Your Source for African American History
Monday
May 12th 2008 		a non-profit education organization

This Date in History:
June 13 1600
Music 		  The Banjo-an African instrument. .
*The Banjo, is celebrated on this dates Registry.
December 25 1745
Music 		  Saint George Boulogne, renaissance man!
*Joseph Boulogne "Chevalier de Saint-Georges" was born on Christmas Day, 1745.
July 12 1778
Music 		  One of the best violinist, George P. Bridgetower!
*The birth of George Polgreen Bridgetower in 1778 is celebrated on this date.
June 16 1792
Music 		  Frank Johnson, a first for Black music!
*Frank Johnson was born on this date in 1792.
July 13 1817
Music 		  Excellent voice, Elizabeth T. Greenfield!
*On this date, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield’s birth in 1817 is celebrated.
November 28 1817
Music 		  Congo Square, the soul of New Orleans.
*Congo Square is celebrated on this dates Registry from 1817.
May 10 1819
Music 		  Justin Holland pioneered 19th century classic guitar. . .
The birth of Justin Holland in 1819 is celebrated on this date.
April 21 1830
Music 		  The Yellow Rose of Texas, a history!
*This date in 1830 marks the commemoration of the song The Yellow Rose of Texas.
August 20 1835
Music 		  Jazz is music, an African American art form.
*On this date we focus on Jazz Music in America and the black cultures’ role in creating and influence its existence.
July 11 1836
Music 		  Afro-Brazilian composer, Antonio C. Gomes. .
*Antonio Carlos Gomes was born on this date in 1836.
October 29 1846
Music 		  George W. Johnson, a first for black singers in America!
*The birth of George Washington Johnson in 1846 is celebrated on this date.
May 25 1849
Music 		  "Blind Tom," the Mozart of his race!
*Blind Tom was born on this date in 1849.
October 22 1854
Music 		  Composer James Bland, Virginia's song writer.
*This date marks the birth of James A.
May 17 1864
Music 		  "Blind" Boone, a musical prodigy!
*John William “Blind” Boone was born on this date in 1864.
December 2 1866
Music 		  Henry Burleigh, a dedicated gospel performer!
*Henry T.
November 24 1868
Music 		  Scott Joplin developed ragtime piano.
*Scott Joplin was born on this date in 1868.
June 17 1871
Music 		  James Weldon Johnson,"The Anthems" composer!
*James Weldon Johnson was born on this date in 1871.
June 18 1873
Music 		  Tom Turpin was an early Ragtime icon!
*Tom Turpin’s birth in 1873 is celebrated on this date.
August 11 1873
Music 		  Composer extraordinaire, John R. Johnson.
*On this date in 1873, John R.
November 16 1873
Music 		  From the Heart of Dixie, composer W.C. Handy.
*W.
August 15 1875
Music 		  Samuel C. Taylor was a classical composer.
*On this date we mark the birth of Samuel Coleridge Taylor in 1875.
January 28 1879
Music 		  An early jazz trumpet, Bunk Johnson
*On this date we remember the birth of Bunk Johnson in 1879.
June 21 1879
Music 		  An excellent lyricist, Henry Creamer!
*Henry Creamer was born on this date in 1879.
October 12 1879
Music 		  Chris Smith, songwriter and performer!
*Chris Smith was born on this date in 1879.
August 10 1880
Music 		  Violinist par excellent, Clarence Cameron White!
*The birth of Clarence Cameron White in 1880 is marked on this date.
February 22 1881
Music 		  A unique composer/bandleader, James R. Europe.
*James R.
October 5 1881
Music 		  Tim Brymn, a 20th century jazz great.
*Tim Brymn was born on this date in 1881.
October 11 1882
Music 		  Classic composer, Robert N. Dett.
*On this date in 1882, Robert Dett was born.
February 7 1883
Music 		  Ragtime/showtune pianist Eubie Blake, an original
*On this date Eubie Blake was born in 1883.
May 26 1883
Music 		  Cincinnati's own, Mamie Smith!
*Mamie Smith was born on this date in 1883.
