RIP Eddie Bo

[ibjamn]

:(

[Voodoohead]

Wow! What a tough month this has been for New Orleans musicians. Definitely a heavy heart. Rest in Peace Eddie Bo !

[Carolina Beadhead]

Oh, no! :(

[ohio]

Oh no, this is getting sickening. RIP Eddie

[Cleophus]

This is devastating.

[Belle]

Beyond words. His in store in 2007 was very special. So sad...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkPHSehoQ6E

[brooklyngal]

Huge loss!!!! Glad I got to see him a few times. Never a bad show.

[glinda]

Jeez, another legend done gone.

RIP Eddie, and many thanks for the great piano music.

[steeleye]

Terrible news. RIP.

I am making a specific point to see some of my favorite "older" artists this year...Doc Watson, Johnny Winter, etc. You just never know.

[mwgirlonherown]

Playing "Having fun in New Orleans" right now.

Rest in peace Eddie.

[Michelino]

So sad! So many greats being called home.

If Jazz Fest wants to have a few special second lines this years, I am certainly ready to honor Eddie and Snooks among others.

[Zydekitten]

Fare thee well, Eddie - may flights of angels sing you to your rest. I'm glad I got to see your musical gifts before you left us . . .

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Kittehs/kitten_is_sad-1.jpg

[Rossvegas]

Wow. His Fest sets will always rank among my all time faves, and when I saw him last year at both the Ponderosa Stomp and the Fest, he looked SO full of life. I NEVER would have predicted this...terribly sad.

[Lostcajun]

:(

This totally SUCKS!!!!!!!!!! May he r.i.p. bless him, bless him.

[sophisticated sissy]

Oh, for cryin' in a bucket. So sorry to hear about this. What a great gentleman and talented musician.

Jenn, may i ask where you heard the news? I'm just shocked.

[Apostrophe (')]

Ya know, I usually try not to chime in on these types of posts, since I don't have the type of personal connection to the city and its musicians as the other folks who frequent the bored. As a newb, it wasn't even that long ago that I didn't know the name Eddie Bo. I've known the music for years, just not the names of the songs or the artist or the label.

Somewhere along the way I saw the "Music In Exile" documentary and was struck most deeply by two stories: those of Irma Thomas and Eddie Bo. Particularly with Eddie Bo I got the sense that, if only from the sheer magnitude, his wound would never really be healed. The destruction of the coffee shop and its piano, the heart-breaking moment where Marcia Ball presents him with new keys, the detached look on his face when he accepts, grateful but unsure.

Sometime shortly after that it all clicked in my head, the music and the man, the songs and the name, the fact that despite it all he was still around and playing out. After years of consideration and no action, that moment was the inspiration for booking my first trip to fest this year.

RIP Eddie Bo.

[steffie]

Big , fat, sad tears. What a loss.:(

[swag]

Oh, come on. Enough already. Stop it. This is too much.

No one else passes on between now and Jazzfest.

RIP Eddie.

[swag]

From http://www.wwoz.org/new+orleans+community/eddie+bo+passing+legend:

We are very sad to learn that pianist Eddie Bo, one of New Orleans' greatest and most beloved performers, passed on Wednesday, March 18 at the age of 78. His legacy is profound, and he was considered the last of the "junker"-style pianists, fusing jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and blues seasoned with New Orleans flavor.

Edwin Joseph Bocage got his start in 1955 on the Ace Records label, and by 1961 he had his first hit, the novelty dance tune "Check Mr. Popeye." He went on to release more singles than any New Orleans artist except Fats Domino, including "Check Your Bucket" and his signature "Hook and Sling," which made it to #13 on the R&B chart in 1969.

Eddie Bo was more than just an entertainer, penning "My Dearest Darling" for Etta James and producing albums for the likes of Art Neville, Irma Thomas, and Johnny Adams. He even lent his carpentry skills – by which he sustained a living through much of the 1970s – to build a studio for the Ric label, just one of over 40 labels he worked with over the years.

He amassed an impressive collection of awards and honors, including a pair of Lifetime Acheivement Awards from the South Louisiana Music Association and the title of New Orleans musical ambassador to Pakistan.

Funeral arrangements are still pending, so check back soon for information regarding memorial services for this legendary New Orleans treasure.
(click the link for pix)

[tangledupinblue]

Rest in Sweet Peace our Dear Eddie. This is just getting to be too much. Another funeral to attend......heavy hearts!

[Lit]

Crap. This really hurts. Losing Snooks was bad enough, but I had a sense his days were numbered for some time. This one hit me out of the blue and and really kicked me in the gut. RIP Eddie. God bless, and thank you.

[stynger]

This is very depressing. RIP.:(

[chrisjoseph]

very, very sad.

[swag]

nola.com now says:

Singer-pianist Edwin Joseph Bocage, known to fans and those in the New Orleans music industry simply as Eddie Bo, died Wednesday of a heart attack. He was 79.

Bocage's death was confirmed Friday by his close friend and booking agent, Karen Hamilton.

Hamilton said Bocage had a "sudden, massive heart attack" while out of town Wednesday.

[MaloGator]

I still can't believe what I've just read. This makes me so sad. Thank you, Mr. Eddie Bo. R.I.P.

