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: 2010

Mon, 03/28/11

WWOZ honors the fallen heroes of New Orleans music who passed away in 2010, including Herman Leonard, Brandon Franklin, Albert "June" Gardner, Walter Payton, and many more that are sorely missed. During their lives, they made New Orleans and jazz music better for their dedicat... Read more

Willie "Pinetop" Perkins

Mon, 03/28/11

Authored by: Danielle Small

Willie "Pinetop" Perkins passed away in his sleep at the age of 97 at his home in Austin, Texas. Willie Perkins born in 1913 on a cotton plantation outside of Belzoni, Mississippi left home at an early age and supported himself by playing guitar in juke joints. Playing with th... Read more

In Memoriam: Albert "June" Gardner

Fri, 11/19/10

Authored by: Jennifer R. Leslie

On November 19th, Albert "Gentleman June" Gardner passed away. Known by his friends and onstage as June Gardner, he was one of a small group of band leaders that lead from the back, behind the drums, or the "boom boom" as he would call them. The memorial service will be held o... Read more

Jazz Singer Abbey Lincoln: 1930-2010

Tue, 08/17/10

Authored by: Mike Kobrin

Jazz singer, actress, and civil rights activist Abbey Lincoln passed away on August 14 at the age of 80. Her singing career spanned several decades, and although her vocal style was influenced by Billie Holiday, she often gravitated towards modern music — including her own mat... Read more

In Memoriam: Herman Leonard

Mon, 08/16/10

Authored by: Mike Kobrin

Herman Leonard, whose iconic photos of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Dexter Gordon and many more helped define the world's view of this American art form, passed away on August 14. The former New Orleans resident lost his print archive after Hurricane Katrina, but the negat... Read more

In Memoriam: Lena Horne

Sun, 05/09/10

Authored by: Zachary Young

Lena Horne, a singer and actress who became one of the most popular entertainers of the last century, died May 9 at age 92. Horne’s musical career continued into the late ‘90s. One of her final recordings was a duet with Frank Sinatra on the song “Embraceable You.” Thousands a... Read more

In Memoriam: Hank Jones

Sun, 05/16/10

Authored by: Zachary Young

Hank Jones, a pianist, composer and bandleader with one of the most storied careers in the music world, died on May 16, 2010, at age 91. The list of musicians with whom he collaborated reads like a history of jazz: swing icons like Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, beboppers like ... Read more

In Memoriam: Brandon Franklin

Wed, 05/12/10

Authored by: Mike Kobrin

Brandon Franklin, saxophonist with TBC Brass Band and assistant band director at O. Perry Walker High School, was murdered on May 9 at the age of 22. There will be a Peace Walk in his memory on Wednesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Hollygrove neighborhood. Read more

In Memoriam: Alex Chilton

Wed, 03/17/10

Authored by: Mike Kobrin

Songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer Alex Chilton (b. 1950) passed away on March 17, 2010, here in New Orleans. He was scheduled to play with the latest version of Big Star at this year's South By Southwest festival in Austin, TX. The show was replaced with an all-sta... Read more

In Memoriam: Rockie Charles

Fri, 03/12/10

Authored by: Mike Kobrin

Rockie Charles, known as "The President of Soul" thanks to his early 1970's hit of the same name, passed away on March 12 at the age of 67. The Louisiana native backed up Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, and others, and recorded gems like "Show My People Around The Curve". After de... Read more

first
previous
…
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
next
last

Sign up now

Listen Now

In Memoriam

Charles "Action" Jackson | George Wein

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

Fats Domino | Pete Fountain | Allen Toussaint