Accordionist and Cajun music pioneer Amedee Breaux (Amédé Breaux, Amadie Breaux) was born near Rayne, Louisiana on September 1, 1900. Amede recorded with his brothers Ophy Breaux and Clifford Breaux as the Breaux Freres (Breaux Brothers) between 1929 and 1934. Amedee (vocals & accordion), Ophy Breaux (fiddle) and sister Cléoma Breaux (guitar) recorded "Ma Blonde Est Partie" for Columbia in April of 1929. This is considered to be the first recording of the Cajun classic "Jole Blon". The family is featured on Columbia's "Abbeville Breakdown" collection. Amédé Breaux died on May 18, 1973 in Rayne, Louisiana at age of 72. Read more here. See Amédé Breaux discography. Listen to Amédé Breaux music on YouTube.
1900
Drummer Alfred Williams was born in New Orleans on September 1, 1900. Williams played with Tig Chambers, Manuel Manetta, Kid Ory, Buddy Petit, Sam Morgan, William "Baba" Ridgley, A.J. Piron, and others. He marched with brass bands including Tuxedo Brass Band, Eureka Brass Band, and Onward Brass Band. Williams played regularly at Preservation Hall until his death on April 30, 1963 at age 62. See Alfred Williams discography.
1907
Legendary Cajun accordionist and songwriter Lawrence Walker was born in Duson, Louisiana on September 1, 1907. He made his recording debut in 1929 with his father Allen Walker and brother Elton Walker (listen to Walker Brothers, "La Breakdown La Louisianne"). Walker later cut records for the Bluebird, Khoury, La Louisiane, and Swallow labels. Walker died from heart failure on August 15, 1968 at age 60 (Note: birth date differs on his grave site). See Lawrence Walker discography. Listen to Lawrence Walker music on YouTube.
1956
"Let The Good Times Roll" (Aladdin 3325) by Shirley & Lee (Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee) hit #1 on the R&B Chart on September 1, 1956. It held the top spot for 3 weeks, and remained in the charts for a total of 19 weeks. The song, recorded at Cosimo Matassa's studio in New Orleans, made it to #20 on the Pop chart.
1959
Drummer, singer and entertainer Sidney Anthony (aka El Sid) was born in New Orleans September 1, 1959. He passed away on March 28, 2025.
1995
New Orleans jazz legend Louis Armstrong was honored with a commemorative stamp in ceremonies held at Armstrong Park on September 1, 1995. Satchmo disciples Wynton Marsalis, Doc Cheatham, Al Hirt, and Nicholas Payton participated in the event.
1997
Saxophone player and songwriter Charles "Alto" Taylor passed away in New Orleans on September 1, 1997 at age 22. Taylor was a member of the Lil Rascals Brass Band. Nicholas Payton's "The Last Goodbye" was written for Taylor, a longtime friend of his.
2004
Harmonica player, songwriter and Baton Rouge blues icon Raful Neal passed away on September 1, 2004 at age 68. Neal began playing harmonica at age 14, inspired by blues harp legend Little Walter. His early backing bands included future stars Buddy Guy and Lazy Lester. Neal's last release was the 2001 "Hoodoo Kings" album, a collaboration with Eddie Bo and Tabby Thomas. Neal raised 10 children, many of whom have followed in his musical footsteps. See Raful Neal discography. Watch Raful Neal videos on YouTube.
2010
The 2010 special "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock 2010" aired on ABC on September 1, 2010. The show, taped in Nashville on June 10–13, 2010, featured performances by Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw (who also hosted the show), Justin Moore, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. Watch the entire show here.
