Jazz drummer Alfred "Tubby" Hall was born in Sellers, Louisiana on October 12, 1895. Hall first worked with Jack Carey's Crescent Orchestra around 1914. He later moved to Chicago to join Lawrence Duhé's band. After a stint in the military, Hall worked with Carroll Dickerson's Orchestra, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds and Jimmie Noone. He was the older brother of drummer Minor "Ram" Hall. Hall passed away in Chicago on May 13, 1945 at age 49. Read more here. See Alfred "Tubby" Hall discography. Listen to Alfred "Tubby" Hall music on YouTube.
1923
Jazz trombonist, composer and educator Wendell Eugene (Wendell Albert Eugene) was born in New Orleans on October 12, 1923. Eugene worked with the Eagle Brass Band, Albert "Papa" French, Pud Brown, Olympia Brass Band, Andrew Hall's Society Jazz Band, Onward Brass Band, Tuxedo Brass band, and others. His older brother Homer Eugene (1914-1998) was also a jazz trombonist. Wendell Eugene passed away on November 7, 2017. See Wendell Eugene discography. Listen to Wendell Eugene music on YouTube.
1934
New Orleans R&B legend James "Sugar Boy" Crawford was born in New Orleans on October 12, 1934. Crawford is known for his 1954 hit (and perennial Mardi Gras classic), "Jock-A-Mo" - later popularized as "Iko Iko" by The Dixie Cups (and many others). He is the grandfather of New Orleans keyboard whiz Davell Crawford (he provided vocals on Davell's 1995 album "Let Them Talk"). Crawford passed away on September 15, 2012 at age 77. See James "Sugar Boy" Crawford discography. Listen to James "Sugar Boy" Crawford music on YouTube.
1940
Trumpeter and piano player John Brunious Jr. was born in New Orleans on October 12, 1940. Brunious was the longtime leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He died of a heart attack in Casselberry, Florida on February 12, 2008. He was 67 and had lived in Casselberry, outside Orlando, since being displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His father was was jazz musician John "Pickey" Brunious. His brother is trumpeter Wendell Brunious. See John Brunious discography. Watch John Brunious videos on YouTube.
1942
Louis Armstrong married Lucille Wilson (his fourth and final wife) in St. Louis on October 12, 1942. Lucille and Louis remained together until his death on July 6, 1971.
1959
Keyboard player Keith Vinet was born in New Orleans on October 12, 1959.
1959
The swamp pop classic "Sea of Love" by Crowley, Louisiana native Phil Phillips (with The Twilights) hit #1 on the R&B Chart on October 12, 1959. The tune, which also reached #2 on the Pop Chart, was originally released on the Khoury's Recordings label (and later licensed to Mercury Records). It was produced by Eddie Shuler. "Sea of Love" has since been covered by Robert Plant, Tom Waits, Iggy Pop, Cat Power, and many others.
Long time local jazz supporter and entrepreneur Charlie Bering passed away in New Orleans on October 12, 1998 at age 62. Bering and Lula Lowe opened the pioneering modern jazz club Lu & Charlie's in 1971. He also had a 20 year association with Festival Productions, where he booked most of the modern jazz acts that performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Bering also founded Charlie B's, another jazz venue featuring local and national artists located on Convention Center Blvd.
2006
Aaron Neville was a guest on MSNBC's "Imus in the Morning" on October 12, 2006. Aaron performed the 1963 hit by The Impressions, "It's All Right" (featuring Charles Neville on sax).
2019
Grammy nominated musician, author and educator Yvette Landry was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. The ceremony took place during her performance at the Festivals Acadiens in Lafayette. Watch the video here.
