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: Clarence "Frogman" Henry

Mon, 04/08/24

New Orleans R&B singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry has died at the age of 87. His famous voice of a croaking "lonely frog" propelled him to fame with the 1956 hit single 'Ain't Got No Home.' His chameleon-like vocal abilities lent themselves well to the song which he could be ... Read more

In Memoriam: John Sinclair

Tue, 04/02/24

Legendary counterculture figure John Sinclair died today at the age of 82. In addition to his many accomplishments listed elsewhere, he was a major fixture at WWOZ for many years. From his arrival in New Orleans in 1992 to his departure for Amsterdam in 2003, he was activ... Read more

In Memoriam: Valerie "The Problem Child" Kacprzak

Sun, 03/31/24

We are heartbroken to share the news that longtime WWOZ host "The Problem Child" Valerie Kacprzak died on Saturday morning, March 30. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family. Arrangements will be private. On behalf of the entire WWOZ family, our thoughts and best w... Read more

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

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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