[Bluemon]

I've seen Eddie at Fest and at Rock N Bowl numerous times over the years. I feel very fortunate. Always a good show!!! RIP Eddie

[festivalgirl]

Piano Night will be a little different ..... :(

[jolie]

Oh no! RIP Mr. Eddie Bo

[neverleft]

RIP Eddie Bo. I had so many good times enjoyin your piano playin. You were always the highlight for me on Piano Night.

[ozzie]

Very sad. RIP

[almarco]

A sad day for music and new orleans , god bless, rest in peace eddie bo!

[peteup]

I'm heartbroken. In all his long life, Eddie played but one show in Australia....last year in my hometown, Melbourne. It was a night of laughter, joy and some real serious ass-shakin' funk and r 'n b to a packed house where they were hanging from the rafters. It seemed he would live forever. I was so looking forward to seeing him again in a few weeks time. I hope Marcia Ball is OK...she loved him dearly, as did so many. RIP wonderful man.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Sad news...

[stynger]

Here is Michelle and Eddie in 2004. She was watching the interview with him and talking to a nice lady with a young daughter. After the interview Michelle wanted a picture with him but of course there were a bunch of people around him. It turned out the lady was Eddie's wife? She told him how nice Michelle was and he needs to take a picture with her now. He immediately did so. Very nice lady and of course a very good (smart) guy.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/stynger1/jazzfestpics2004042.jpg

[roscoecat]

BO KNOWS MUSIC
He was there when the beat began in the early days of New Orleans funk, and he's still pounding it out today
Saturday, April 29, 2006

By Lynne Jensen
Staff writer

Reminiscing about 1950s New Orleans rhythm and blues triggered a smiling Eddie Bo to do things in the same old way. Vanishing into a private room of his Toledano Street firehouse-turned-recording studio, Bo returned to the piano wearing his signature turban, then ran the keys of the baby grand like a child playing hopscotch.
Advertisement

"You better check your spinach. Olive's in the danger zone," Bo chirped, singing and playing his hit "Check Mr. Popeye."

With or without the turban-wrapped afro that set him apart from other musicians of his day, Bo remains the guru of the New Orleans funk that flowered in the 1960s and '70s. This afternoon, he'll bring that sound to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

A prolific songwriter, his early works were recorded by artists such as Little Richard, who turned "I'm Wise" into "Slippin' and Slidin'," and Etta James, who recorded "My Dearest Darling."

Along with local hits such as "In the Same Old Way," sung by Tommy Ridgley, Bo blended the cultural gumbo that was New Orleans into iconic funk masterpieces such as "Hook and Sling," "Check Your Bucket" and "Pass the Hatchet."

Bo's tunes hint at his age, a number he refuses to reveal because, he says, it would "mess with my pituitary gland."

Funkster indeed.



Jacks of all trades



Born Edwin Bocage and raised in Algiers and in the 9th Ward, Bo's family was like many others in the city's blue-collar neighborhoods, where brick masons and carpenters became musicians by night.

"My uncle Peter was playing with Sidney Bechet," Bo said. "My mother played piano like Professor Longhair and she didn't go to school. They just picked it up."

Money was tight, Bo said, but it "looked like everybody in the city had a piano."

"We'd have piano players come around and they would talk and we'd watch them play," Bo said. "You might have 10 piano players at a supper."

Bo studied piano locally at Grunwald's Music Store and in New York before joining the ranks of New Orleans musicians who played regularly, but for little money, at nightclubs, school gyms and dance halls, including Germania Hall on Bienville Street.

At the end of a gig, in the wee hours of the morning, many gathered to play for one another at the Dew Drop Inn on LaSalle Street.

"Everybody'd conjure up right there," Bo said. "Me and Edward Frank and (Ellis) Marsalis. Every instrument you could name would be there. You might have 10 trumpets on the stage at one time. They would all come to play. Everybody would share with one another."

Big names from across the country also came to the Dew Drop, Bo said. "I got a chance to meet Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstine, just to name a few."

Singers Big Joe Turner and Joe Tex lived at the inn, Bo said. "The Dew Drop was a place to stay, a place to eat and a place to jam. Now what else could you ask for?"

When it came to food, "red beans was the key to everything," Bo said. "Red beans and rice and hot sausage. Oh man. And we would go to Levata's for oysters before we would go to the Dew Drop."



Past and present



Gone are the Dew Drop, Levata's and Bo's own cafe on Banks Street, named for his hit "Check Your Bucket."

In 2003, Bo and his sister, Veronica Randolph, transformed a former doctor's office and salon into a haven for Bo's fans to eat, drink and hear him play, but the Bucket took on hip-high water after Hurricane Katrina.

"I've lost interest in it," Bo said on Wednesday, hesitating to enter the cafe, then climbing over toppled chairs and tables inside the lifeless lounge. "There's no energy here."

Bo is busy repairing hurricane damage to his recording studio, where he lives part time, and his getaway, a secluded house east of Picayune, Miss.

"I'm trying to help myself come beyond Katrina, so I do the work myself," he said. "All of us were masons, bricklayers and carpenters."

Boys as young as 5 "had to go with the elders to their jobs," Bo said. "We had to pass the bricks and we had to fix the mortar and learn how to hold the saw."

Whether making music or mortar, Bo said, "It's all mathematics. Everything is mathematics."

But learning how to make money is harder than calculus for many musicians, Bo said. Some of the most famous R&B musicians of his day put their trust in shady promoters, he said.

