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: Oliver "Squirky Man" Hunter, Jr.

Fri, 03/08/24
WWOZ is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Oliver "Squirky Man" Hunter, Jr. For many years, Oliver was very active in the culture of New Orleans, with the Tambourine and Fan organization and Sudan Social Aid & Pleasure Club, and serving as a Grand Marshal for many ... Read more

In Memoriam: Kerry "Fatman" Hunter

Thu, 02/15/24
New Orleans drummer Kerry "Fatman" Hunter has died, at the age of 53.  Hunter was hit by a drunk driver while walking near the corner of Claiborne and Elysian Fields around midnight on Mardi Gras Day.  Hunter was a prolific musician. As a member of the New Orleans Nightcraw... Read more

In Memoriam: Russell Batiste, Jr.

Mon, 10/02/23
Drummer Russell Batiste, Jr. has died of a heart attack at the age of 57. Russell grew up in one of New Orleans’ most famous musical families, performing from the age of seven with his father David Batiste, Sr. and his brother Damon Batiste. He went on to earn fame as a dru... Read more

In Memoriam: Baylor “Bemmie” Banis

Sun, 08/13/23
The WWOZ family was greatly saddened to learn of the untimely passing this past April of one of our own, Baylor “Bemmie” Banis. A graduate of NOCCA, Bemmie blazed into our world in 2014 while still in high school when they knocked on the door of the OZ sound truck at French... Read more

In Memoriam: Miriam Batiste Reed

Fri, 06/23/23
The Baby Dolls of New Orleans were out in full force last Saturday to celebrate the life of Baby Doll Miriam Batiste Reed, who died on June 3, 2023, at the age of 97. She was an important bridge between generations for New Orleans Mardi Gras culture and was "the link betwee... Read more

In Memoriam: Tulio Murillo

Fri, 06/09/23
Tulio R. Murillo, Jr., a longtime member of WWOZ's Board of Directors, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, as a result of a sudden brain hemorrhage. He was 50 years old. Tulio is survived by his devoted wife, Shawn McLaughlin, and their beautiful daughter, Brinn; his parents whom he... Read more

In Memoriam: Chris Strachwitz

Sat, 05/06/23
Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz died Friday, May 5 at his Marin County assisted care living facility from complications with congestive heart failure, the Arhoolie Foundation announced today. He was 91 years old. German-born Strachwitz went from an enthusiastic am... Read more

In Memoriam: Kidd Jordan

Fri, 04/07/23
Legendary avant-garde saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan died on April 7, 2023 at the age of 87. Jordan was a highly accomplished and committed improv performer and educator. Throughout his career, he collaborated with an impressive array of musicians, including Alvin Batist... Read more

In Memoriam: Huey "Piano" Smith

Tue, 02/14/23
Huey "Piano" Smith, one of the hitmakers of early rock'n'roll and major contributor to the infectious New Orleans R&B sound, died February 13, 2023 in Baton Rouge. His oldest daughter, Acquelyn Donsereaux, confirmed his death and good spirits till the end to Smith's biograp... Read more

Barbara Lacen Keller Jazz Funeral

Wed, 01/25/23
START New Home Ministries (1616 Robert C. Blakes, Sr. Drive 70130). Line up location is on Terpsichore Street up to Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. LEFT on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd up to Felicity Street. LEFT on Felicity Street up to Baronne Street. RIGHT turn on Baronne Street u... Read more

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