‘Yankee Doodle Boy’ George M. Cohan was born this day in 1878 (d. 1942). Here’s Jimmy Cagney performing some of his most famous compositions from the 1942 Cohan biopic, Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Delta blues legend Mississippi John Hurt was born today in 1893 (d. 1966). His influence on blues, country, and rock musicians is immeasurable. Some samples of his guitar work and vocals:
New Orleans jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain wailed his first lick today in 1930. Although primarily known for Dixieland, Fountain spanned many styles in his playing.
Soul sister Fontella Bass came into this world today in 1940. Here’s her biggest hit, 1965’s Rescue Me: