Bluesman Harmonica Fats was born (Harvey Blackston) in McDade, LA on September 8, 1927. Blackston moved to L.A. in 1946 for work outside of music. He took up harp playing in earnest after an auto wreck in 1954. He recorded and toured with Bernie Pearl, and appeared in films including Oliver Stone's "The Doors". A long time resident of California, Fats passed away on January 3, 2000 at age 72. Read more here. See Harmonica Fats discography. Watch Harmonica Fats videos on YouTube.
1928
Singer and songwriter Earl Nelson was born (Earl Lee Nelson) in Lake Charles, Louisiana on September 8, 1928. Nelson had hits in 1957 with the Hollywood Flames ("Buzz, Buzz, Buzz"), in 1963 ("Harlem Shuffle" with Bobby Relf, as Bob & Earl), and again as Jackie Lee (hitting the Top 20 with "The Duck") in 1966. He also sang background vocals on Bobby Day's 1958 hit single "Rock-In Robin" (aka "Rockin' Robin"). Nelson passed away in Los Angeles on July 12, 2008 at age 79.
1947
Musician, singer and composer A.J. Loria (Anthony John Loria) was born in New Orleans on September 8, 1947. Loria, aka King Nino, passed away on April 3, 2022. Watch A.J. Loria videos on YouTube.
1950
Singer, songwriter, poet, author, cultural activist, and environmentalist Zachary Richard was born in Scott, Louisiana on September 8, 1950. The multilingual artist records in both French and English. His style is a blend of traditional cajun, zydeco, rock, and R&B. Richard was named Louisiana's first French-language Poet Laureate in 2014. His 2012 album "Le Fou" was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category. Richard appeared on "Late Night with David Letterman" in 1990, and he performed on an episode of PBS music series "Austin City Limits" in 1994. Read more here. See Zachary Richard discography. Watch Zachary Richard videos on YouTube.
Hurricane Katrina coverage continued on CNN's "Larry King Live" on September 08, 2005. Larry's guests included New Orleans Police Chief Eddie Compass and singer Aaron Neville (Aaron performed "Louisiana 1927"). Read the show transcript here.
2010
Episode 11 of MTV's "The Real World - New Orleans" aired on September 8, 2010. In the episode, cast member Sahar performs with local band Flow Tribe at Tipitina's. Watch a video clip here.
