ouvre Cette Porte," "J'aimerais Connaitre" and "La Valse de ma Cherie." He passed away on October 11, 2010 at age 87. See Adam Hebert's obituary. Read more here. See Adam Hebert discography. Listen to Adam Hebert music on YouTube. Check out the Veteran Playboys' 1948 recording "Chinaball Special", featuring Adam Hebert on fiddle and vocals, with Alphée Bergeron on accordion:
1942
Bass player, sousaphone player and educator Walter Payton was born in New Orleans on August 23, 1942. Payton (the father of trumpeter Nicholas Payton) played with several brass bands, performed at Preservation Hall, and also led his own jazz combos. As a studio musician, he can be heard on recordings by Aaron Neville ("Tell It Like It Is"), Lee Dorsey ("Working in the Coal Mine"), Harry Connick Jr., Kermit Ruffins, Leroy Jones, and many others. Payton passed away on October 28, 2010 at age 68. See this interview with Walter Payton from 2005. See Walter Payton discography. Watch Walter Payton videos on YouTube.
1942
R&B musician, singer and songwriter Guitar Lightnin' Lee was born (Leroy Williams) in New Orleans on August 23, 1942. Guitar Lightnin' Lee passed away on November 6, 2025 at age 83. See Guitar Lightnin' Lee Facebook page. Watch Guitar Lightnin' Lee and His Thunder Band videos on YouTube.
1952
R&B and soul vocalist Dalton Reed was born in Cade, LA (near Lafayette) on August 23, 1952. Reed died of a heart attack prior to a performance in Minneapolis on September 23, 1994. See Dalton Reed discography. Listen to Dalton Reed music on YouTube.
1988
Country singer Hank Williams Jr.'s album "Wild Streak" was certified gold (sales exceeding 500,000 units) by the RIAA on August 23, 1988.
2003
Sarepta, Louisiana native Trace Adkins was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on August 23, 2003. He was inducted by one of his heroes, fellow Opry member Ronnie Milsap.
