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 MarsalisArt Neville | Dave Bartholomew | Dr. John

Fats Domino | Pete Fountain | Allen Toussaint 
 

 

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

In Memoriam: Ara Porter

Sat, 12/02/17
Aralean Delores Hawkins Porter has passed away after a vibrant and loving lifetime on November 27, 2017 at the age of 71. Ara was George Porter, Jr.'s partner of more than 50 years and wife of 33 years, as well as friend and auntie to many. She was also a mother, grandmothe... Read more

In Memoriam: Wendell Eugene

Fri, 11/10/17
Wendell Eugene passed away on Tuesday, November 7, at the age of 94. Mr. Eugene was one of the most well-respected and longest-serving trombonists in the traditional jazz community in New Orleans. Eugene was born in New Orleans in 1923 and served in the Navy during World W... Read more

In Memoriam: Fats Domino

Wed, 10/25/17
Antoine “Fats” Domino, Jr., a decades-long New Orleans cultural torchbearer and accomplished pianist and singer-songwriter, has passed away at the age of 89. Fats Domino is one of the most recognizable figures of 20th century music. His unique style contributed to the evol... Read more

In Memoriam: Lissa Driscoll

Fri, 09/15/17
Remembering a one-of-a-kind woman this morning-- rest in peace, Lissa Driscoll.  Lissa was a longtime performer at various spots throughout the French Quarter and befriended and influenced many musicians in New Orleans. She first came to New Orleans to see her heroine, Blu... Read more

In Memoriam: Dolores Marsalis

Mon, 07/31/17
We're sad to mark the passing of Dolores Marsalis, matriarch of one of the world's great musical families, who died earlier this month of cancer at the age of 80. She was married to legendary New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, and together they had six sons: Branford,... Read more

In Memoriam: Isaac “Mr. Ike” Edward

Fri, 07/07/17
Isaac “Mr. Ike” Edward, 94, the oldest living Mardi Gras Indian, died Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Heritage Manor Nursing of Houma Nursing Home. Born in 1923, he said that he first became fascinated by the Mardi Gras Indians who danced through his Uptown neighborhood. Edward... Read more

In Memoriam: Dyan "Mama D" French Cole

Wed, 05/31/17
WWOZ would like to recognize the passing of Dyan "Mama D" French Cole, a longtime New Orleans community activist, leader, and supporter of New Orleans music and culture. Mama D passed away Saturday, May 20 at the age of 72 after a long battle with cancer.  Mama D was a fie... Read more

In Memoriam: Deborah "Big Red" Cotton

Tue, 05/02/17
Action Jackson & Ed Buckner of Original Big 7 remember Deb Cotton Read more

In Memoriam: Lewis White

Thu, 03/23/17
Longtime WWOZ volunteer and show host Lewis White passed away earlier this month after a long bout with Alzheimer's Disease. Lewis hosted the Tuesday edition of Jazz From The Park for many years and was well-regarded for his impeccable musical taste and deep knowledge. Lewi... Read more

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