"At intermission, we would look for the promoters in some of the states and they would be gone," Bo said.

But experiences are worth more than money, Bo said, and he trusts in a higher power. He believes that New Orleans is a center of a mysterious energy force, a force that drives the city's music.



A creative energy



"You've got to be out of your mind if you can't feel it, because people around the world feel it," Bo said.

"It's hard to play with other musicians when you are away from home," Bo said. "I mean they study; they have the art down to a science. But there's something here you can't explain. I've been trying to figure it out and I can't. And people ask and I tell them as well as I can that there is something here in New Orleans that just flows."

It's that energy that will draw musicians chased away by Hurricane Katrina back to the city, Bo said.

"Wherever you go, you're going to always want to come back to this feeling."

[festivalgirl]

Here is Michelle and Eddie in 2004. She was watching the interview with him and talking to a nice lady with a young boy. After the interview Michelle wanted a picture with him but of course there were a bunch of people around him. It turned out the lady was Eddie's wife. She told him how nice Michelle was and he needs to take a picture with her now. He immediately did so. Very nice lady and of course a very good (smart) guy.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/stynger1/jazzfestpics2004042.jpg

Great shot!!!

[Jim]

Another sad day. Eddie had so much energy when he performed. I remember the first time I saw him play at Tips for Piano Night. Five minutes into Eddie's set I'm standing there grinning ear to ear. The pioneers are slipping away, catch them while you can.

[ozzie]

Here is Michelle and Eddie in 2004. She was watching the interview with him and talking to a nice lady with a young daughter. After the interview Michelle wanted a picture with him but of course there were a bunch of people around him. It turned out the lady was Eddie's wife? She told him how nice Michelle was and he needs to take a picture with her now. He immediately did so. Very nice lady and of course a very good (smart) guy.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/stynger1/jazzfestpics2004042.jpg

Gorgeous pic and wonderful memory.

[piscesgirl]

Wow, that sucks.

[Chicago Fest Fan]

I am so sorry to hear this. I love catching Eddie every time we are in NO.
Eddie played Blues fest here in Chicago 2 years ago. It was an early afternoon show at one of the smaller stages. The crowd was pretty tame, just lying in the grass taking in the good music. Eddie then started Check, Mr. Popeye. This has been a favorite song of my group since we saw Eddie do it many years ago at Jazz fest. My wife and four of her friends started doing the Popeye dance. This caught Eddies eye and got huge smile on his face, called the ladies to the front of the stage and did Now, Let's Popeye, his novelty interactive dance number. This really energized Eddie for the rest of the show and he put on a great performance.

R.I.P. Eddie and I hope your shakin' your sacarelliac up in heaven.

[groovy1967]

Yet another sad day for the world of great music.

I caught him at the Fais-Do-Do in the rain last year, and he really smoked. After having seen him in small doses at Rock 'n Bowl or the Interview Stage in the past, I didn't think he had much in the tank. I was really surprised to hear him get down in such a funky way. And at 77, this cat had some SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE dance moves! His set was so great that I've been looking forward to catching him again for almost a year now. Damn.

A lotta people gonna be covering "Hook 'n Sling" tonight...

[Belle]

From FoodMusicJustice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSMhddLtOrc&feature=player_embedded

This one is really tough. What a pioneer, gentleman, musician.....

[torontospur]

very sad ,thanks for the memories eddie.
I feel sorry for the people who never saw him. RIP

[Ron]

Very sad as I sit here and listen to his version of "The Saints" from the Our New Orleans benefit CD.

[charlotte]

I love what you've posted here about Eddie's take on New Orleans and music, and the mystery that happens which causes artists to be "in the groove" in NOLA. Just breathe in music through your pores is the magic of New Orleans. Eddie will live on in his recordings, but will be sorely missed. A quintessential artist and gentleman.

[charlotte]

Tip's piano night was the first time I saw Eddie play, also. Got to see him after that, a few years later at JazzFest, the great piano day where he started out on the big stage, before Dr. John, Ray Charles, then Fats. I'll never forget that great piano heaven day as long as I live. Yah you rite.

[charlotte]

Stynger, where is that Bob Dylan quote from?

[Voodoohead]

You just know Eddie & Snooks are up there playin' together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtt24htciQ

[PaulC]

a terrible loss,... absolutely heartbreakin'........

will sadly miss that most wonderful smile and that amazin' spirit,.. not to mention that great talent of his....

he was the very first live act we came across in our first visit to new orleans many years back.... he was playin' solo ,.. and enjoyin' every minute of it,.. as were we.... his sister was an absolute delight that day too........


RIP mr. eddie bo........................

[Blitzzzzz]

RIP Mr. Bo, someday we'll join you in that number, but for now we'll have to get by without you!:cool:

[windowman]

Damn...

I know that people die every day, but I feel like I've just been kicked in the gut.

Condolences to his family.

[bigeasy711]

Wow. I can't take this any more. This is getting out of hand. You be sorely missed Mr Eddie Bo.

[Dancing Don]

RIP - he was one of the good guys

[FLSusan]

RIP. Another great loss.

[stynger]

Stynger, where is that Bob Dylan quote from?

Ya know it could be from his book "Chronicles" where he writes a lot about New Orleans. However I saw this quote in Maxim magazine a couple of months ago.

