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: Edwin Harrison

Mon, 12/19/16

Edwin Harrison, Sr. passed away on October 13, 2016. He lived a remarkable life as a central figure in the Mardi Gras Indian and Social Aid & Pleasure Club communities and as a pioneering black taxicab driver. Harrison began masking in 1957 with the Creole Wild West and bec... Read more

In Memoriam: Joe Clay

Tue, 09/27/16

"Father of rockabilly" and Harvey native Joe Clay passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Monday, September 26, 2016. Clay was born Claiborne Joseph Cheramie in 1939 but it was under his stage name that he rose to prominence with hits like 'Ducktail,' 'Sixteen Ch... Read more

In Memoriam: Buckwheat Zydeco

Sat, 09/24/16

Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr. passed away early on Saturday, September 24 at the age of 68. Dural rose to prominence as the leader of Buckwheat Zydeco, becoming synonymous with the band's name as he brought Louisiana zydeco music to an international audience. He performed t... Read more

In Memoriam: Sammy Ridgley

Fri, 09/02/16

Authored by: Carrie Booher

Samuel Ridgley passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the age of 78. Ridgley was born August 6, 1943; the youngest of 17 children (his brother Tommy, a well-known musician, was the oldest, born 18 years earlier) and raised in the Shrewsbury section of Jefferson Parish ... Read more

In Memoriam: Mercedes "Queen Mercy" Stevenson

Thu, 08/11/16

Mercedes "Miss Mercy" Stevenson passed away on August 10, 2016 at the age of 90. She was one of the first Big Queens of the Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, founded by legendary vocalist George "Jolly" Landry. The early Wild Tchoupitoulas Queens wore headdresses, carr... Read more

In Memoriam: Pete Fountain

Sat, 08/06/16

Famous New Orleans jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Beverly, their three children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a long and industrious career... Read more

In Memoriam: Marsha A. Boudy

Fri, 06/10/16

Marsha A. Boudy, the Chief Adminstrative Officer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., passed away on May 31 after suffering a heart attack. She was 61 years old. Marsha was born in New Orleans on July 14, 1954. She attended McDonogh 35 Senior H... Read more

In Memoriam: Allen Toussaint

Tue, 11/10/15

Authored by: Carrie Booher

New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint passed away at the age of seventy-seven on Monday, November 9. A true performer to the end, Toussaint was on tour in Spain at the time of his death. Toussaint is fondly recalled as a humble and elegant man and as a supremely talented musician. Read more

Works: Harold Battiste

Wed, 06/24/15

Authored by: David Stafford

A composer, teacher, and mentor, Harold Battiste, Jr, who passed away last week at 83, was perhaps best known as a producer and arranger. In honor of his memory, we've collected a small sampling of some of his most famous work in the studio. Read more

In Memoriam: Ward "Mack" McClendon

Fri, 02/20/15

Authored by: Leslie Molson

Lower 9th Ward Village founder and WWOZ Community Advisory Board member Ward "Mack" McClendon passed away on February 14, 2015. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his Home Going Celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2015 (tomorrow), 10:00 AM at Next Gene... 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