In New Orleans, vocalist Johnny Adams—arguably the city’s most prolific recording artist—was referred to as “The Tan Canary,” “The Songbird of the South” and “The Creole Nightingale.” He was absolutely a singer’s singer.

BORN: January 5, 1932. New Orleans, Louisiana.

DIED:September 14, 1998. New Orleans, Louisiana.

In New Orleans, vocalist Johnny Adams—arguably the city’s most prolific recording artist—was referred to as...