1877 | Leonard V. Bechet, Traditional jazz trombonist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Leonard was a dentist by trade, but played with the 'Superior Brass Band' and led his own 'Silver Bells Band'. As with many others, he came from a musical family that included his world famous brother, Sidney Bechet. He died in New Orleans in March 1952.
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1900 | Tony Fougerat, Traditional jazz cornetist and trumpeter from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a popular traditional jazz leader for about 40 years beginning in the 1920's. Tony Died in his hometown of New Orleans in February, 1979.
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1913 | Earl Bostic, Alto saxophonist Earl Bostic was a technical master of his instrument, yet remained somewhat underappreciated by jazz fans due to the string of simple, popular R&B/jump blues hits he recorded during his heyday in the '50s. He died in 1965.
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1915 | Sal Franzella, Traditional jazz clarinetist from New Orleans, Louisiana. First worked in the Saenger Theater pit band in 1930. Worked in local dance band circuit and toured with Benny Meroff. Later he worked with Isham Jones and Paul Whiteman, and was also did concert and studio work in Hollywood. Sal died in New Orleans in November, 1968.
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1918 | Ella Fitzgerald, "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was arguably the finest female jazz singer of all time (although some may vote for Sarah Vaughan or Billie Holiday). She died in 1996.
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1932 | Willis Jackson, An exciting tenor saxophonist whose honking and squeals (although influenced by Illinois Jacquet) were quite distinctive, Willis Jackson was also a strong improviser who sounded perfectly at home with organ groups. He died in 1987.
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1932 | Ervin (Vin) Bruce, A cajun and country music guitarist and vocalist and a native of Cut Off, Louisiana. He began playing guitar with the Southern Serenaders and the Hillbilly Swing Kings. His first record was of all time popular Cajun songs such as "Dans La Louisiane" in 1952. For his contribution and performance in Cajun music, he is known as "the King of Cajun Singers" and has been inducted into the Nashville Music Hall of Fame and the CFMA Cajun Music Hall of Fame.
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1945 | Stu Cook, Bassist with the legendary band called "Creedence Clearwaer Revival". They had a #1 Album with "Cosmos Factory".
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1965 | Simon Fowler, Vocalist with the group "Ocean Colour Scene". The group had many top 40 hits.
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1980 | Jacob Underwood, Singer, songwriter and guitarist with the group "O-Town. They were winners of the TV show "Making The Band".
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