Tailgate trombone great Freddie Lonzo was born in New Orleans on August 26, 1950. Lonzo has played and recorded with such notables as Doc Paulin, Olympia Brass Band, Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, George French Band, Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. See Freddie Lonzo discography. Watch Freddie Lonzo videos on YouTube.
1960
Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Branford Marsalis was born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana on August 26, 1960. The 3x Grammy winner (and 19 nominations) was bandleader for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" from May 1992 until January 1995. The Marsalis Family (Ellis Marsalis, and his sons Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo, and Jason) were honored with Jazz Masters Fellowships by the NEA in 2011. See Branford Marsalis discography. Watch Branford Marsalis videos on YouTube.
1972
"Power of Love" by Simmesport, LA native Joe Simon hit No. 1 on Billboard's Best Selling Soul Singles chart on August 26, 1972. The crossover hit reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Power of Love" received Gold certification (sales of 500,000 units) by the RIAA on August 29, 1972.
1993
Legendary Zydeco accordionist, singer and songwriter Rockin' Dopsie (Alton Joseph Rubin) died of a heart attack in Opelousas, Louisiana on August 26, 1993 at age 61. The Carencro, Louisiana native was considered one of the originators of zydeco music, along with Boozoo Chavis and Clifton Chenier. Rockin' Dopsie received Grammy nominations for his albums "Good Rockin'" and "Saturday Night Zydeco". He appeared on Paul Simon's Grammy winning album "Graceland". His sons Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. (David Rubin) and Dwayne Dopsie (Dwayne Rubin) are carrying on their father's musical legacy. See Rockin' Dopsie bio & discography. Watch Rockin' Dopsie videos on YouTube.
