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: 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

In Memoriam: Cosimo Matassa

Thu, 09/11/14

Authored by: Carrie Hadler

Memorial services for legendary New Orleans recording engineer and studio owner Cosimo Matassa will be held on Tuesday, September 16, with visitation from 8:30a until 3p at Metairie Funeral Home. A private service will follow. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family... Read more

In Memoriam: Tim Green

Fri, 08/29/14

We were very sad to hear the news of the passing of New Orleans saxophonist Tim Green. He worked with countless musicians in the city over the years and appeared on WWOZ as recently as our Spring Pledge Drive last March, as part of the group Plunge. He also served as WWOZ's St... Read more

In Memoriam: Warren "Porgy" Jones

Thu, 08/28/14

WWOZ was very sad to learn of the passing of New Orleans R&B and jazz trumpeter Warren "Porgy" Jones on August 21, at the age of 74. A visitation and musical tribute will be held Friday, August 29,from 4-7 pm at the Charbonnet Labat Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held ... Read more

In Memoriam: Idris Muhammad

Fri, 08/01/14

Authored by: Maryse Dejean

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Idris Muhammad, born Leo Morris in New Orleans' 13th Ward, on Tuesday morning, July 29, in Ft Lauderdale, FL. He was buried the same day, following Muslim customs and traditions. He was 74. We will remember him as a gigan... Read more