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: Bernard “Bunchy” Johnson

Sun, 03/21/10
Authored by Mike Kobrin
We are sad to report that drummer Bernard "Bunchy" Johnson passed away on Sunday, March 21. A native of both the Uptown and Treme neighborhoods of New Orleans, Bunchy Johnson had plenty of childhood experience second-lining with Mardi Gras Indians and brass bands. While s... Read more

In Memoriam: Marva Wright, Blues Queen of New Orleans

Tue, 03/23/10
Authored by Mike Kobrin
On March 23, Marva Wright, the Blues Queen of New Orleans, suffered a stroke and passed away. Our sincerest condolences go out to her loved ones. She will be deeply missed by blues lovers all around the world, and by her friends and supporters here at 'OZ. There will be a wake... Read more

In Memoriam: 2009

Wed, 01/06/10
During 2009 we lost some amazing musicians and friends, including Snooks Eaglin, Eddie Bo, and Antoinette K-Doe, who've contributed richness to the musical tapestry of New Orleans and the world. Join us in remembering their songs and their spirits, and add your own tributes to... Read more

Juanita Brooks: 1954-2009

Wed, 09/16/09
Authored by Mike Kobrin
The sassy vocalist and talented actress Juanita Brooks passed away Thursday, September 10, at the age of 55. She was a dear friend to WWOZ and delighted moved audiences with her singing and acting, performing alongside greats like Eddie Bo, Bob French, and Germaine Bazzle, as ... Read more

In Memoriam: Guitar Legend Les Paul

Thu, 08/20/09
Authored by Mike Kobrin
Guitarist, entertainer, inventor, and recording pioneer Les Paul passed away on August 13 at the age of 94. His musical career spanned an astonishing eight decades, and the guitar he designed with Gibson is one of the most recognizable in the world. We collected some of our fa... Read more

In Memoriam: St. Aug Band Director Edwin Hampton

Mon, 07/27/09
Authored by Mike Kobrin
St. Augustine High School's legendary "Marching 100" is mourning the loss of its esteemed founder and long-time band master, Edwin Hampton, who passed away peacefully on July 21. He was 81 years old. Arriving at the school in 1952, Mr. Hampton immediately set about startin... Read more

The Music World Mourns Two More

Thu, 06/11/09
Authored by Mike Kobrin
On June 3, 2009, the music world lost two bright stars, saxophonist Sam Butera (81) and singer Koko Taylor (80). Sam Butera was born and raised in New Orleans, where his father, Joe, operated Poor Boy's Grocery and Meat Market. He got his professional music career started... Read more

Eddie Bo: 1929-2009

Fri, 03/20/09
We are saddened by the passing of pianist Eddie Bo, one of New Orleans' greatest performers, on Wednesday, March 18, at the age of 79. He fused jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and blues seasoned with New Orleans flavor to create hits like "Hook & Sling" and "Check Your Bucket." Our hea... Read more

Street Talk Goes to Snooks Eaglin's Jazz Funeral

Sun, 03/15/09
Authored by Gianluca Tramontana
On February 27, 2009, the Howling Wolf held a viewing followed by a funeral service for Snooks Eaglin. Friends, family and members of the musical community gathered to salute the artist formerly known as Blind Guitar Ferd, Ford Eaglin, Baby Snooks or Li’l Snook but forever kno... Read more

Antoinette K-Doe, 1943-2009

Thu, 02/26/09
Authored by Mike Kobrin
Antoinette K-Doe, widow of R&B singer Ernie K-Doe, passed early Mardi Gras morning at the age of 66. "Miss Antoinette" ran the Mother-In-Law Lounge after her husband's death and was dedicated to rebuilding New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Read more

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