January 29 1885
Music 		  The life and times of bluesman Leadbelly
*On this date we mark the birth of LeadBelly in 1885.
May 11 1885
Music 		  King Oliver, a pioneer of Jazz!
King Oliver, an African-American musician, was born on this date in 1885 in Donaldsyille, LA.
April 26 1886
Music 		  Ma Rainey, pioneer who nurtured the Blues!
*On this date in 1886, Blues Entertainer Ma Rainey was born.
May 4 1886
Music 		  Lyricist extraordinaire, Shelton Brooks!
Shelton Brooks, a popular African-American music composer, was born on this date in 1886,in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada.
December 25 1886
Music 		  Kid Ory, "tailgate" trombonist & composer.
*On this date Kid Ory was born in 1886.
August 7 1887
Music 		  Luckey Roberts, a piano's best friend!
On this date Luckey Roberts was born in 1887.
September 19 1887
Music 		  Lovie Austin, gone but never forgotten!
*The birth of Lovie Austin was in 1887 is marked on this date.
November 22 1888
Music 		  The Louisiana Lady, Camille Nickerson!
*The birth of Camille Nickerson in 1888 is celebrated on this date.
July 10 1889
Music 		  A musical legend, Noble Sissle!
*Noble Sissle was born on this date in 1889.
January 14 1890
Music 		  The Blues are born from the African American liefstyle
*On this date we focus on Blues music in America.
October 20 1890
Music 		  Composer Jelly Roll Morton, "ragtime" great.
*Jelly Roll Morton was born on this date in 1890.
March 8 1892
Music 		  A Delta original, Mississippi John Hurt . . .
*Mississippi John Hurt was born on this date in 1892.
January 24 1893
Music 		  Elizabeth Cotten, a master guitarist!
*Elizabeth Cotten’s birth in late January 1893 is celebrated on this date.
June 26 1893
Music 		  Blues guitarist, Big Bill Broonzy . . .
*On this date we celebrate the birth of Big Bill Broonzy in 1893.
February 1 1894
Music 		  James P. Johnson, a stride piano style founder
*This date marks the birth of James Price Johnson in 1894.
April 15 1894
Music 		  Bessie Smith, "Blues Empress"
*This date marks the birthday of Bessie Smith in 1894.
August 14 1894
Music 		  The original "Bricktop," Ada Smith. . .
*Ada Smith was born on this date in 1894.
November 13 1894
Music 		  Pianist Bennie Moten, a Kansas City original
*On this date, Bennie Moten was born in 1894.
March 31 1895
Music 		  Blues with a touch of Creole, Lizzie Miles
*On this date in 1895, Lizzie Miles was born.
April 1 1895
Music 		  Blues singer of the twentieth century, Alberta Hunter
*On this date in 1895, Alberta Hunter was born in Memphis, Tenn.
April 23 1895
Music 		  Jimmie Noone, a polished player of jazz!
*This date marks the birth of Jimmie Noone in 1895.
June 22 1895
Music 		  St. Louis Woman, Eva Taylor!
*Eva Taylor was born on this date in 1895.
November 20 1895
Music 		  Sallie Martin was great for the business of gospel.
*Sallie Martin was born on this date in 1895.
December 15 1895
Music 		  Andy Razaf wrote classic American lyrics.
*On this date in 1895, Andy Razaf was born.
February 25 1896
Music 		  Ida Cox, Blues woman of the times
*On this date in 1896, Ida Cox was born.
September 2 1896
Music 		  Edith Wilson, a blues singer who crossed over!
*Edith Wilson was born on this date in 1896.
April 1 1897
Music 		  Lucille Bogen sang it like it was
*On this date in 1897, Lucille Bogen was born.
May 14 1897
Music 		  Sidney Bechet played and taught jazz. .
*Sidney Bechet was born on this date in 1897.
June 3 1897
Music 		  Memphis Minnie, a great blues singer!
*Memphis Minnie was born on this date in 1897.
July 22 1897
Music 		  Blind Lemon Jefferson, an originator of the blues. .
