In Memoriam

We've lost some of our most beloved musicians and other friends who've shared and contributed richness to the musical tapestry of New Orleans and the world. Please join us in remembering their songs and their spirits. Use the "Comments" section below to add your own tributes to anyone we've missed.

  Charles "Action" Jackson | George Wein

  Ellis MarsalisArt Neville | Dave Bartholomew | Dr. John

Fats Domino | Pete Fountain | Allen Toussaint 
 

 

In Memoriam: "Jelly Roll Justice" David Averbuck

Tue, 12/17/19
Longtime WWOZ show host "Jelly Roll Justice" David Averbuck passed on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at his home in California, after a long illness. He was 76. David and his wife, Patti, came to their first Jazz Fest in 1990, and instantly fell in love with New Orleans. They ... Read more

In Memoriam: Paul Barrere

Mon, 10/28/19
Guitarist, bassist, and vocalist Paul Barrere died on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the age 71. Paul was best known for his work with Little Feat. The band formed in 1969 but Paul did not join until 1972. In 1973, the group released Dixie Chicken. Little Feat's work through... Read more

In Memoriam: Donn Peabody

Sun, 10/20/19
  WWOZ volunteers and staff are saddened by the news of Donn Peabody’s passing on October 19. Donn joined WWOZ as a volunteer in June 2015. We immediately put him to work during special events and used his mellifluous voice on the airwaves. When we complimented Donn on hi... Read more

In Memoriam: Michael Kopacz

Fri, 10/18/19
Michael Dugué Kopacz passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019. He played an important role in the history of WWOZ, devising our call letters (Wonderful Wizard of OZ -- pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!) before we first went on the air in 1980. Known as "the Wi... Read more

In Memoriam: Leigh "Little Queenie" Harris

Sun, 09/22/19
Leigh "Little Queenie" Harris, lead singer of Lil Queenie & the Percolators, passed away on September 21, 2019, at the age of 65, after a battle with cancer. She was in hospice care in North Carolina. For decades, Harris was revered by her peers and fans, alike, for her voc... Read more

In Memoriam: Art Neville

Mon, 07/22/19
Vocalist and keyboardist Art "Poppa Funk" Neville passed away on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the age of 81. Art was a founding member of funk legends The Meters and The Neville Brothers and was instrumental in shaping the New Orleans funk sound.  Born December 17, 1937 at Cha... Read more

In Memoriam: Jeff Duperon

Tue, 06/25/19
Former WWOZ show host Jeff Duperon has passed away at the age of 66. Jeff began volunteering with WWOZ in 1985. He eventually worked his way into subbing on jazz shows and then become a host on the Friday afternoon Jazz From The Park show.  Jeff was always been interested... Read more

In Memoriam: Kichea S. Burt

Tue, 06/25/19
WWOZ is mourning the loss of Kichea S. Burt, a New Orleans photographer who contributed to WWOZ for years. Her work for us at the station, Jazz Fest, Piano Night, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest, Mardi Gras, masking and parading traditions, and other various sites and events... Read more

Photos: Dr. John Memorial Second Line

Sun, 06/23/19
Photos from the second line for Dr. John, from the Orpheum Theater (following the conclusion of his memorial celebration) as captured by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee on June 22, 2019. Read more

In Memoriam: Dave Bartholomew

Sun, 06/23/19
Famed New Orleans producer, composer, arranger, and musician Dave Bartholomew has passed away on June 23, 2019 at the age of 100. Bartholomew is best known for his string of hits with Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Earl King, Shirley & Lee, James “Sugar Boy” Crawford, Robert Pa... Read more

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