In 1996, OffBeat’s very first Best of the Beat Awards recognized the best in Louisiana music for 1995. The awards show, held at House of Blues, wasn’t called the “Best of the Beat,” but rather the “Best of the Best.” Later that year, it occurred to us (duh) to dub the awards the Best of the Beat.
The Best of the Beat Awards were a continuation of OffBeat’s infamous Christmas parties. In the early days of the magazine, we did a joint Christmas party with Ultrasonic Studios, then located on Washington Avenue (since destroyed by Katrina). After a few raucous parties at the studio, we moved the party to the 13th floor of the Masonic Temple Building at 333 St. Charles Avenue, where we had relocated our offices. There the party became even more out of control, and was infamous as a good time since we provided free liquor (hard liquor, no less) and food to all the musicians and music industry people (and an increasing number of party crashers). A very good time was had by all.
But we always thought that OffBeat, as the music journal of the city, should honor our musicians with awards and be able to throw a good party, too. We wanted our guests to pass a good time, so instead of a Christmas party in 1995, we enlisted the help of the staff of the House of Blues and proposed the first-ever OffBeat Awards.
Because only musicians and music business in Louisiana were invited to the Christmas party, attendance at the inaugural Best of the Beat Awards was limited to musicians and music business folk. The event became so successful that, starting in 2001, the general public was offered tickets to attend the event.
Besides recognizing the best Louisiana music and music businesses, the Best of the Beat Awards became one of the city’s best music shows. With two stages and performances by 15 bands and food from over 20 local restaurants, the Best of the Beat Awards became a must-see event.
Early on, we realized that the unexpected performances were the most thrilling. Some we planned, such as Joe Krown leading an all-star R&B revue in 2004 with featured performers Irma Thomas, Frankie Ford, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Clarence “Frogman” Henry and that year’s lifetime achievement honoree Gatemouth Brown. Others weren’t, such as Michele Shocked’s risqué guest spot during a performance by Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr.
As a consequence of Hurricane Katrina, our 2005 Awards only featured Lifetime Achievement recipients, but that didn’t stop the music. Only four months after the levees failed, the music community packed the House of Blues for one of the most memorable Best of the Beat Awards ever. After accepting his award, Allen Toussaint unexpectedly started singing a cappella a newly composed song “Come Back to New Orleans” spontaneously accompanied by Jeffrey “Jellybean” Alexander on drums.
The most frequent question at the Best of the Beat is always “How are you going to top this?” The 2006 awards that featured an all-star tribute to Fats Domino will certainly be hard to beat. It was historic to have Art Neville, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, George Porter, Jr., Jon Cleary (who played piano and guitar), Warren Storm, Kenny Bill Stinson, Dickie Landry, David Egan, C.C. Adcock, Derek Huston, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson and long-time Domino horn men Herb Hardesty, Roger Lewis, Elliot “Stackman” Callier—playing their interpretations of Domino’s hits. The awards were such a success that OffBeat was able to donate $4,000 to New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund, now known as Renew Our Music.
Mark your calendars now for our 2007 Best of the Beat Awards which are scheduled for January 12, 2008 at House of Blues. We promise a memorable show.
Following are some highlights of the Best of the Beat Awards.
Best of the Best of the Beat Awards
1995
Album of the Year: Deluxe – Better Than Ezra
Worst thing to happen: Death of Allison Miner
1996
Newcomer on the Scene (Blues): Chris Thomas King
Best Band of the Year: The Iguanas
Best Recording Studio: Ultrasonic
Favorite Club Owner: Jack Groetsch (Howlin’ Wolf)
1997
Album of the Year: Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton: Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton
Best Overall Band: Astral Project
Best Drummer: Johnny Vidacovich
Worst thing to happen: Death of Doc Cheatham
1998
Lifetime Achievement Music: Tommy Ridgley
Best Female Vocalist: Irma Thomas
Album of the Year: Dr. John: Anutha Zone
Best thing to happen: Musicians’ Clinic opens
Worst thing to happen: Murder of Raymond Myles
1999
Lifetime Achievement Music: Dr. John
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Cosimo Matassa
Best Trombone Player: Mark Mullins
Best Band and Overall Performer: Kermit Ruffins
Best Club Owner: John Blancher
Best Radio Personality: John Sinclair
2000
Lifetime Achievement Music: Earl King
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Kidd Jordan
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Floyd Soileau
Best Guitar Player: Snooks Eaglin
Album of the Year: Dr. John: Duke Elegant
Band of the Year: Galactic
Music Awareness: Popeye’s
Best Record Store: Louisiana Music Factory
2001
Lifetime Achievement Music: Pete Fountain
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Eddie Shuler
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Ellis Marsalis
Sideman of the Year: Charlie Miller
Heartbeat Award: Harold Battiste
Living Legend: Dave Bartholomew
Best Bass Player: George Porter, Jr.
Best Tuba Player: Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen
Best Record Label: Basin Street Records
2002
Lifetime Achievement Music: Art Neville
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Stan Lewis
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Clyde Kerr, Jr.
Heartbeat Award: Bethany and Johann Bultman
Living Legend: Clarence “Frogman” Henry
Sideman of the Year: Eric Traub
Emerging Traditional Jazz Performer: Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews
Best Clarinet Player: Alvin Batiste
Best Producer: Mark Bingham
2003
Lifetime Achievement Music: Eddie Bo
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Jim Russell
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Alvin Batiste
Heartbeat Award: Sylvester Francis
Living Legend: Wardell Quezergue
Sideman of the Year: Smokey Johnson
Bourbon Street Award: Chris Owens
Best Cajun Band: Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
Album of the Year: Deacon John: Deacon John’s Jump Blues
Best Guitar Player: Walter “Wolfman” Washington
Best Piano Player: Jon Cleary
Best Talent Booker: Sonny Schneidau
2004
Lifetime Achievement Music: Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Larry McKinley
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Mercedes Tucker Stamps
Heartbeat Award: Albinas Prizgintas
Living Legend: Frankie Ford
Bourbon Street Award: Big Al Carson
Emerging Blues Band: Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
Best Zydeco Band: Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr.
Album of the Year: Dr. John: N’Awlinz: Dis, Dat or D’Udda
Best Club: Tipitina’s
Best Concert Promoter: Steve Rehage
Business of the Year: White Oak
2005
Lifetime Achievement Music: Allen Toussaint
Lifetime Achievement Music: Irma Thomas
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: George and Nina Buck
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Wanda Rouzan
Heartbeat Award: “Uncle” Lionel Batiste
2006
Lifetime Achievement Music: Fats Domino
Lifetime Achievement Music Business: Warren Hildebrand
Lifetime Achievement Music Education: Harold Battiste
Heartbeat Award: The Musicians’ Hurricane Relief Agencies
Best Male Vocalist: John Boutte
Best Harmonica Player: Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone
Best Saxophone Player: Kidd Jordan
Album of the Year: Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint: The River in Reverse
Best Producer: Delfeayo Marsalis
Music Business of the Year: Piety Street Studio
Published November 2007, OffBeat Louisiana Music & Culture Magazine, Volume 20, No. 11.
