Birthday Celebrations — August 19

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 19 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Johnny Nash

Full name: John Lester Nash Jr.

Born August 19, 1940 — died October 6, 2020

Singer, songwriter, actor, and early American popularizer of reggae.

Nash became one of the first non-Jamaican singers to bring reggae to a large American audience. His recording “I Can See Clearly Now” became an international standard, while his work with Jamaican musicians helped connect Caribbean music with U.S. pop and soul.

Charles F. Bolden Jr.

Full name: Charles Frank Bolden Jr.

Born August 19, 1946

Astronaut, retired Marine Corps major general, and former NASA administrator.

Bolden flew four Space Shuttle missions before becoming the first Black permanent administrator of NASA. His career joined military leadership, scientific exploration, education advocacy, and expanded representation in the American space program.

Ivan Neville

Born August 19, 1959

Singer, keyboardist, songwriter, producer, and leader of Dumpstaphunk.

Neville extended one of New Orleans music’s great family legacies through work with the Neville Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, and his own band Dumpstaphunk. His music carries forward the city’s deep connections among funk, R&B, rock, soul, and Mardi Gras tradition.

Nate Dogg

Birth name: Nathaniel Dwayne Hale

Born August 19, 1969 — died March 15, 2011

Singer, rapper, songwriter, and defining voice of West Coast G-funk.

Nate Dogg’s smooth baritone hooks became essential to the sound of 1990s and 2000s hip-hop. His collaborations with Warren G, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and many others gave melodic soul and instantly recognizable identity to dozens of rap records.

Paula Jai Parker

Born August 19, 1969

Actress, comedian, director, and voice performer.

Parker built a lively career across Black film, sitcoms, animation, and drama. From Friday and The Wayans Bros. to The Proud Family and Hustle & Flow, her comic energy and character work made her a durable presence in popular culture.

Fat Joe

Birth name: Joseph Antonio Cartagena

Born August 19, 1970

Rapper, songwriter, record executive, and Bronx hip-hop veteran.

Fat Joe emerged from the Diggin’ in the Crates crew and built a career spanning hardcore New York rap, major crossover hits, and artist mentorship. Through Terror Squad and his advocacy for Latino presence in hip-hop, he became an enduring bridge across communities and generations.

Tracie Thoms

Born August 19, 1975

Actress, singer, and stage, film, and television performer.

Thoms earned recognition through roles in Rent, Cold Case, Death Proof, and numerous stage productions. Her career demonstrates versatility across Broadway, musical performance, action, comedy, and dramatic television.

Romeo Miller

Full name: Percy Romeo Miller Jr.

Born August 19, 1989

Rapper, actor, entrepreneur, athlete, and television personality.

Miller became a major child star as Lil’ Romeo before expanding into acting, college athletics, business, and television. His career grew from the No Limit Records family legacy into a broader example of youth entertainment and entrepreneurship.