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: Tony Allen

Sun, 05/03/20

Authored by: Logan

On Thursday April 30, human music suffered a loss that was felt around the world. Tony Allen, the source of afrobeat rhythm, passed away at his home in Paris. Tony grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and spent his years as a young man immersed in a thriving live music scene. Having... Read more

In Memoriam: Jesse Hathorne

Sun, 05/03/20

WWOZ has lost one of our own to COVID-19. Jesse Hathorne, known on the airwaves as The Midnight Creeper, The Creeper, or Brother Jess, depending on which show he was hosting, died Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the age of 71. Most recently, he held the Thursday 2-4 pm slot with ... Read more

In Memoriam: Big Al Carson

Sun, 04/26/20

Blues singer Alton “Big Al” Carson has passed away at the age of 66. A native New Orleanian, Carson played tuba with multiple jazz and brass bands in New Orleans, including Doc Paulin’s, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Dejean’s Brass Band, Teddy Riley’s Royal Brass Band, Lars Ede... Read more

In Memoriam: Counsel Chief Joe Jenkins

Thu, 04/16/20

Joe Jenkins, Counsel Chief of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society, became an ancestor today, at the age of 90. His passing was announced by Maroon Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians. It was not COVID-related. Chief Joe was one of the oldest living Mardi ... Read more

In Memoriam: Ellis Marsalis

Wed, 04/01/20

Jazz great Ellis Marsalis, Jr. has passed away on April 1, 2020 at the age of 85. Marsalis was an influential player and educator in the jazz world for decades. He is survived by his sons Branford, Wynton, Ellis III, Delfeayo, Mboya, and Jason. Born November 14, 1934, Mars... Read more

In Memoriam: Ronald W. Lewis

Fri, 03/20/20

Ronald W. Lewis, founder of the Original Big Nine Social and Pleasure Club, and director of the House of Dance & Feathers in the Lower 9th Ward, has died at the age of 68. Lewis was a highly respected member of the New Orleans cultural community for decades. Lewis started... Read more

In Memoriam: Henry Gray

Tue, 02/18/20

Blues pianist Henry Gray has passed away at the age of 95. He is credited with helping create both the distinctive Chicago blues piano sound and the Louisiana swamp blues sound. Gray was born on January 19, 1925. He spent his early childhood on a farm in Alsen, Louisiana, ... Read more

In Memoriam: Lucien Barbarin

Thu, 01/30/20

Beloved New Orleans trombonist Lucien Barbarin died of cancer on Thursday, January 30, at the age of 63. Barbarin was a part of the famous Barbarin New Orleans musical family. Lucien was born July 17, 1956. His great uncle was Paul Barbarin, the leader of the Onward Brass ... Read more

In Memoriam: Robert Parker

Mon, 01/20/20

Singer and saxophonist Robert Parker has died at the age of 89. He died Sunday, January 19 of natural causes at his home in Roseland. Parker was born in New Orleans on October 14, 1930. He was best known for his 1965 breakout hit, 'Barefootin',' recorded at Cosimo Recording... Read more

In Memoriam: 5th Ward Weebie

Thu, 01/09/20

New Orleans rapper, producer, and actor Jerome Cosey, better known as 5th Ward Weebie, has died from complications after a heart attack at the age of 42. He was a prominent part of the first wave of bounce musicians in New Orleans in the 1990s and went on to have a fluorish... 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