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 Marsalis | Art Neville | Dave Bartholomew | Dr. John

Fats Domino | Pete Fountain | Allen Toussaint

In Memoriam: Big Chief Thomas "Tom" Sparks, Sr.

Fri, 03/16/18

Big Chief Thomas "Tom" Sparks, Sr., of the Yellow Jackets, the oldest known living male Mardi Gras Indian, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family. Born in 1932, Tom reminisced about his earliest interactions with the Indians in a 2015 Offbeat Magazi... Read more

In Memoriam: Barbara Gillmor

Sat, 03/10/18

Barbara A. Gillmor passed away on March 3, 2018 at the age of 62. Barbara was a longtime New Orleans enthusiast who moved here in the 1960s. Upon arrival, she knew-- "NOLA Til Ya Die," as she often said. Barbara's flamboyant spirit and soul touched many. She was a dedicated... Read more

In Memoriam: Arthur "Mr. Okra" Robinson

Fri, 02/16/18

It is the end of an era in New Orleans as the last singing produce vendor, Mr. Okra, has passed away. Arthur Robinson was better known as Mr. Okra, a man who drove his produce-laden truck through the streets and sang his wares through a microphone/bullhorn system. The simpl... Read more

In Memoriam: Johnny Jackson, Jr.

Sat, 01/27/18

Community leader Johnny Jackson, Jr. passed away Wednesday, January 24 at the age of 74. Jackson was the head of WWOZ's Board of Directors during and following Hurricane Katrina. He also served on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation's Board from 1975-2013. Jackson ... Read more

Remembering those we lost in 2017

Sun, 12/31/17

The New Orleans music and cultural communities lost a number of talented and influential individuals in 2017. Here, we remember those who passed away in the last year. WWOZ's Dan Fitzgerald, d. Jan. 6, 2017 John Boudreaux, d. Jan. 14, 2017 Charlie Sims, d. Feb. 5, 2017 Arno... Read more

In Memoriam: Ara Porter

Sat, 12/02/17

Aralean Delores Hawkins Porter has passed away after a vibrant and loving lifetime on November 27, 2017 at the age of 71. Ara was George Porter, Jr.'s partner of more than 50 years and wife of 33 years, as well as friend and auntie to many. She was also a mother, grandmothe... Read more

In Memoriam: Wendell Eugene

Fri, 11/10/17

Wendell Eugene passed away on Tuesday, November 7, at the age of 94. Mr. Eugene was one of the most well-respected and longest-serving trombonists in the traditional jazz community in New Orleans. Eugene was born in New Orleans in 1923 and served in the Navy during World W... Read more

In Memoriam: Fats Domino

Wed, 10/25/17

Antoine “Fats” Domino, Jr., a decades-long New Orleans cultural torchbearer and accomplished pianist and singer-songwriter, has passed away at the age of 89. Fats Domino is one of the most recognizable figures of 20th century music. His unique style contributed to the evol... Read more

In Memoriam: Lissa Driscoll

Fri, 09/15/17

Remembering a one-of-a-kind woman this morning-- rest in peace, Lissa Driscoll. Lissa was a longtime performer at various spots throughout the French Quarter and befriended and influenced many musicians in New Orleans. She first came to New Orleans to see her heroine, Blu... Read more

In Memoriam: Dolores Marsalis

Mon, 07/31/17

We're sad to mark the passing of Dolores Marsalis, matriarch of one of the world's great musical families, who died earlier this month of cancer at the age of 80. She was married to legendary New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, and together they had six sons: Branford,... Read more

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In Memoriam

Charles "Action" Jackson | George Wein

Ellis Marsalis | Art Neville | Dave Bartholomew | Dr. John

Fats Domino | Pete Fountain | Allen Toussaint