[stynger]

Just wanted to add I had read about Eddie long before I'd seen him. He was one of those guys I had to check out. Much to my surprise he was playing at that small front bar at Margaritiville one year. We were down with another couple and I told them we have to see this guy. So we all packed in to the bar and wached him play from about 10 feet away. I couldn't believe he was playing such a small place. It was a great introduction to the Eddie Bo experience. Another only in New Orleans Moment. RIP. Thanks for all the great music.

[stynger]

Seefood said something like... it's hard to picture Piano Night without Eddie Bo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md6AIfs0oBc

[stynger]

From LMF 2007. I miss him already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_3JBiHToJk

[Corona]

You just know Eddie & Snooks are up there playin' together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtt24htciQ
What a great video Voodoo. This hurt my heart big time. Eddie was one of the first acts I ever saw at fest. Another big loss for New Orleans :( RIP Eddie!

[NOLA]

This is just gettin' to be too much.

Great memories of a fantastic performer and a gentle soul.

RIP Eddie.

[bobatude]

piano nite 2005 generation hall

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo88/bobatude/tippics7158.jpg

[wbtiger]

Rest in Peace Mr. Eddie Bo
One of the very best shows you will ever see at Jazz Fest
You will be missed

[bobatude]

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo88/bobatude/tippics7145.jpg

[NeenAtlanta]

Such sad news to wake up to - another legend gone. RIP to an amazing musician and a wonderful man.

[petegumbo]

always a positive spirit, the most Funky, RIP Mr. Eddie Bo

[Marc Stone]

Eddie Bo taught me more about music, by telling me nothing, than anyone ever did with words. He taught me to be free and use my ears and just play, and gave me some of the most amazing musical experiences of my life.

When I used to play on the streets in the Quarter in the mid-90s, I would pass by Margaritaville and stand in the window, guitar on my back, and watch Eddie play. One day he waved me in and mentioned that he had seen me checking him out, and was there a tune I wanted to hear? i asked if he could play "Drown In My Own Tears", and he gave me a puzzled smile and said "What does a young guy like you know about an old song like that?" He asked me to get up and play with him, but I told him my guitar was acoustic and that I would come by the next day with an electric.

Shortly after that I showed up at Margaritaville one afternoon with my electric and my amp. Trying to follow his stream-of-consciousness set pacing and unique approach to tunes kicked my ass big time. i was embarrassed and figured I would never set foot on a stage with him again. At the end of the gig he said something like "You're coming back tomorrow, right?". That was the beginning of 3 years in and out of Bo's band, as a regular sit in for a while, and as a full member for about a year.

Over the course of that time I played some of the greatest shows I have ever had the honor to be a part of, including Piano Heaven day at JF '99 (probably the best Bo performance I was ever on, but there were may great ones), Prof. Longhair Piano Night at Tip's in 99, and Bo and K-Doe's set at the Washington Monument that July 4th, which is to this day the biggest gig I have ever played. Whether it was at one of the big gigs or just the barroom shows, it wasn't about just knowing the songs per se, he had a million up his sleeve and his own way of doing most of them, it was about knowing Bo and learning to follow his musical whim and subtle cues. On the great nights, it seemed like there was total telepathy on stage, but Bo could lose you with a flick of his wrist anytime he wanted. He had so much music in his head and his hands, he created and forgot more music than most people will ever know.

I hope he is remembered for his huge contributions to the creation of both Rock and Roll and Funk, and his mastery of music way beyond any one category, as well as his willingness to let anyone who had the inclination play with him and enjoy the experience. He was totally confident in what he was putting down, and he knew that no one else shortcomings could stop his groove. He could hit you with the funkiest boogie, and turn on a dime and play jazz standards with incredible daring and flash, at times even evoking Art Tatum. He could read and write music, but there was no use asking him what he was doing on his instrument. if you couldn't hear it and feel it, you better just get out of his way and let him do his thing.

After several years out of Bo's band, I played with him again in Festival Musique Nouvelle Orleans a Perigueux in France 2 weeks before Katrina and at the three piano nights following that. What a great experience, especially to play with him and Dwayne Nelson, "Tricky Dick" Dixon and Red Morgan in France, and do a whole set of Bo being Bo with his main guys behind him. All the memories of his incredible performances, endless knowledge and musical agility came flooding back, and reminded me of how much I had learned because Bo had invited the scruffy street musician kid in the window to come and play.

Thanks for everything, Bo, there is no other like you.

Rest in Peace

[bobbylove]

Thanks for sharing this Marc, wonderful post about a great person.

[bobatude]

RIP Eddie Bo 9/20/1930-3/ 18/2009: One of the great legends of New Orleans has left us. Singer/pianist/ songwriter/ arranger Edwin Joseph Bocage, who is known to the world as Eddie Bo, passed away on Wednesday of a sudden heart attack. He was 78. Eddie was part of the formative 1950s and 60s phenomenon of New Orleans rhythm & blues, and remained active throughout his long career. Eddie cut numerous records for labels including Ace, Apollo, Scam, Swan, Bluejay, Nola, Arrow, Cinderella, At Last, Seven B, Ric, Checker, Chess, Telarc, and his own Bo-Sound imprint. Eddie wrote songs covered by Etta James, Tommy Ridgely, and Little Richard. His biggest hit "Check Mr. Popeye" coined a term for a particular beat characteristic of many New Orleans songs. In later years, Eddie joined up with fellow Louisiana musicians Raful Neal and Tabby Thomas and put out a beautiful record on Telarc called Hoodoo Kings. His influence and significance to the music of New Orleans cannot be overstated.