*This date celebrates the birth of Blind Lemon Jefferson in 1897.
November 25 1897
Music 		  From Shul to Parish, Willie "the Lion" Smith had much to say.
*On this date in 1897, “Willie the Lion” Smith was born in Goshen, New York.
November 29 1897
Music 		  Lucille Hegamin, a Georgia Blues singer.
*Lucille Hegamin was born on this date in 1897.
December 18 1897
Music 		  Fletcher Henderson, a jazz contributor.
*On this date in 1897 Fletcher Henderson was born.
February 3 1898
Music 		  "Lil" Hardin, a complete entertainment package
*Lillian "Lil" Hardin was born this date in 1898.
February 20 1898
Music 		  Mr. Boogie Woogie, James Yancey!
*James Yancey was born on this date in 1898.
May 14 1898
Music 		  Zutty Singleton, a specialist on drums. .
*On this date in 1898, Zutty Singleton was born.
May 28 1898
Music 		  Andy Kirk, a Rocky Mountain. Bandleader!
*Andy Kirk was born on this date in 1898.
October 8 1898
Music 		  Clarence Williams influence jazz and blues!
*Clarence Williams was born on this date in 1898.
November 1 1898
Music 		  The Texas Nightingale, Sippie Wallace!
*On this date in 1898, Sippie Wallace was born in Houston, Texas.
December 24 1898
Music 		  Baby Dodds jazz drummer original.
*On this date we mark the birth of “Baby” Dodds, born in 1898.
April 29 1899
Music 		  Jazz legend Duke Ellington, one of the greatest!
*On this date in 1899, Duke Ellington was born.
June 14 1899
Music 		  Thomas Dorsey, a premire gospel composer!
*Thomas Dorsey was born on this date in 1899.
July 12 1899
Music 		  Roy Butler, a steady jazz saxophonist. .
*Roy Butler was born on this date in 1899.
September 26 1899
Music 		  William Dawson, an Alabama musician!
*William Levi Dawson was born on this date in 1899.
December 14 1899
Music 		  Deford Bailey, Grand Ole Opry Icon!
*Deford Bailey was born on this date in 1899.
February 3 1900
Music 		  A cabaret original, Mabel Mercer
*Mabel Mercer was born on this date in 1900.
February 15 1901
Music 		  Kokomo Arnold, Georgia bluesman!
*Kokomo Arnold was born on this date in 1901.
June 15 1901
Music 		  Excellent composer, John Westley Work!
*On this date in 1901 John Wesley Work III was born.
August 4 1901
Music 		  Louis Armstrong, African America's gift to the world. .
*This date marks the birth of Louis Armstrong.
November 16 1901
Music 		  The Godfather of Rock & Roll, Jesse Stone!
*Jesse Stone was born on this date in 1901.
February 9 1902
Music 		  Blanche Calloway, bandleader and much more
*Blanche Calloway was born on this date in 1902.
March 21 1902
Music 		  A major blues player from the Delta, Son House
*On this date in 1902, Son House was born.
June 6 1902
Music 		  Band leader Jimmie Lunceford was an original . . .
*This date in 1902 marks the birth of Jimmie Lunceford.
August 26 1902
Music 		  Jimmy Rushing, Mister "Five by Five".
*On this date we mark the birth of Jimmy Rushing in 1902.
August 27 1902
Music 		  Mary " Diamond Teeth" McClain, an original!
*Mary Smith McClain was born on this date in 1902.
October 31 1902
Music 		  Julia Lee, a Kansas City original!
*Julia Lee was born on this date in 1902.
December 6 1902
Music 		  Blind Willie Johnson, gospel singer with power.
*On this in 1902, date we remember the birth of Blind Willie Johnson.
December 28 1903
Music 		  Earl Hines, "Fatha" of jazz piano!
*This date is the birthday of Earl "Fatha" Hines born in 1903.
May 21 1904
Music 		  Fats Waller, a talented yet misunderstood Icon
*Fats Waller was born on this date in 1904.
