PROLIFIC RUSH

That has got to be a typo, 327 records! [Bobby Rush feature “Louisiana Homeboy,” October 2014] I went to his website and it stated that he had recorded over two-dozen albums since his debut in ‘79. Please clarify, correct, ad nauseum.

—Jim Rauh, Santa Clara, California

In a recorded phone interview I did with Bobby Rush in September 2014, he said: “As a man who has been recording for 60 years this year, I have 327 records. So I have been recording a long, long time.”

—Geraldine Wyckoff

 

LOUIE “OBAMA” LUDWIG

Very nice review [Louie Ludwig: These Are the Ways of My People, November 2014]. Thanks, Robert [Fontenot]. Though I feel obliged to note the CD cover painting by Carri Skoczeck is actually of me, not the president. Understandable mistake, as we’re both devilishly handsome gents.

—Louie Ludwig, New Orleans, Louisiana

 

AT OUR FINGERTIPS

The following is in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog “Music Bubble,” where she asks, “Why aren’t local radio stations playing more local music?”—Ed.

The music bubble probably surrounds Orleans Parish, because anytime one will venture outside of New Orleans the live music “scene” includes mostly cover bands. Nothing against cover bands; they are great for weddings and for people who never listen to music other than commercial radio, broadcast and Internet media. I just think it’s a real shame that with the rich musical tradition that we have in this city (and state, for that matter), that most of the population doesn’t respond all that well to local musicians. I’ve said for years that all local businesses—particularly in the French Quarter—should be required to play WWOZ if and when they are not featuring live, local music. It’s a good idea but probably just a wee bit fascist.

I do often ask local businesses in New Orleans why they are not playing WWOZ or, at least, CDs of local artists and they usually don’t know what I’m talking about.

For a city with the best live, local music and musicians in the world—indeed the seat and foundation of just about all music played around the world today—I just find it strange that businesses and organizations don’t see fit to benefit through cross promotion and celebration of the national heritage that is at their fingertips.

—J. Scott Fugate, Gainesville, Georgia

 

EIGHT IN A ROW

We are really looking forward to OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. This is the eighth year in a row for us and the fourth for our friends. We all look forward to your event every year. I don’t know of any other event that begins to come close to the value of the Best of the Beat Awards. The two things that New Orleans is best known for is the music and the food. Y’all offer both in a wonderful, eclectic mixture and at a bargain price. There’s just nothing like it. We all have terrific memories of our past experiences and can’t wait for this year’s offerings. Additionally, Jan [Ramsey], you and your staff at OffBeat have been such gracious hosts. You have gone out of your way to make sure that we have a terrific time. I cannot thank you enough. It is also great, that you honor the musicians and music industry people of Louisiana, who have added so much pleasure to our lives. There is no place like Louisiana and especially New Orleans. Here’s hoping that OffBeat and the Best of the Beat Awards go on forever. Looking forward to seeing you all on January 22nd.

—Steve Hadley, Birmingham, Alabama

 

GLOBAL ROYALTY

The following is in response to Stephen Maloney’s news post “Shamarr Allen Arrested after Confrontation with Jazz in the Park Security.”—Ed.

New Orleans, be good to your wonderful musicians. They are truly global royalty. People from all over the world, including my wife and I, love coming to your great city to see and hear them keep the flame burning that Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet got started so long ago. When the opportunity arises, show honor and respect.

—Jack Rusnak, Chicago, Illinois

 

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