Trombone player and bandleader Waldren "Frog" Joseph was born (Waldren Clement Joseph) in New Orleans on September 12, 1918. He played with Joe Robichaux, Sidney Desvigne, Lee Allen, Albert "Papa" French, Louis Cottrell Jr., and others. Recording credits include sessions wih Paul Barbarin, Big Joe Turner, Smiley Lewis, Earl King, and Teddy Riley. See Waldren "Frog" Joseph discography. Joseph, who passed away on September 19, 2004, was the father of trombonist Charles Joseph and tuba/sousaphonist Kirk Joseph. See Frog Joseph obituary from The Guardian. Watch Waldren "Frog" Joseph videos on YouTube.
1956
Pianist, composer and producer David Torkanowsky was born in New Orleans on September 12, 1956. Torkanowsky has served as musical director for Boz Scaggs, Gladys Knight, Regina Belle, Kirk Whalum, Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington, Boney James, and others. He has also worked on several films ("Alabama Moon", "The Six Triple Eight", "The Dirty South") and TV series ("The Big Easy", "NCIS: New Orleans", "Crime Story", "Tremé"). See David Torkanowsky discography. Watch David Torkanowsky videos on YouTube.
1962
Pioneering drummer Abbey "Chinee" Foster passed away in New Orleans on September 12. 1962 at age 60. Foster played with John Robichaux, Bunk Johnson, Jack Carey, Papa Celestin, Tuxedo Brass Band, Onward Brass Band, Joe "King" Oliver, and others before illness forced him to retire. He later returned to music, playing regularly at Preservation Hall. See Abbey "Chinee" Foster discography. Listen to Abbey "Chinee" Foster music on YouTube.
1978
Singer, songwriter, and musician Tess Brunet was born in New Orleans on September 12, 1978. Tess, who grew up in Houma, played with deadboy & the Elephantmen (with Dax Riggs), Generationals, and others. Solo efforts have included Animal Electric, Au Ras Au Ras, and Tess Brunet & The Black Orchids. Tess is co-owner of Lafayette, LA record store Lagniappe Records. See Tess Brunet discography. Watch Tess Brunet videos on YouTube.
New Orleans born composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk was one of eight classical musicians honored by the U.S. Postal Service with commemorative stamps issued on September 12, 1997.
2000
Singer and songwriter Laine Hardy was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 12, 2000. Hardy was the winner of the seventeenth season of American Idol (on May 19, 2019) at age 18. Watch Laine Hardy videos on YouTube.
2016
Aaron Neville was a guest on NBC's "Today Show" Citi Concert Series on September 12, 2016. Aaron performed "Hard to Believe" from his "Apache" album. Aaron was backed by Eric Krasno, Eric Kalb, Alex Chakour, Pete Levin, Eric Benny Bloom, and Ryan Zoidis.
