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: Gloria Powers

Fri, 02/10/12

Gloria Powers, a long time supporter of the art, music and culture of New Orleans, passed away on February 7th. She will be sorely missed by the New Orleans music community as we celebrate her favorite time of the year. Read more

Hoodoo Bluesman Coco Robicheaux Passes

Sat, 11/26/11

Apple Barrel regular and bluesman about town, Coco Robicheaux, passed on the Friday after Thanksgiving, on Frenchmen St., where he was a beloved regular musician and friend. Two jazz funerals/second lines are currently planned to honor Mr. Robicheaux. Read more

Legendary New Orleans arranger, Wardell Quezergue, dies

Wed, 09/07/11

Authored by: Maryse Dejean

Known for his arrangements for musicians like Dr. John, the Dixie Cups, Professor Longhair and more, Wardell Quezergue died Tuesday morning of congestive heart failure. Read Volunteer Coordinator Maryse Dejean's reminiscences of Wardell at WWOZ. Click through for information a... Read more

Mass & Jazz Funeral for Mickey "Slewfoot" McLaughlin

Thu, 04/21/11

On Wednesday April 27, a full funeral mass will be held at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, at 6:00 PM. Following the service, the community will step off in a Second Line tribute led by the famed Tremé Brass Band. Continue reading to learn more about the beloved Apple Barrel regu... Read more

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

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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