Issue Articles — Obituaries
In memoriam: Bryan Lee (1943 – 2020)
Blues guitarist and singer Bryan Lee, known by the nickname “Braille Blues Daddy,” has died in Sarasota, Florida after battling various lung, heart and kidney issues. He was 77. Brian […]
In memoriam: Raymond Lewis (1933-2020)
Raymond Lewis, one of the more colorful characters from the rhythm and blues era, died in New Orleans June 1. He was 86. Lewis was best known for his local […]
In memoriam: Rod Bernard (1940-2020)
Singer Rod Bernard, who helped to pioneer the swamp pop musical sound, passed away on July 12, 2020 in New Iberia, after a short illness. Bernard was born Rodney Ronald […]
In memoriam: Tamiya “Tami” Lynn (1942-2020)
Tami Lynn, a big-voiced New Orleans songstress and member of the A.F.O family (All For One) died June 26. She was 77. “Tami came from Gert Town,” said AFO founder […]
In memoriam: Walter James “Jim” Oertling, Jr. (1942-2020)
New Orleans-born singer/songwriter and rockabilly legend Jim Oertling passed away in his home on July 10, 2020. His family moved to San Antonio, where Oertling graduated from high school in […]
In memoriam: Edward Anderson (1966-2020)
When Edward Anderson decided to pursue a career in jazz music, he became engaged in its many facets as a trumpeter, student, composer, educator, producer, arranger, businessman and more. Anderson, […]
In Memoriam: Phil Phillips (1926-2020)
Phil Phillips, a smooth-voiced South Louisiana musical giant, who recorded the timeless 1959 hit “Sea of Love,” died March 14, according to his family. He was 94. “‘Sea of Love” […]
Alfred “Uganda” Roberts (1943-2020)
New Orleans percussionist Alfred “Uganda” Roberts passed away from lung cancer on May 5 at age 77. Roberts grew up in the Treme and started out playing bongos on the […]
Richard “Little Richard” Penniman (1932 –2020)
Little Richard, a rock ’n’ roll trail blazer, whose flamboyant style was instantly recognizable and became a dominant musical influence for many artists—from Pat Boone to Prince—died May 9 at […]
In memoriam: Ellis Marsalis Jr. (1934 – 2020)
Ellis Marsalis Jr. brought integrity to his every endeavor as a jazz pianist, bandleader and composer, as an educator with a uniquely holistic approach and as a hard-working father who […]