[NYMAMA]

RIP Eddie.
Between him and Snooks there must be one awsome jam going on where ever they are!

[VWGal]

Eddie Bo taught me more about music, by telling me nothing, than anyone ever did with words. He taught me to be free and use my ears and just play, and gave me some of the most amazing musical experiences of my life.

When I used to play on the streets in the Quarter in the mid-90s, I would pass by Margaritaville and stand in the window, guitar on my back, and watch Eddie play. One day he waved me in and mentioned that he had seen me checking him out, and was there a tune I wanted to hear? i asked if he could play "Drown In My Own Tears", and he gave me a puzzled smile and said "What does a young guy like you know about an old song like that?" He asked me to get up and play with him, but I told him my guitar was acoustic and that I would come by the next day with an electric.

Shortly after that I showed up at Margaritaville one afternoon with my electric and my amp. Trying to follow his stream-of-consciousness set pacing and unique approach to tunes kicked my ass big time. i was embarrassed and figured I would never set foot on a stage with him again. At the end of the gig he said something like "You're coming back tomorrow, right?". That was the beginning of 3 years in and out of Bo's band, as a regular sit in for a while, and as a full member for about a year.

Over the course of that time I played some of the greatest shows I have ever had the honor to be a part of, including Piano Heaven day at JF '99 (probably the best Bo performance I was ever on, but there were may great ones), Prof. Longhair Piano Night at Tip's in 99, and Bo and K-Doe's set at the Washington Monument that July 4th, which is to this day the biggest gig I have ever played. Whether it was at one of the big gigs or just the barroom shows, it wasn't about just knowing the songs per se, he had a million up his sleeve and his own way of doing most of them, it was about knowing Bo and learning to follow his musical whim and subtle cues. On the great nights, it seemed like there was total telepathy on stage, but Bo could lose you with a flick of his wrist anytime he wanted. He had so much music in his head and his hands, he created and forgot more music than most people will ever know.

I hope he is remembered for his huge contributions to the creation of both Rock and Roll and Funk, and his mastery of music way beyond any one category, as well as his willingness to let anyone who had the inclination play with him and enjoy the experience. He was totally confident in what he was putting down, and he knew that no one else shortcomings could stop his groove. He could hit you with the funkiest boogie, and turn on a dime and play jazz standards with incredible daring and flash, at times even evoking Art Tatum. He could read and write music, but there was no use asking him what he was doing on his instrument. if you couldn't hear it and feel it, you better just get out of his way and let him do his thing.

After several years out of Bo's band, I played with him again in Festival Musique Nouvelle Orleans a Perigueux in France 2 weeks before Katrina and at the three piano nights following that. What a great experience, especially to play with him and Dwayne Nelson, "Tricky Dick" Dixon and Red Morgan in France, and do a whole set of Bo being Bo with his main guys behind him. All the memories of his incredible performances, endless knowledge and musical agility came flooding back, and reminded me of how much I had learned because Bo had invited the scruffy street musician kid in the window to come and play.

Thanks for everything, Bo, there is no other like you.

Rest in Peace

So beautifully said Marc -- how sad that another great is gone. I've seen Eddie a couple of times, he was another one of a kind.

[Belle]

So beautifully said Marc -- how sad that another great is gone. I've seen Eddie a couple of times, he was another one of a kind.


What a great post Marc. Planning on catching you on the early show second weekend. Glad someone so great taught you the lessons.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Marc, thanks for sharing such a great story!

[Mkobrin]

Veronica C. Randolph is not Eddie Bo's sister. She lied about it to the coroner so he would release the body to her, and she claimed he had no other family.

HIS TWO SONS AND TWO DAUGHTERS DISAGREE. And she had him cremated before the rest of the family could see the body.

Eddie was also still legally married to a woman named Louisa in Switzerland... so Veronica had no legal rights in the case whatsoever.

[MormonMatthew]

Eddie Bo taught me more about music, by telling me nothing, than anyone ever did with words. He taught me to be free and use my ears and just play, and gave me some of the most amazing musical experiences of my life.

When I used to play on the streets in the Quarter in the mid-90s, I would pass by Margaritaville and stand in the window, guitar on my back, and watch Eddie play. One day he waved me in and mentioned that he had seen me checking him out, and was there a tune I wanted to hear? i asked if he could play "Drown In My Own Tears", and he gave me a puzzled smile and said "What does a young guy like you know about an old song like that?" He asked me to get up and play with him, but I told him my guitar was acoustic and that I would come by the next day with an electric.

Shortly after that I showed up at Margaritaville one afternoon with my electric and my amp. Trying to follow his stream-of-consciousness set pacing and unique approach to tunes kicked my ass big time. i was embarrassed and figured I would never set foot on a stage with him again. At the end of the gig he said something like "You're coming back tomorrow, right?". That was the beginning of 3 years in and out of Bo's band, as a regular sit in for a while, and as a full member for about a year.

