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: Leslie "Lazy Lester" Johnson

Thu, 08/23/18

Leslie Johnson, better known as Lazy Lester, passed away Wednesday, August 22 at the age of 85 after a battle with stomach cancer. He was a wonderfully gifted blues musician and performer who is widely known as a pioneer of the swamp-blues genre. Lazy Lester was born June... Read more

Aretha Franklin tributes on Soul Power, Gospel Show, and more

Sun, 08/19/18

Authored by: Carrie Booher

Since Aretha Franklin's passing on Thursday, many of our DJs have been sharing wonderful tributes to the Queen of Soul. Here's a few, available on our 2-week archive. Just click the show you're interested in and it will begin playing. DJ Soul Sister shares her favorite dee... Read more

In Memoriam: Henry Butler

Mon, 07/02/18

New Orleans piano genius Henry Butler has passed away at the age of 68. Blinded by glaucoma at birth, Butler began playing the piano at age six, and professionally arranged, composed, and performed since age 12. One of the premier torchbearers of the New Orleans jazz and ... Read more

In Memoriam: Tee Eva

Fri, 06/08/18

Tee Eva, formally known as Eva Louis Perry, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the age of 83. She was well known in the New Orleans community as a baker of delicious pralines and miniature pies, as a parading Baby Doll, and as a backup singer for Ernie K-Doe. Tee Eva ... Read more

In Memoriam: Charles Neville

Thu, 04/26/18

Saxophonist Charles Neville has passed away at the age of 79. He was born December 28, 1938 in New Orleans. Charles was an important player in New Orleans music for more than 60 years. Though he may be best known internationally for his work with the Neville Brothers, his s... Read more

In Memoriam: Big Chief Thomas "Tom" Sparks, Sr.

Fri, 03/16/18

Big Chief Thomas "Tom" Sparks, Sr., of the Yellow Jackets, the oldest known living male Mardi Gras Indian, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family. Born in 1932, Tom reminisced about his earliest interactions with the Indians in a 2015 Offbeat Magazi... Read more

In Memoriam: Barbara Gillmor

Sat, 03/10/18

Barbara A. Gillmor passed away on March 3, 2018 at the age of 62. Barbara was a longtime New Orleans enthusiast who moved here in the 1960s. Upon arrival, she knew-- "NOLA Til Ya Die," as she often said. Barbara's flamboyant spirit and soul touched many. She was a dedicated... Read more

In Memoriam: Arthur "Mr. Okra" Robinson

Fri, 02/16/18

It is the end of an era in New Orleans as the last singing produce vendor, Mr. Okra, has passed away. Arthur Robinson was better known as Mr. Okra, a man who drove his produce-laden truck through the streets and sang his wares through a microphone/bullhorn system. The simpl... Read more

In Memoriam: Johnny Jackson, Jr.

Sat, 01/27/18

Community leader Johnny Jackson, Jr. passed away Wednesday, January 24 at the age of 74. Jackson was the head of WWOZ's Board of Directors during and following Hurricane Katrina. He also served on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation's Board from 1975-2013. Jackson ... Read more

Remembering those we lost in 2017

Sun, 12/31/17

The New Orleans music and cultural communities lost a number of talented and influential individuals in 2017. Here, we remember those who passed away in the last year. WWOZ's Dan Fitzgerald, d. Jan. 6, 2017 John Boudreaux, d. Jan. 14, 2017 Charlie Sims, d. Feb. 5, 2017 Arno... 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