DECEMBER 17

1922: Birth of Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana born in New Orleans.

1937: Happy Birthday to Art Neville born in New Orleans.

1939: Birth of pianist James Booker born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans.

1966: Aaron Neville enters the Top 40 with “Tell It Like It Is,” which peaked at No. 2. It topped the R&B chart for 5 weeks.

1975: Birth of Lil’ Rascals Brass Band bass drummer Terrence Andrews born in New Orleans.

1989: Vocalist Little Sonny Jones passes away in New Orleans.