Future jazz legend Louis Armstrong was baptised at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 3200 Canal Street in New Orleans on August 25, 1901. Read about the confusion concerning Armstrong's birthday here.
1915
Jazz drummer and bandleader Freddie Kohlman (Louis Freddie Kohlman) was born in New Orleans (Algiers) on August 25, 1915 (or 1918). Kohlman studied under Louis Cottrell, Sr. and Manuel Manetta, and played his first professional gig with the Morgan Brothers at age 11. His lengthy career included stints in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. After returning to New Orleans, Kohlman worked with the Dukes of Dixieland, the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, the Onward Brass Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others. He also appeared in several movies, including "Pete Kelly's Blues", "Pretty Baby", and "Angel Heart". Kohlman died from cancer at his home in Algiers on September 29, 1990. Read more here. See Freddie Kohlman recording credits. Watch Freddie Kohlman videos on YouTube.
1939
Swamp pop legend, soul singer, horn player and club owner G.G. Shinn was born (George Stanley Shinn) in Franklin, Louisiana on August 25, 1939. His career included stints with The Boogie Kings, TSC Trucking Company, Roller Coasters, Hot Damn Band, The Flat Tops, and Chase. Shinn was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on May 16, 2010. He passed away on August 7, 2018 at age 78. Read more here. See G.G. Shinn discography. Watch G.G. Shinn videos on YouTube.
1950
Respected singer and songwriter Willy DeVille (William Paul Borsey Jr.) was born in Stamford, Connecticut in 1950. The former leader of rock & punk band Mink DeVille moved to New Orleans in the late 1980's. His 1990 album, "Victory Mixture", paid tribute to New Orleans music, with backing by Dr. John, Barbara George, Allen Toussaint, Eddie Bo, George Porter Jr., Johnny Vidacovich, and other NOLA music luminaries. DeVille died of pancreatic cancer on August 6, 2009 at age 58. Listen to "Victory Mixture" on YouTube.
1958
"Just A Dream" by teen idol Jimmy Clanton and his Rockets hit #1 on the R&B Best Sellers chart on August 25, 1958. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. The track was recorded at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio with backing from Huey "Piano" Smith, Earl King, Lee Allen, and Red Tyler.
1967
Blues guitarist Troy Turner was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 25, 1967. See Troy Turner discography. Watch Troy Turner videos on YouTube.
1979
"Groove City" by 70's New Orleans funk group Chocolate Milk entered the Billboard R&B Singles Chart on August 25, 1979.
2016
Pop star Britney Spears was featured in a "Carpool Karaoke" segment on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" on August 25, 2016. Watch the video here.
