The New Orleans Rhythm Kings led by cornetist Paul Mares, made their first recordings (as Friar's Society Orchestra) for the Gennett label in Richmond, Indiana on August 29 and 30, 1922. Tracks recorded on 8/29 were "Eccentric", "Farewell Blues", "Discontented Blues", and "Bugle Call Blues". Listen to the recordings on YouTube.
1927
Cajun and country music star Jimmy C. Newman was born (Jimmy Yves Newman) in High Point, Louisiana on August 29, 1927. Newman first worked with Chuck Guillory in the late 40's. He was the first Cajun singer to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. More than 30 of his songs hit the Country charts, including "A Fallen Star", which reached the #2 spot (it also made the R&B and Pop charts). Newman and his band Cajun Country received a Grammy nomination for their 1991 album "The Alligator Man". His last performance at the Opry was on June 6, 2014. He passed away in Nashville on June 21, 2014 at age 86. See Jimmy C. Newman discography. Watch Jimmy C. Newman videos on YouTube.
1949
Master percussionist and music educator Kufaru Mouton was born (Aaron Oscar Mouton Jr.) in New Orleans on August 29, 1949. Kufaru recorded with the Neville Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Rockin' Jake Band, Andy J. Forest, The Revealers, and others. He passed away on June 12, 2006 at age 56.
1952
Guitarist and vocalist Dave Malone was born in New Orleans in August 29, 1952. Dave is a founding member of The Radiators and Raw Oyster Cult. His brother is guitarist and vocalist Tommy Malone (with Subdudes, Tine Town, Malone Brothers). See Dave Malone discography.
1958
Alan Freed's "The Big Beat" 4th anniversary show was held at the Fox Theatre in Brooklyn, NY on August 29, 1958. Performers included Frankie Avalon, The Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, The Kalin Twins, The Elegants, The Danleers, and Jimmy Clanton. See photo.
1964
Irma Thomas and The Standells were musical guests on ABC's "American Bandstand" on August 29, 1964. Thomas performed "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is." Watch the performance and interview here.
1979
Multi-instrumentalist Andre Bohren was born in New Orleans on August 29, 1979. You can catch Andre with Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers, The Walrus, The Desert Nudes, Alex McMurray Band, and also playing classical piano gigs. He is the son of late roots musician, singer and songwriter Spencer Bohren (1950-2019). See Andre Bohren discography. Watch Andre Bohren videos on YouTube.
1987
"Born To Boogie" by Shreveport native Hank Williams Jr. hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart on August 29, 1987. The "Born to Boogie" album hit #1 on the Top Country Albums chart on August 29, 1987.
1998
Fighting and a chair-throwing melee erupted during a No Limit Records concert at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan on August 29, 1998. The violence led Pontiac's mayor to consider banning future rap concerts. Officials later backed down after protests from the ACLU.
1999
Harmonica whiz and former NOLA resident Rockin' Jake was declared "Brisket King of New Orleans" at The New Orleans Musicians BBQ Cook-Off on August 29, 1999. The event was held in conjunction with the New Orleans Balloon Festival at the Fair Grounds.
2002
The 2002 MTV Video Music Awards aired live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 29, 2002. During the show, Michael Jackson accepted a birthday cake and statue from Britney Spears, which he misunderstood to be an "Artist of the Millennium Award". Britney's song "I'm a Slave 4 U" was nominated in 3 categories, but lost in all three.
2004
The 2004 MTV Video Music Awards aired live from Miami, Florida on August 29, 2004. The Britney Spears song "Toxic" was nominated in 4 categories, but lost in all four.
2005
Heavy metal vocalist Glenn Rambo passed away in Violet, Louisiana on (or about) August 29, 2005 at age 34. Rambo was a drowning victim of Hurricane Katrina related levee failures and susequent flooding. He performed with Nuclear Crucifixion, Soilent Green, and several other local hardcore metal bands.
2005
Jazz drummer John Robichaux passed away in New Orleans on (or about) August 29, 2005 at age 90. Robichaux was a drowning victim of Hurricane Katrina related levee failures and susequent flooding. He was a longtime member of the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra.
2005
Local icon Eddie "Mr. Eddie' Gabriel passed away in New Orleans on (or about) August 29, 2005 at age 95. He was a drowning victim of Hurricane Katrina related levee failures and susequent flooding. "Mr. Eddie" entertained millions of Pat O'Brien's visitors, playing an aluminum tray with thimbled fingers in The Piano Bar. He invented the act in the 1940's, and performed six nights a week through August 27, 2005.
2006
New Orleans R&B legend Fats Domino was presented with a National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush in New Orleans on August 29, 2006. The medal was a replacement for the one originally awarded by President Bill Clinton in 1998, that was lost in the flood waters resulting from Hurricane Katrina.
