Funeral for Billy Diamond Friday

New Orleans blues legend William “Billy” Diamond passed away on October 20 at the age of 95. Services and burial for Diamond will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at St Louis Cemetery Number One; relatives and friends are invited to attend. Gather at the front gates on 400 Basin Street for a procession to the tomb. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments.

Diamond was one of the top bandleaders in New Orleans in the late 1940s when he added a young Fats Domino to his band. Before long, his band was backing Domino and Diamond would become Domino’s road manager until 1962. For more on his career, visit Jeff Hannusch’s obituary for Diamond in this month’s issue.

For his biography and guestbook, visit BillyDiamond.com. You can also leave memories of Diamond at Legacy.com.