| 1913 | Fred (H.E.) Minor, A banjo player and guitarist and native of New Orleans, Louisiana, who played with the Desvigne Orchestra, Paul Barbarin and Noon Johnson.
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| 1925 | Jimmy Smith, Modern Jazz Organist Extraordinaire - "Walk on The Wild Side". Though he never received any exaggerated title, Jimmy Smith certainly ruled the Hammond organ in the '50s and '60s. He revolutionized the instrument, showing it could be creatively used in a jazz context and popularized in the process. His Blue Note sessions from 1956 to 1963 were extremely influential and are highly recommended. He died in 2005.
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| 1939 | Jerry Butler, Singer - "For Your Precious Love". He recorded more than 50 albums and his voice is one of the most distinguished voices in all of music. As soulful as ever, yet smooth as ice, his nickname "The Ice Man" epitomizes his demeanor -- and sound. In spite of his status as a true music icon, he remains humble.
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| 1941 | Willie West ( Millard Leon West), Funk and R&B singer from Raceland, Louisiana. Willie has worked with most of the significant names in New Orleans music in the 1960's and 70's. He had a long association with Allen Toussaint, and was even a member of "The Meters" for a short time. Willie has released a handful of singles throughout his career and is known for his great showmanship.
(82) |
| 1943 | Jim Morrison, Legendary singer for the Doors 'Mr. Mojo Risin'. He is one of the most legendary and influential figures in rock & roll history. The disturbing, image-rich poeticism of Morrison's lyrics, perfectly supported by the Doors' swirling, eclectic psychedelic rock, have assured him continuing icon status, while his fondness for theatrical shock tactics and nihilistic angst have influenced countless imitators... He died in 1971 in Paris France under mysterious circumstances.
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| 1947 | Gregg Allman, Singer and Keyboards for the rock and blues group called "The Allman Brothers Band".
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| 1973 | Winston Turner, A trombonist and native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He began in the St. Augustine Marching 100, then the Southern University Human Jukebox. After college, he worked with the Pinstripes Brass Band and the Soul Rebels until creating his own group called the Brass-A-Holics, where he is said to have created the Go-go Brass Funk genre. (50) |