Over the course of that time I played some of the greatest shows I have ever had the honor to be a part of, including Piano Heaven day at JF '99 (probably the best Bo performance I was ever on, but there were may great ones), Prof. Longhair Piano Night at Tip's in 99, and Bo and K-Doe's set at the Washington Monument that July 4th, which is to this day the biggest gig I have ever played. Whether it was at one of the big gigs or just the barroom shows, it wasn't about just knowing the songs per se, he had a million up his sleeve and his own way of doing most of them, it was about knowing Bo and learning to follow his musical whim and subtle cues. On the great nights, it seemed like there was total telepathy on stage, but Bo could lose you with a flick of his wrist anytime he wanted. He had so much music in his head and his hands, he created and forgot more music than most people will ever know.

I hope he is remembered for his huge contributions to the creation of both Rock and Roll and Funk, and his mastery of music way beyond any one category, as well as his willingness to let anyone who had the inclination play with him and enjoy the experience. He was totally confident in what he was putting down, and he knew that no one else shortcomings could stop his groove. He could hit you with the funkiest boogie, and turn on a dime and play jazz standards with incredible daring and flash, at times even evoking Art Tatum. He could read and write music, but there was no use asking him what he was doing on his instrument. if you couldn't hear it and feel it, you better just get out of his way and let him do his thing.

After several years out of Bo's band, I played with him again in Festival Musique Nouvelle Orleans a Perigueux in France 2 weeks before Katrina and at the three piano nights following that. What a great experience, especially to play with him and Dwayne Nelson, "Tricky Dick" Dixon and Red Morgan in France, and do a whole set of Bo being Bo with his main guys behind him. All the memories of his incredible performances, endless knowledge and musical agility came flooding back, and reminded me of how much I had learned because Bo had invited the scruffy street musician kid in the window to come and play.

Thanks for everything, Bo, there is no other like you.

Rest in Peace

Wow, Marc---What a wonderful tribute to your friend Eddie Bo!!!

Sounds like he was a hell of a nice guy, and it is apparent he felt the same way about you.....

We are all gonna miss your musical magic Eddie. Rest In Peace

[Michelino]

Thanks Marc, for sharing your revealing perspective. Because of those paragraphs we all got to know him better.

I'm hoping there is a second line at this year's piano night.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

From www.blues.org

Eddie Bo Passes
We are very sad to learn that pianist Eddie Bo, one of New Orleans' greatest and most beloved performers, passed on Wednesday, March 18 at the age of 78. His legacy is profound, and he was considered the last of the "junker"-style pianists, fusing jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and blues seasoned with New Orleans flavor.
Edwin Joseph Bocage got his start in 1955 on the Ace Records label, and by 1961 he had his first hit, the novelty dance tune "Check Mr. Popeye." He went on to release more singles than any New Orleans artist except Fats Domino, including "Check Your Bucket" and his signature "Hook and Sling," which made it to #13 on the R&B chart in 1969.

Eddie Bo was more than just an entertainer, penning "My Dearest Darling" for Etta James and producing albums for the likes of Art Neville, Irma Thomas, and Johnny Adams. He even lent his carpentry skills - by which he sustained a living through much of the 1970s - to build a studio for the Ric label, just one of over 40 labels he worked with over the years.

He amassed an impressive collection of awards and honors, including a pair of Lifetime Acheivement Awards from the South Louisiana Music Association and the title of New Orleans musical ambassador to Pakistan.

Funeral arrangements are still pending, so check back soon for information regarding memorial services for this legendary New Orleans treasure.

[ibjamn]

Thanks for sharing that story, Marc. Beautiful..

[Apostrophe (')]

Thanks Marc, for sharing your revealing perspective. Because of those paragraphs we all got to know him better.


+1 :)

[ohio]

That was beautiful Marc, thanks!

[Frosty]

EDDIE BO 1930-2009

New Orleans blues pianist
Singer-songwriter played with giants of soul, R & B, blues
By Stacey Plaisance | Associated Press
March 21, 2009
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans blues singer-pianist Eddie Bo, who worked with musicians such as Irma Thomas and Art Neville, has died of a heart attack. He was 79.

His death was confirmed Friday by his close friend and booking agent, Karen Hamilton.

Hamilton said Eddie Bo, whose real name was Edwin Joseph Bocage, had a "sudden, massive heart attack" while out of town Wednesday.

Mr. Bocage was an accomplished keyboardist-pianist with a career spanning more than five decades.



An accomplished songwriter, Mr. Bocage penned the 1960 Etta James hit "My Dearest Darling" and "I'm Wise," which was made famous by Little Richard when he renamed and released it in 1956 as "Slippin' and Slidin'."

Mr. Bocage released more than 50 singles in his career — a number second only to Fats Domino among New Orleans artists — including "Check Mr. Popeye" in 1962.

"That was probably his biggest hit," said friend and musician Gregory Davis, a trumpet player for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. "That song kept him working for a long time."

Early in his career, Mr. Bocage toured with singers Joe Turner, Lloyd Price and the late Ruth Brown and Earl King.

But he spent most of his career with New Orleans musicians, among them soul singer Irma Thomas, R&B singer Robert Parker and singer-keyboardist Art Neville, the eldest of The Neville Brothers.

"He knew his craft," said Thomas, who added that Mr. Bocage was one of the first people she worked with when she entered the business in the early 1960s. One of her first shows away from New Orleans was with Mr. Bocage in Atlanta with R&B singer Gladys Knight as the opening act, she recalled.

But Thomas' fondest memory of Mr. Bocage had nothing to do with music, she said.

"We loved going fishing," she said with a chuckle. "We used to go all the time, and that's my favorite memory of him."

