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 
 

 

In Memoriam: Jerod "Big Chief Rody" Lewis

Fri, 12/06/13
Jerod "Big Chief Rody" Lewis, chief of the Black Eagles Third Ward Calliope Tribe, passed away on November 25, 2013, aged 49. Big Chief Rody became chief of the Black Eagles, one of the oldest Uptown Mardi Gras Indian tribes, in 1981, succeeding his father, Percy "Big Chief ... Read more

In Memoriam: Dick LaPalm

Tue, 10/15/13
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Dick LaPalm The Jazz Lobbyist. He transitioned recently and is now in the realm of the ancestors with the likes of Nat King Cole. Knowing what a passionate supporter of jazz he has been, how could we begrudge him such a thrilli... Read more

Memorial Service: Mercedes Tucker Stamps, June 29

Wed, 06/05/13
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 29 at 11 am in Lawless Memorial Chapel at Dillard University for Mercedes Tucker Stamps, a highly esteemed music educator, who taught for over thirty years at 10 different New Orleans schools. She passed away recently in North Car... Read more

In Memoriam: Bob French

Mon, 11/12/12
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Robert "Bob" French, a fine New Orleans musician and an irreplaceable member of the WWOZ family as host of “French Cooking” and other shows featuring New Orleans music. Read more

In Memoriam: Diana Pinckley

Thu, 09/27/12
WWOZ Family, for those of you who did not know Diana Pinckley passed away last week. She was not only one of WWOZ’s most generous supporters but also an active volunteer at the station. The Times-Picayune did a wonderful article about her life and her involvement within the co... Read more

In Memoriam: Uncle Lionel Batiste

Sun, 07/08/12
Authored by Leslie Molson
WWOZ is deeply saddened by the loss of Uncle Lionel as we keep his family and bandmembers in our prayers. Whether you saw him performing with the Treme Brass Band, hat tipped to the side, or strolling through the Quarter, cane in hand, he was always a true gentleman. Read more

In Memoriam: Gary Hirstius

Mon, 06/04/12
Known as the “rock and roll detective,” New Orleans native, guitarist, singer-songwriter and private investigator Gary Bruce Hirstius died at his home in Metairie on May 25. Gary was well-known for his soulful lyrics and sandpaper vocals. He left behind an expansive musical ca... Read more

In Memoriam: Phoebe Jacobs

Wed, 05/23/12
We, at WWOZ, wish to add our expression of recognition to those honoring Ms. Phoebe Jacobs at this time of her passing. Her work on behalf of one of our most beloved native sons—Louis Armstrong—will always be deeply appreciated by those of us who feel blessed by his cultural l... Read more

In Memoriam: Frank Wills

Tue, 05/15/12
Jorge Fuentes reflects on our friend Frank: "A reliable volunteer at the station, Frank Wills quickly took a liking to recording 'spots,' the announcements that we play on air at the station. I liked to use his voice because he had natural delivery and an unmistakable New Orle... Read more

In Memoriam: 2012

Sun, 02/12/12
In the past, we have lost some of our most beloved musicians and friends who've shared their art with us and contributed richness to the musical tapestry of New Orleans and the world. Read more

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