"Juke", by blues harmonica legend Little Walter and his Night Cats, hit #1 on the R&B Chart on September 27, 1952. It held on to the top spot for 8 weeks, and was listed in the chart for a total of 20 weeks. It is the only harmonica instrumental to ever be a number one hit on the Billboard R&B chart. "Juke" was added to the Blues Hall of Fame's Classic of Blues Recording in 1986, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
1961
The film "Paris Blues" premiered at the Roosevelt Theatre in Chicago on September 27, 1961. The film's cast included Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier, and Louis Armstrong, in a brief appearance as trumpet player Wild Man Moore. The soundtrack was composed by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
1974
Dr. John and band (with James Booker on organ) performed on the TV music series "The Midnight Special" on September 27, 1974. The episode, hosted by Randy Newman, also featured Ry Cooder, The Turtles, and Maria Muldaur (who was backed by Dr. John on the song "Three Dollar Bill"). Dr. John performed "Let's Make a Better World," "Desitively Bonnaroo," "Mos' Scocious" and "Mama Don't Allow". Watch the entire episode on YouTube.
1983
Cash Money Records rapper and founder of Young Money Entertainment Lil Wayne (aka Weezy, aka Tunechi) was born (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) in New Orleans on September 27, 1982. Lil Wayne has won 5 Grammy Awards out of 28 nominations through 2026. He has sold over 26 million records in the U.S. His best-selling album, "Tha Carter III", has sold over 8 million copies.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue were the musical guests on CBS TV's "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on September 27, 2011. They performed Allen Toussaint's "On Your Way Down". Watch the video here.