June 23 1904
Music 		  Willie Mae Smith, a gospel and secular voice . . .
*On this date in 1904, Willie Mae Ford Smith was born.
August 21 1904
Music 		  The "Chief'" pianist and band leader Count Basie.
*It was on this date in 1904, that Count Basie was born.
November 21 1904
Music 		  Coleman Hawkins, a jazz tenor legend.
*Coleman Hawkins was born on this date in 1904.
November 27 1904
Music 		  Eddie South, violinist of jazz!
*On this date in 1904 Eddie South was born.
January 11 1905
Music 		  Mr. Boogie Woogie, "Pine Top" Smith!
*Pine Top Smith was born on this date in 1904.
January 13 1905
Music 		  The Voice of Ellington, Ivie Anderson. .
*On this date we celebrate the birth of Ivie Anderson in 1905.
March 31 1905
Music 		  Big Maceo, heavy-handed piano, great voice
*On this date we recall the birth of Big Maceo in 1905.
June 2 1905
Music 		  Valaida Snow, a total entertainer!
*Valaida Snow was born on this date in 1905.
June 13 1905
Music 		  A trumpeter of excellence, Doc Cheatham. .
*On this date in 1905, Doc Cheatham was born.
September 3 1905
Music 		  Meade Lux Lewis, true Boogie Woogie piano.
*On this date in 1905, Meade Lux Lewis was born.
January 31 1906
Music 		  Roosevelt Sykes could play those 88's
*On this date in 1906, Roosevelt Sykes was born.
April 18 1906
Music 		  Lil Brother, a blues singer from the delta!
*Little Brother” Montgomery was born on this date in 1906.
June 20 1906
Music 		  Bob Howard entertained through all media. .
*Bob Howard was born on this date in 1906.
August 19 1906
Music 		  Eddie Durham, a foundation in Jazz. . .
*Eddie Durham was born on this date in 1906.
October 15 1906
Music 		  She could do it all, Victoria Spivey.
*On this date in 1906, Victoria Spivey was born.
February 12 1907
Music 		  Roberta Martin, gospels true voice!
*Roberta Martin was born on this date in 1907.
July 25 1907
Music 		  Ellington's best saxophonist, Johnny Hodges!
*Johnny Hodges was born on this date in 1907.
August 5 1907
Music 		  A Woman with serious swing, Ernestine Davis!
*Ernestine "Tiny" Davis was born this date in 1907.
August 8 1907
Music 		  Benny Carter, a player and "teacher" of jazz!
*On this date in 1907, Benny Carter was born.
December 25 1907
Music 		  Cab Calloway, vocalist & bandleader.
*This date marks the birth of “Cab" Calloway who was born on Christmas day in 1907.
January 7 1908
Music 		  One of Louisiana's finest, "Red" Allen!
*Red Allen was born on this date in 1908.
July 8 1908
Music 		  Louis Jordan, musician and showman!
*Louis Jordan was born on this date in 1908.
July 24 1908
Music 		  An innovator on Trumpet, Cootie Williams. .
*On this date we mark the birth of Cootie Williams in 1908.
October 6 1908
Music 		  Sammy Price, twentieth century jazz pianist.
*On this date in 1908, Sammy Price was born.
December 24 1908
Music 		  Jabbo Smith, the Trumpet never sounded better!
*Jabbo Smith was born on Christmas Eve in 1908.
December 31 1908
Music 		  Jonah Jones, a true Trumpeter!
*On this date in 1908, Jonah Jones was born.
February 10 1909
Music 		  "Chick" Webb, the drummer who led the band!
*On this date in 1909 “Chick” Webb was born.
March 27 1909
Music 		  Ben Webster played a sultry Sax...
*On this date in 1909, Ben Webster was born.
April 12 1909
Music 		  A true jazz institution, Lionel Hampton
*On this date in 1909, Lionel Hampton was born.
June 19 1909
Music 		  Joe Thomas, a consistent musician!
*Joe Thomas was born on this date in 1909.
August 14 1909
Music 		  Stuff Smith, one of the best at his craft!
