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: Russell Batiste, Jr.

Mon, 10/02/23

Drummer Russell Batiste, Jr. has died of a heart attack at the age of 57. Russell grew up in one of New Orleans’ most famous musical families, performing from the age of seven with his father David Batiste, Sr. and his brother Damon Batiste. He went on to earn fame as a dru... Read more

In Memoriam: Baylor “Bemmie” Banis

Sun, 08/13/23

The WWOZ family was greatly saddened to learn of the untimely passing this past April of one of our own, Baylor “Bemmie” Banis. A graduate of NOCCA, Bemmie blazed into our world in 2014 while still in high school when they knocked on the door of the OZ sound truck at French... Read more

In Memoriam: Miriam Batiste Reed

Fri, 06/23/23

The Baby Dolls of New Orleans were out in full force last Saturday to celebrate the life of Baby Doll Miriam Batiste Reed, who died on June 3, 2023, at the age of 97. She was an important bridge between generations for New Orleans Mardi Gras culture and was "the link betwee... Read more

In Memoriam: Tulio Murillo

Fri, 06/09/23

Tulio R. Murillo, Jr., a longtime member of WWOZ's Board of Directors, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, as a result of a sudden brain hemorrhage. He was 50 years old. Tulio is survived by his devoted wife, Shawn McLaughlin, and their beautiful daughter, Brinn; his parents whom he... Read more

In Memoriam: Chris Strachwitz

Sat, 05/06/23

Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz died Friday, May 5 at his Marin County assisted care living facility from complications with congestive heart failure, the Arhoolie Foundation announced today. He was 91 years old. German-born Strachwitz went from an enthusiastic am... Read more

In Memoriam: Kidd Jordan

Fri, 04/07/23

Legendary avant-garde saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan died on April 7, 2023 at the age of 87. Jordan was a highly accomplished and committed improv performer and educator. Throughout his career, he collaborated with an impressive array of musicians, including Alvin Batist... Read more

In Memoriam: Huey "Piano" Smith

Tue, 02/14/23

Huey "Piano" Smith, one of the hitmakers of early rock'n'roll and major contributor to the infectious New Orleans R&B sound, died February 13, 2023 in Baton Rouge. His oldest daughter, Acquelyn Donsereaux, confirmed his death and good spirits till the end to Smith's biograp... Read more

Barbara Lacen Keller Jazz Funeral

Wed, 01/25/23

START New Home Ministries (1616 Robert C. Blakes, Sr. Drive 70130). Line up location is on Terpsichore Street up to Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. LEFT on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd up to Felicity Street. LEFT on Felicity Street up to Baronne Street. RIGHT turn on Baronne Street u... Read more

In Memoriam: Barbara Lacen Keller

Mon, 01/16/23

New Orleans culture bearer and activist Barbara Lacen Keller has died at the age of 76. She had been a valued member of the Board of Directors of WWOZ since 2021; and of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, where she was elected to the Advisory Council in 2016, and o... Read more

In Memoriam: Walter "Wolfman" Washington

Fri, 12/23/22

Walter "Wolfman" Washington has died of cancer at the age of 79. Well-known for his trademark howl and his performances with his band, The Roadmasters, Wolfman combined blues, R&B, funk, and soul on stages throughout the New Orleans for decades. Washington got his start wi... 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