Happy Birthday to Al "Carnival Time" Johnson!

New Orleans native Al “Carnival Time” Johnson turns 80 today, June 20th. Al is best known for his classic song “Carnival Time”, which is one of the most requested and played songs of Carnival Season and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Happy Birthday, Al … celebrate like it’s Carnival Time!

Happy Birthday, Leo Nocentelli!

Singer songwriter and guitarist Leo Nocentelli was born in New Orleans on June 15, 1946. Best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of The Meters, he wrote the original versions of several funk classics such as "Cissy Strut" and "Hey Pocky A-Way". He has recorded with a variety of notable artists such as Dr. John, Robert Palmer and Etta James. In 2018, Nocentelli received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of The Meters. In a life filled with music and achievement, we are fortunate to celebrate this day with Leo. Happy Birthday!

Photo by: Francisco Daum

Happy Birthday, June Yamagishi!

New Orleans-based Guitarist June Yamagishi was born on June 6, 1953, in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. He is the guitarist for bands Papa Grows Funk and the Wild Magnolias. He has been a major force in the Japanese blues and jazz scene since the early 1970s. In 1995, Yamagishi left his well-established career behind in Japan to live in New Orleans where he still lives today. Since he found his home in the Crescent City, he has played with musicians including Earl King, Henry Butler, Davell Crawford, Marva Wright, George Porter, Jr., among many others in addition to the two groups he is a member of. Today we wish June a very happy birthday!

Photo: Masahiro Sumori

Celebrating the Birthday of Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer who was born in New Orleans on May 14, 1897. Bechet is considered one of New Orleans’ greatest jazz musicians, along with King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. By the age of 13, Bechet was a professional jazz musician, and by 16 he was touring the South with pianist and singer Clarence Williams. In 1919, Bechet began touring with trumpeter King Oliver, eventually going on to Chicago, New York and Europe. He was a master of improvisation, becoming one of the first important soloists in jazz, playing lead parts that were usually reserved for trumpet. Known for his heavy vibrato, his unequaled energy made him king of the soprano saxophone, and also one of the most original and innovative clarinetists in jazz. From 1925 to 1931 Bechet lived and played in Europe, playing in England, France, Germany and Russia, and it was there where he achieved his greatest success. Bechet has had a deep and lasting influence on the way jazz clarinet and soprano saxophone are played, inspiring countless musicians along the way. Sidney Bechet passed away in Paris, France, on May 14, 1959, on his 62nd birthday. On the date of his birth, we celebrate his life.

Celebrating the Birthday of King Oliver!

Jazz cornet player and bandleader Joseph Nathan "King" Oliver was born on May 11, 1885, in Aben, Louisiana, and moved to New Orleans in his youth.  He was particularly recognized for his playing style and his pioneering use of mutes in jazz to alter the sound of his horn. Also a notable composer, he wrote many tunes still played today, including "Dippermouth Blues", "Sweet Like This", "Canal Street Blues", and "Doctor Jazz". He was the mentor and teacher of Louis Armstrong, who said his influence was such that "if it had not been for Joe Oliver, Jazz would not be what it is today." Sadly, Oliver suffered from ill health and financial troubles before his death at age 52 on April 8, 1938. Today we celebrate King Oliver’s significant influence on the music of New Orleans and the world. 

Happy Birthday, Anders Osborne!

Anders Osborne was born on May 4, 1966, in Uddevalla, Sweden, but the singer-songwriter guitarist has made his home in New Orleans for many years. Whether he’s performing solo, with his band, or with North Mississippi Osborne (N.M.O., featuring Osborne and the North Mississippi Allstars), this award-winning artist is a local and international favorite. Happy Birthday, Anders!

Photo by: Mr.schultz