Singer, songwriter, actor and comedian Sam Theard was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1904. Theard's many songwriting credits include the classic "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You)". He passed away on December 7, 1982. See Sam Theard discography. Listen to Sam Theard music on YouTube.
1929
Jazz drummer Ed Blackwell (Edward Joseph Blackwell) was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1929. Blackwell began his career playing the local R&B scene. He moved to Los Angeles in 1951, and later became a member of Ornette Coleman's classic quartet. Blackwell also played with the American Jazz Quintet, which featured Harold Battiste, Ellis Marsalis, and Alvin Batiste. He passed away in Hartford, CT on October 7, 1992 at age 62. See Ed Blackwell discography. Watch Ed Blackwell videos on YouTube.
1943
Soul singer, saxophonist, and harmonica player Jerry LaCroix was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on October 10, 1943. LaCroix's lengthy career has included stints with The Boogie Kings, Edgar Winter's White Trash, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Rare Earth. He passed away in Lufkin, Texas on May 7, 2014 at age 70. Read more here. See discography. Watch Jerry LaCroix videos on YouTube.
Soul vocalist Charles Brimmer was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1948. Brimmer hit the R&B Charts in 1975 with his Al Green cover "God Bless Our Love" ("God Blessed Our Love"). Read more here. See Charles Brimmer discography. Listen to Charles Brimmer music on YouTube.
1948
Keyboard player, vocalist and songwriter Ed Volker was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1948. Volker is a founding member of swamp rock and funk band The Radiators. See Ed Volker discography. Watch Ed Volker videos on YouTube.
1948
Neville Brother and Uptown Allstar Cyril Neville was born (Cyril Garrett Neville) in New Orleans on October 10, 1948. See Cyril Neville discography. Watch Cyril Neville videos on YouTube.
1951
Zydeco musician and vocalist Donna Angelle was born (Donna Charles) in Cypress Island, LA on October 10, 1951. Read more here. See Donna Angelle discography. Watch Donna Angelle & The Zydeco Posse videos on YouTube.
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1953
"Blues With A Feeling" by harmonica legend and Marksville, LA native Little Walter entered the R&B Chart on October 10, 1953. The song peaked at the #2 position and remained on the chart for 11 weeks.
1969
Music instructor and multi-instrumentalist (piano, violin, brass, reeds) Manuel "Fess" Manetta passed away in New Orleans on October 10, 1969 at age 80. Manetta's performing career included stints with the Pacific Brass Band, Buddy Bolden, Original Tuxedo Orchestra, Papa Celestin, and Kid Ory. Known as "Professor", Manetta's students included Henry “Red” Allen, Buddie Petit, Emmett Hardy, and Freddie Kohlman. Rare footage of Manetta can be seen in the video "New Orleans Piano Players". Read more here and here. See Manuel Manetta discography. Listen to Manuel Manetta music on YouTube.
1970
"Groove Me" by King Floyd entered the R&B Chart on October 10, 1970. The funky track (recorded and produced by Wardell Quezergue at Malaco Records studio) went on to reach the #1 spot (in January of 1971), and it remained on the chart for 22 weeks. Jean Knight's #1 hit "Mr. Big Stuff" came from the same recording session.
1977
Jazz cornetist, composer and bandleader Johnny Wiggs (Johnny Wigginton Hyman) passed away in New Orleans on October 10, 1977 at age 78. His early career included stints with Norman Brownlee and Tony Parenti. He later led his own band before leaving music in the early 30's to become an elementary school teacher (one of his students was Pete Fountain). He resumed playing in the late 40's and was a founder of the New Orleans Jazz Club (with Albert Diket, Gilbert Erskine, and Donald Perry). Read more here. See Johnny Wiggs discography. Watch Johnny Wiggs videos on YouTube.
1978
Jazz trumpeter and educator Thaddeus Ford II was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1978. See official web site at thaddeusford.com.
1988
Country music star Hank Williams Jr. picked up awards for "Entertainer of the Year" and "Album of the Year" (for "Born to Boogie") at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on October 10, 1988.
1994
The Rolling Stones brought their "Voodoo Lounge" world tour to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on October 10, 1994. Listen to the entire concert on YouTube.