*On this date in 1909, Stuff Smith was born.
August 27 1909
Music 		  The "Prez," Lester Young!
*On this date in 1909, African-American jazz saxophonist Lester Young was born.
October 13 1909
Music 		  Art Tatum, the Hercules of jazz pianist.
*Art Tatum was born on this date in 1909.
October 17 1909
Music 		  One of the best jazz drummers, "Cozy" Cole.
*On this date in 1909, Jazz drummer, William Randolph “Cozy” Cole was born in East Orange, New Jersey.
April 1 1910
Music 		  Harry Carney was a sideman with Duke
*On this date in 1910, Harry Carney was born.
May 8 1910
Music 		  Mary Lou Williams played piano with spiritual style.
This date in 1910 marks the birth of Mary Lou Williams, an African American jazz composer, arranger, and pianist.
June 10 1910
Music 		  Howlin Wolf, a symbol of urban blues. .
*This date marks the birth of Howlin' Wolf in 1910.
December 17 1910
Music 		  Sy Oliver, jazz legend of the 30's and 40's.
*Sy Oliver was born on this date in 1910.
January 4 1911
Music 		  Slim Gaillard entertained with variety.
*Slim Gaillard, was born on this date in 1911.
January 25 1911
Music 		  Truck Parham, one of Chicago's finest!
*Truck Parham was born on this date in 1911.
January 30 1911
Music 		  Roy Eldridge played more than just Bebop
*On this date Roy Eldridge was born in 1911.
May 8 1911
Music 		  Bluesman of myth and reality, Robert Johnson. .
On this date in 1911, Robert Johnson was born.
May 18 1911
Music 		  Big Joe Turner, a powerful blues voice. .
*On this date, we celebrate the birth of Big Joe Turner in 1911.
October 24 1911
Music 		  Bluesman Sonny Terry played with insightful feeling!
*This date marks the birth of Sonny Terry born in 1911.
November 12 1911
Music 		  One of the clearest of trumpets, Buck Clayton!
*On this date in 1911, Buck Clayton was born.
March 15 1912
Music 		  The best of Texas blues, Lightnin Hopkins
*On this date, in 1912, we remember the birth of Lightnin Hopkins.
October 21 1912
Music 		  Don Byas, ubiquitous player of the forties!
*On this date in 1912, Don Byas was born in Oklahoma.
November 24 1912
Music 		  Teddy Wilson, jazz pianist of swing-era.
*This date marks the birth of Teddy Wilson in 1912.
March 31 1913
Music 		  Etta Baker, the original is still the greatest. . .
*Etta Baker was born on this date in 1913.
June 23 1913
Music 		  Helen Humes, a voice with style . . .
*On this date in 1913, Helen Humes was born.
July 5 1913
Music 		  Smiley Lewis, an R&B music pioneer!
*Smiley Lewis was born on this date in 1913.
January 9 1914
Music 		  Bebop's first drummer, Kenny Clark
*Kenny Clark was born on this date in 1914.
July 8 1914
Music 		  Billy Eckstine, a voice of distinction!
*This date marks the day Billy Eckstine was born in 1914.
October 10 1914
Music 		  A bright star from Texas, Ivory Joe Hunter.
*On this date in 1914, Ivory Joe Hunter was born.
December 28 1914
Music 		  "Pops" Staples sang with his family!
*On this date "Pops" Staples born in 1914.
January 10 1915
Music 		  Dean Dixon, a world renowned conductor. . .
*Dean Dixon’s birth is marked on this date in 1915.
February 11 1915
Music 		  A master of Folk/Blues, Josh White
*Josh White was born on this date in 1915.
March 20 1915
Music 		  Gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe had a spiritual show!
*Sister Rosetta Tharpe was born on this date in 1915.
April 4 1915
Music 		  Muddy Waters, magnolia state blues legend
*This date marks the birth of Muddy Waters in 1915.
April 7 1915
Music 		  Billie Holiday, "One of a kind" jazz/blues singer
*Billie Holiday was born on this date in 1915.