Besides music, Mr. Bocage was also known for his carpentry skills. He repaired the wind damage to the roof of his house after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hamilton said.

[NeenAtlanta]

What a warm and loving portrait of Eddie Bo, Marc. Thanks so much for sharing your memories and love with us.

There's a special place in heaven for musicians who help nurture the next generation!

[PaulC]

Eddie Bo 1930-2009

Mr. Edwin Joseph Bocage

But Thomas' fondest memory of Mr. Bocage had nothing to do with music, she said.

"We loved going fishing," she said with a chuckle. "We used to go all the time, and that's my favorite memory of him."

Besides music, Mr. Bocage was also known for his carpentry skills. He repaired the wind damage to the roof of his house after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hamilton said.

many thanks frosty....

not only have i learned that mr. edwin joseph bocage,.. the man who planted a huge ass smile on my mug every single time i eva' saw him,.. also loved to catch himself some fishies... and the coolest dude in town knew how to handle a hammer too... well,.. all that new found knowledge makes me love him even more,.. and i had plenty of love for the man already......

mr edwin joseph bocage..... man,.. even his real name was as cool as all get out.....

once more,.. and forever more,.. rest in peace mr. bocage...

to be sure,.. there was always a very clear slice of heaven in that incredible smile of his....

[mplsbear]

I am so sorry to hear this. I love catching Eddie every time we are in NO.
Eddie played Blues fest here in Chicago 2 years ago. It was an early afternoon show at one of the smaller stages. The crowd was pretty tame, just lying in the grass taking in the good music. Eddie then started Check, Mr. Popeye. This has been a favorite song of my group since we saw Eddie do it many years ago at Jazz fest. My wife and four of her friends started doing the Popeye dance. This caught Eddies eye and got huge smile on his face, called the ladies to the front of the stage and did Now, Let's Popeye, his novelty interactive dance number. This really energized Eddie for the rest of the show and he put on a great performance.

R.I.P. Eddie and I hope your shakin' your sacarelliac up in heaven.

Hey we were there, I may have pictures of that, great show and alot of NOLA peeps there that year(which is why we made the trip), I'm gonna go home and hunt for those pics, heck I may have even been dancing with your group, Eddie was grinin ear to ear, I remember, we chatted with him after the set and he was so gracious.

[t.o..fester]

Like Lis, Eddie was one of the first acts I saw on my first visit to JF back in the early 90's, and he was a big reason I fell in love with N.O. My condolences to his family & friends. A huge loss to the music world.

[Rossvegas]

The other day I was showing my gal some Youtube videos of the late, great Mr. Bo and she said: "you're not going to cry, are you?"

I smiled and said: "No...but now that you mention it, Eddie Bo was one of the few people that truly brought tears to my eyes during that first Fest right after Katrina. Hell, I thought I would be crying every 5 minutes during that damn Fest, but I didn't. The only times I cried - and I cried like a baby - was during Eddie Bo's set, the Wild Magnolia's set and the McDonnough #35 High School Choir's set, and each time they were tears of complete jubilation and sheer joy. The only time I shed tears of sadness was during Springsteen's set, but Eddie Bo made me grin and cry at exactly the same time."

:>(

[sharon_loves_fats]

Oh no, how sad. I am so grateful I caught his set last year. Not only was it a highlight of my Fest, but it was the one and only time I ever got to see him. Eddie, you will be missed, RIP.

[Maggie]

Eddie Bo Memorial Service

As seen on the Offbeat website:


By OffBeat staff

A memorial service for friends, family and fans of Eddie Bo, who passed away last week from a heart attack, will be held at the Rock 'N' Bowl, 4133 S. Carrollton Avenue, (Phone: 504-482-3133) on Wednesday afternoon April 1, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a family bank account entitled the “Eddie Bo Memorial Fund.” Anyone wishing to make a donation can send it to the Fund at the following address:

Eddie Bo Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 57175
New Orleans, LA 70157-7175

[charlotte]

Thanks - I'm actually reading "Chronicles - Vol 1" right now. Maybe I'll come across that quote. I really love what Eddie said about New Orleans being the "center of a mysterious energy force, a force that drives the city's music." Very poetic homage to the spirituality of NOLA, as posted by roscoecat in this thread. (from the Lynn Jensen article)

[Chicago Fest Fan]

Hey we were there, I may have pictures of that, great show and alot of NOLA peeps there that year(which is why we made the trip), I'm gonna go home and hunt for those pics, heck I may have even been dancing with your group, Eddie was grinin ear to ear, I remember, we chatted with him after the set and he was so gracious.

If you have pics I would love to see them. We were thrilled that Eddie saw our group doin the Popeye and got a kick out of it.
Every time I read this thread I am saddened that I wont be seeing him this year.

