Singer, songwriter, and actor Jack Hammer was born (Earl Solomon Burroughs) in New Orleans on September 16, 1925. Hammer co-wrote (with Otis Blackwell) the rock classic "Great Balls of Fire", popularized by Jerry Lee Lewis. He passed away at his home in Oakland, California on April 8, 2016 at age 90. Read more here and here. See Jack Hammer discography. Watch Jack Hammer videos on YouTube.
1931
Jazz and classical musician, session player and music instructor Richard Payne was born in New Orleans on September 16, 1931. He worked with countless musicians during his career including Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Professor Longhair, Ellis Marsalis, and Allen Toussaint. In later years Payne was a regular at Preservation Hall. Payne passed away on May 17, 2000 at age 68. See Richard Payne discography.
1952
R&B singer Roshell "Mike" Anderson was born in Bogalusa, LA on September 16, 1952. Anderson made the R&B Charts in the early 70's with "Know What You're Doing When You Leave" and "Grapevine Will Lie Sometimes", both on the Sunburst label. He later became a TV news reporter. Anderson passed away at his home in Brown Deer, Wisconsin on April 21, 2020. See Roshell Anderson discography. Watch Roshell Anderson videos on YouTube
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1953
Award winning bass guitarist and prolific session player Michael Rhodes was born in West Monroe, Louisiana on September 16, 1953. His long list of credits includes recordings for Willie Nelson, Etta James, Alan Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton, the (Dixie) Chicks, J.J. Cale, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Bob Seger, Lionel Richie, Burt Bacharach, Aaron Neville, Johnny Cash, Buddy Guy, Grace Potter, Michael McDonald, Dan Penn, John Fogerty, and Elton John. Rhodes won the ACM Bass Player of the Year award 10 times. Rhodes passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on March 4, 2023 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 69. See Michael Rhodes discography. Watch Michael Rhodes videos on YouTube.
1957
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Malone was born in Edgard, Louisiana on September 16, 1957. Malone is noted for his work with the Subdudes, the short-lived supergroup Tiny Town, his solo releases, and session work. He is the brother of Radiators guitarist Dave Malone. See Tommy Malone discography. Watch Tommy Malone videos on YouTube.
1964
The Beatles performed before 12,000 fans at City Park Stadium in New Orleans on September 16, 1964, Tickets for the show were a mere $5.00 each. New Orleans R&B legend Clarence "Frogman" Henry opened the show for the Fab Four. Frogman also opened 17 other shows on the Beatles tour. New Orleans Mayor Victor H. Schiro had officially declared 09/16/64 as "Beatles Day in New Orleans". Listen to this Bruce Spizer interview about the event.
1967
"My Elusive Dreams", a duet by David Houston and Tammy Wynette, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart on September 16, 1967. It was the debut #1 hit for Tammy Wynette, and the third #1 for Bossier City, LA native David Houston.
1972
Noted guitarist and bandleader Edgar Blanchard passed away in New Orleans on September 16, 1972 at age 48. The Grosse Tete, Louisiana native led his own band (Edgar Blanchard & the Gondoliers), and played on recording sessions with Roy Brown, Big Joe Turner, Professor Longhair, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and others. Read more here and here. See Edgar Blanchard discography. Listen to Edgar Blanchard music on YouTube.
1989
"Remember (The First Time)", the debut single by New Orleans-born singer Eric Gable, hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Chart on September 16, 1989.
1995
Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong were among ten jazz musicians honored with commemorative stamps by the USPS in ceremonies held at the Monterey Jazz Festival on September 16, 1995. Other musicians featured were James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Erroll Garner, Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. The Jazz Musicians stamps were issued as part of the Postal Service's Legends of American Music Stamp series.
1995
"I Like It, I Love It" by Delhi, Louisiana native Tim McGraw hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart on September 16, 1995. The song, his 3rd to top the chart, held the top position for 5 weeks.
1997
Louis Armstrong was among the initial inductees as ASCAP unveiled its Jazz Wall of Fame at its headquarters in New York City on September 16, 1997.
2005
The Neville Brothers and The Meters were musical guests on "Late Show with David Letterman" on September 16, 2005. Aaron Neville, Art Neville, Charles Neville, Cyril Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr. and Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste were joined by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Marcia Ball in a super funky rendition of "Fire on the Bayou". Watch the video here.
2013
Singer, songwriter and Lake Charles, LA native Lucinda Williams was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on September 16, 2013. The ceremony took place during a performance at Tipitina's music club in New Orleans.