April 26 1915
Music 		  Johnny Shines, Tennessee bluesman. .
*Johnny Shines was born on this date in 1915.
July 1 1915
Music 		  Blues legend Willie Dixon influenced R&R. .
*Willie Dixon was born on this date in 1915.
July 21 1915
Music 		  Floyd McDaniel, a Chicago bluesman!
*On this date in 1915, Floyd McDaniel was born.
August 16 1915
Music 		  A unique voice, Al Hibbler!
*Albert George Hibbler was born on this date 1915.
October 10 1915
Music 		  Harry "Sweets" Edison, Jazz trumpeter!
*Harry Edison was born on this date in 1915.
November 29 1915
Music 		  Billy Strayhorn, the composer with a style all his own!
*On this date in 1915, Billy Strayhorn was born.
November 30 1915
Music 		  Bluesman Brownie McGhee, Tennessee' own!
*On this date, Brownie McGhee was born in 1915.
December 26 1915
Music 		  Pianist and singer, Una Mae Carlisle.
*On this date in 1915, Una Mae Carlisle was born.
January 12 1916
Music 		  Jay McShann, one of Kansas Cities finest. . .
*This date marks the birth of Jay McShann in 1916.
July 29 1916
Music 		  Charlie Christian, the father of jazz guitar. .
On this date in 1916, Charlie Christian was boron.
October 21 1916
Music 		  An entertainment pioneer, Hadda Brooks!
*Hadda Brooks was born on this date in 1916.
February 21 1917
Music 		  Tadd Dameron, jazz pianist who influenced many!
*Tadd Dameron was born on this date in 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio.
March 26 1917
Music 		  A Funky, Funky player, Rufus Thomas. . .
*On this date Rufus Thomas was born in 1917.
October 10 1917
Music 		  Thelonious Monk, the essence of jazz!
*Thelonious Sphere Monk was born on this date in 1917.
October 21 1917
Music 		  The heart of jazz, Dizzy Gillespie.
*On this date, Dizzy Gillespie was born in 1917.
December 18 1917
Music 		  Houston's own, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson!
*Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson was born on this date in 1917.
January 27 1918
Music 		  The main source of the electric guitar, Elmore James
*Elmore James was born on this date in 1918.
April 16 1918
Music 		  Carol Brice, one of Oklahoma's finest!
*Carol Brice was born on this date 1918.
April 25 1918
Music 		  Ella Fitzgearld, "The Fist Lady of Song".
*This date in 1918 marks the birth of Ella Fitzgerald.
August 3 1918
Music 		  Eddie Jefferson sang early "vocalese". .
*On this date in 1918 Eddie Jefferson was born.
August 10 1918
Music 		  Houston's own, saxophonist Arnett Cobb!
*On this date in 1918, Arnett Cobb was born.
September 4 1918
Music 		  One of California's finest, Gerald Wilson!
*Gerald Wilson was born on this date in 1918.
December 19 1918
Music 		  A New Orleans original, Professor Longhair.
*Professor Longhair was born this date 1918.
March 14 1919
Music 		  An orchestra's best friend, Luther Henderson!
*The birth of Luther Henderson in 1919 is celebrated on this date.
March 17 1919
Music 		  One of the best voices ever, Nat King Cole.
*This date remembers Nat King Cole, born in 1919.
October 11 1919
Music 		  Art Blakey was a renown jazz player!
*Art Blakey was born on this date in 1919.
April 8 1920
Music 		  Jazz singer Carmen McRae sang with passion
*Carmen McRae was born on this date in 1920.
May 3 1920
Music 		  John Lewis, MJQ's source point!
*John Lewis was born on this date in 1920.
August 17 1920
Music 		  John Lee Hooker, Boogie with the Blues . . .
*On this date in 1917, John Lee Hooker was born.
August 29 1920
Music 		  Saxophonist Charlie Parker, founder of Bebop!
*On this date in 1920, Charlie Parker was born.
October 10 1920
Music 		  Yusef Lateef, a special woodwind player!
*On this date in 1920, Yusef Lateef was born.
September 16 1921
Music