Music
Various Artists, The Best of Spinett (Night Train)
The Spinett label, which operated in New Orleans around 1959, was somewhat of a semi-serious hobby for Frankie Ford and his manager Joe Caronna. This informality would lead to some […]
Connie LaRocca and Frisco Records
In the 1950s, the New Orleans recording industry was dominated by out-of-town companies like Imperial, Aladdin, Specialty and Chess. However, with the success of home-grown companies like Minit, Ric, Instant […]
Rosie Ledet, I’m A Woman (Maison De Soul)
“The Zydeco Sweethearts” fourth Maison de Soul CD is possibly her best yet and includes a track that will certainly turn a lot of heads, as well as get a […]
Mardi Gras with the St. Augustine High School Marching 100
Chances are that if you are going to one or more Mardi Gras parades this season, at some point, you’ll be entertained by the purple and gold clad St. Augustine […]
Best of the Beat Lifetime Achievement Award: Tommy Ridgley
For 50 years, Tommy Ridgley has been one of the great and enduring rhythm and blues artists in New Orleans. A regal, confident and engaging performer, he has never had […]
Sammy The “Other” Ridgley
It might seem convenient or a courtesy to write about Sammy Ridgley in an OffBeat issue that features his brother on the cover, and presents him with a Lifetime achievement […]
