Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas, Percy Sledge, Johnny Adams, Joe Cocker, Etta James, John Mayall, Solomon Burke, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Marcia Ball, Tab Benoit, Marc Broussard, Trout Fishing In America: They all recorded the songs of David Egan.

One of Louisiana’s most accomplished songwriters, Egan died March 18 in Lafayette, two days before his 62nd birthday.

“He was a sensitive, sweet, humble person,” said writer Todd Mouton, a friend. “But like Allen Toussaint, David moved between st...