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: "Miss Teen" Augustine Germaine Lewis

Wed, 04/07/21

In 2017, the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame collaborated with WWOZ to record an oral history with "Miss Teen" (Augustine Germaine Lewis), who was Spy Girl with the Cheyenne Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans in the 1940s and 1950s. Miss Teen passed in March 2021. Here are so... Read more

Video: Big Chief Dump with Young Maasai Hunters 2018

Tue, 03/30/21

Big Chief Dump (Keelian Boyd, Sr.) died Sunday of heart failure. He was 37. In 2018, WWOZ was on hand as he stepped out as Big Chief with his own tribe, Young Maasai Hunters, for the first time. WWOZ sends our best wishes to his family and friends at this difficult time. Read more

In Memoriam: Louis Holmes

Mon, 03/15/21

We fondly remember longtime WWOZ volunteer and Morgan City native Louis Thornberry Holmes III, who passed away on his birthday, February 19, 2021. A Northwestern Louisiana University grad and a Navy submarine veteran, Louis was always ready and willing to help the station w... Read more

2020 In Memoriams

Fri, 01/01/21

Authored by: Carrie Booher

New Orleans lost many great artists and culture bearers in 2020. With smaller funerals, no second-lining, and no traditional sendoffs, it has been very difficult for the community. Today, during Festing in Place: Happy New Year from New Orleans, we'll be airing a memorial s... Read more

Video: Katie Ray's second line and send-off

Mon, 11/16/20

A few weeks ago, WWOZ's video director happened upon friends and family celebrating the life of New Orleans artist Katie Ray with her second line and sendoff on the levee at the End of the World in the Bywater. RIP Katie Ray. Read more

Interview: Scully Well of Uptown Swingers

Wed, 11/11/20

This week on Takin' It To The Streets, Action Jackson gets on the phone with Scully Well of the Uptown Swingers. This is one of the most emotional and passionate Takin' It To The Streets interviews to date as Scully discusses the recent passing of Uptown Swingers president ... Read more

In Memoriam: Rev. John Wilkins

Tue, 10/06/20

Memphis-based gospel blues guitarist and vocalist Reverend John Wilkins died this morning at the age of 76. He was the son of the influential prewar blues musician Reverend Robert Wilkins. As an adult, he served as the pastor for the Hunter’s Chapel Church in Como, Mississi... Read more

In Memoriam: Sylvester Francis

Tue, 09/01/20

Sylvester Francis, founder and proprietor of the Backstreet Cultural Museum, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Francis officially opened the Treme museum at 1116 Henriette DeLille Street in 1999. But its origins can be traced back to the 1970s when he paraded with the Gentl... Read more

In Memoriam: Big Queen Kim "Cutie" Boutte

Sun, 08/23/20

Scenes from Big Queen Kim "Cutie" Boutte's funeral service on August 22, 2020 in New Orleans. She became an ancestor on August 11, 2020, at age 55, after being caught by stray gunfire from a shooting during a funeral repass. Kim was an honored Big Queen of The Spirit of FiY... Read more

In Memoriam: Tammy Lynn

Sun, 07/05/20

Tammy Lynn (also known as Tami Lynn), New Orleans soul singer and an original AFO Records artist, died June 26, 2020. She was best known for her song 'I'm Gonna Run Away From You,' which hit #4 on the UK Singles Chart in 1971. Lynn was born in Gert Town in 1942. As a child,... Read more

first
previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
…
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