[specialed]

Eddie Bo is gone. No more "Olive's in the danger zone." No more "Check You
Bucket." What there will always be more of are great memories of the hours
spent listening to the magic of Eddie Bo. The very first time I remember
seeing him was as a solo piano in the small bar at Margaritaville. I was
never the same again! By then I knew about Professor Longhair, and I had
always known about Fats Domino;but all I knew about Eddie Bo was years ago hearing "Check, Mr Popeye." Seeing that live was just something I couldn't put into words. Soon, Eddie Bo was the main focus of every trip to the Crescent City-and there quite a few back then! I was there every minute he played on both Friday and Saturday. I saw his 'band' grow from solo to duo,to trio, to quartet, to quintet. I saw a number of guitar players rotate in
and out. I saw drummers come and go. No matter the players, the scene was
always Eddie Bo's. Did I mention the regular crowd? There were many locals
and tourists who showed up-I was there so much, even the band didn't know I was a tourist! When Eddie Bo and Margaritaville had a falling out, I was
contacted by some of the local regulars to write letters to the manager
trying to keep Eddie Bo playing, but my letters and theirs were for naught.
Soon, Tipina's opened in the Quarter, and Eddie Bo was back with a regular
gig. It was such a good time! Dancing, singing, watching George and Ronnie
dance. Soon, that also would dry up, but then, Eddie Bo opened his own
place. Hard to find, hard to park, and not the best of neighborhoods, but
with so much 'Eddie Bo' it was perfect! I don't need to talk about his Jazz
Fest performances to this crowd, nor do I need to tell you about Eddie Bo
wanting me to sing with him(there are pictures available at a nominal
charge to prove I sang in public in NOLA!).

What I will always remember about Eddie Bo was his graciousness.(Yeah, I was there when that scrffy street musician Marc Stone came in to play at Eddie's invite!) He was so
glad you had come to see him. Every musician who played with him was
featured by Eddie Bo, some almost to the point of distracting from Eddie
himself. He was always so kind, so gentle in relating to us. There was much
love for the man. Goodbye Bayou Maharajah, good bye Eddie Bo, we miss
you....

[Headless Hornman]

Hard to believe we won't see him this year. I was always amazed by his energy and especially his huge smile. When the schedule comes out each year his name is one of the first I scan the page for.

http://dirk.pitt.home.att.net/jfest/jfest06/eddie_bo.jpg

[ibjamn]

Hard to believe we won't see him this year. I was always amazed by his energy and especially his huge smile. When the schedule comes out each year his name is one of the first I scan the page for.

http://dirk.pitt.home.att.net/jfest/jfest06/eddie_bo.jpg

I love that picture!

[Zydekitten]

Below is a nice little write-up on yesterday's Eddie Bo Memorial concert at Rock n'Bowl.

I was there for the last half of it and it was magical to walk in during the time when Irma was singing "It's Raining", with Dr. John on keys and The Wolfman on guitar.

Then after that stellar group, Deacon John, his brother Charles, with Sunpie Barnes on the harp came up and TORE up the place with some kickass slide guitar blues, capped off by "Everyday I Have the Blues"

The last group had Joe Krown on keys and Papa Mali to wrap up the event beautifully.

Two of Eddie's children sang a cappella songs - the most touching being the song his son sang to Eddie, with the whole family standing up there with him.

It was a lovely way to remember Eddie, his joy and his talent.

http://blog.nola.com/keithspera/2009/04/eddie_bos_farewell_featured_pe.html

[PaulC]

Below is a nice little write-up on yesterday's Eddie Bo Memorial concert at Rock n'Bowl.

I was there for the last half of it and it was magical to walk in during the time when Irma was singing "It's Raining", with Dr. John on keys and The Wolfman on guitar.

Then after that stellar group, Deacon John, his brother Charles, with Sunpie Barnes on the harp came up and TORE up the place with some kickass slide guitar blues, capped off by "Everyday I Have the Blues"

The last group had Joe Krown on keys and Papa Mali to wrap up the event beautifully.

Two of Eddie's children sang a cappella songs - the most touching being the song his son sang to Eddie, with the whole family standing up there with him.

It was a lovely way to remember Eddie, his joy and his talent.

http://blog.nola.com/keithspera/2009/04/eddie_bos_farewell_featured_pe.html

would have loved to have been there...

still so very sad,.. sadder than sad,.. that the man who neva' once failed to make me smile is gone.... he was always a fresh blast of the best kind of air....

from the get go,.. he got to the very top on my "will ya' help a brother get to feelin' good" list,.. and no one ever topped him,.. nor can, or will they.....

once more,.. rip mr. bocage..............

[Jim]

I just received an e-mail from the Rock n' Bowl. On Monday, April 27th, there will be a tribute to Snooks Eaglin w/ Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr., Tab Benoit, Monk Boudreaux and others. Tuesday, April 28th, will be a tribute to Eddie Bo featuring Dr. John, Joe Krown, John "Papa" Gros and others.

[Gards]

would have loved to have been there...

still so very sad,.. sadder than sad,.. that the man who neva' once failed to make me smile is gone.... he was always a fresh blast of the best kind of air....

from the get go,.. he got to the very top on my "will ya' help a brother get to feelin' good" list,.. and no one ever topped him,.. nor can, or will they.....

once more,.. rip mr. bocage..............

I still have my T,Shirt from Piano Night in 2002 which was a tribute to Eddie Bo and it has his smiling face on the front.
I will wear it with even more pride than ever,from now on.
Cheers
Gards

[Voodoohead]

Photo's from the Eddie Bo Memorial:
http://www.nativeorleanian.com/news/eddiebo/?show=gallery

[NeenAtlanta]

Nice Job Voodoohead!

I just realized - you are the photographer for the pictures that Offbeat has for sale in their weekly Offbeat on line emails. Great work!!

[McGregor]

Eddie Bo tribute blog
http://stevensonblog.tuscaloosanews.com/
"Seventy fingers, 14 hands, only two keyboards..."