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: 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

In Memoriam: Barbara Lacen Keller

Mon, 01/16/23

New Orleans culture bearer and activist Barbara Lacen Keller has died at the age of 76. She had been a valued member of the Board of Directors of WWOZ since 2021; and of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, where she was elected to the Advisory Council in 2016, and o... Read more

In Memoriam: Walter "Wolfman" Washington

Fri, 12/23/22

Walter "Wolfman" Washington has died of cancer at the age of 79. Well-known for his trademark howl and his performances with his band, The Roadmasters, Wolfman combined blues, R&B, funk, and soul on stages throughout the New Orleans for decades. Washington got his start wi... Read more

All Saints Day on WWOZ

Tue, 11/01/22

Authored by: Carrie Booher

Today is All Saints Day (November 1). Some people call it the Feast of All Saints, Le Toussaint, or the Day of the Dead. The origins are religious and there are a lot of different cultural traditions associated with All Saints, especially in New Orleans. But in all of them,... Read more

Video: Marty Sammon at WWOZ Piano Night 2016

Tue, 10/18/22

Chicago blues pianist Marty Sammon passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45 last week, his sudden death happening just one day after he celebrated his birthday. Marty appeared for WWOZ numerous times in recent years. He joined us on the air during the New Orleans Music Sh... Read more

In Memoriam: Bernard Pearce

Wed, 05/18/22

Friends came out to honor the beloved musician, producer, artist and writer Bernard Pearce on Sunday, May 15. Read more

In Memoriam: Grandpa Elliot Small

Thu, 04/21/22

Scenes from Grandpa Elliott Small’s funeral and memorial second line yesterday, captured by WWOZ photographer MJ Mastrogiovanni. Grandpa Elliott was a New Orleans musician and French Quarter busking mainstay, a well-known figure to both locals and tourists. WWOZ sends our b... Read more

Video: Kevin O'Day & Live Animals at WWOZ, Nov. 2014

Wed, 03/09/22

New Orleans drummer Kevin O'Day has passed. Kevin was a well-known figure in the New Orleans music scene for decades and he performed with many groups including The Single Atom Theory, Kevin O'Day & Live Animals, and Midnite Disturbers. He also owned KODSquared Entertainmen... 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