Clarinetist and composer Larry Shields was born (Lawrence James Shields) in New Orleans on September 13, 1893. Shields joined the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in Chicago in 1916, staying with them until 1921. He then moved to California and fronted his own bands. Shields returned to New Orleans in the 30's and joined a re-formed ODJB (with Nick LaRocca) from 1936-38. He retired from music and moved back to the West Coast in the early 40's. Shields died of a heart attack in Hollywood on November 21, 1953. His songwriting credits include "Clarinet Marmalade", "At The Jazz Band Ball", and "Fidgety Feet". See Larry Shields discography.
1899
Saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet player Frank "Big Boy" Goudie was born in Youngsville, LA on September 13, 1899. He played in New Orleans and around the Southwest before moving to Paris in the mid 1920's. Goudie then moved to South America in 1939, then back to Paris. He returned to the U.S. (San Francisco) in 1956, where he played with Bob Mielke and the Bearcats Jazz Band, and others. Goudie died of lung cancer on January 9, 1964 at age 64. See Big Boy Goudie discography. Watch Big Boy Goudie videos on YouTube. Check out this 1931 video of Goudie on sax with Noble Sissle and his Band.
1931
Popular R&B singer and songwriter Joe August, aka Mr. Google Eyes, was born (Joseph Charles Augustus) in New Orleans on September 13, 1931. August recorded with Billy Ford, René Hall, Johnny Otis Band, Count Basie ("If You See My Baby"), and others. Popular songs included "Poppa Stoppa’s Be-Bop Blues" (backed by Lee Allen and Paul Gayten), "No Wine, No Women", and "Rock My Soul". August passed away on August 9, 1992 at age 60. Read more here. See Mr. Google Eyes discography. Listen to Mr. Google Eyes music on YouTube.
1931
Blues drummer, vocalist, and label owner (Ivory Records) Ivory Lee Semien (aka King Ivory) was born in Washington, Louisiana on September 13, 1931. Semien worked with noted Texas steel guitarist Hop Wilson. They first recorded together for Eddie Shuler's Goldband Records ("Chicken Stuff") (Goldband 1071) in 1958. A later session included King Ivory Lee's "Rockin' In The Cocanut Top" (Trey 1003). Semien passed away in 2002 at age 70. Read more here. See Ivory Lee Semien discography. Watch Ivory Lee Semien videos on YouTube.
1952
Country music singer and West Monroe, Louisiana native Webb Pierce made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on September 13, 1952. He performed "Back Street Affair". The Decca Records single became Pierce's third consecutive #1 hit on December 6, 1952.
1988
Trumpet legend Al Hirt appeared on NBC TV's "Late Night with David Letterman" on September 13, 1988. Al performed the 1923 New Orleans Rhythm Kings classic "Tin Roof Blues". Watch the video here.
The September 13, 2008 episode of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" featured host Michael Phelps and musical guest Lil Wayne. Weezy performed "Got Money" and "Lollipop".
2014
The Farm Aid 2014 benefit concert was held in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 13, 2014. Performers at the event included the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Watch videos from the concert here.
