They Made a Joyful Noise

We've lost many gospel singers in recent weeks. The renowned , who famously sang with James Cleveland’s Gospel Chimes and Bill Gaither’s Homecoming crew, died Sept. 26, 2011 at age 73.

The Real Steel Magnolia

Not many people can say they had the honor of being portrayed by Sally Field in a classic movie. But then, not many people are Margaret Harling.

Life, Love, and Adventure With Cynthia Castle

Cynthia Castle lived for love and adventure.

Cheerleader's Inspiring Fight With Cancer

Breanna Lyn Bercegeay-Bertucci, 13, died this month after nearly 14 months fighting acute myeloid leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer. The Louisiana girl’s struggle with the disease, chronicled on the Facebook group “Cheering for Breanna” inspired thousands to follow the ups and downs of her treatment and illness, as well as the daily business of being a young girl.

The Fight Over Gram Parsons' Funeral

Who owns the rights to final goodbyes?

Allen Toussaint (1938–2015), new Orleans musician and songwriter

Legendary New Orleans musician, songwriter and producer.

John "Hot Rod" Williams (1962 - 2015)

John Williams, who played as a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1995, has died, according to his longtime agent, Mark Bartelstein. Williams was 53. Also known as Hot Rod, Williams died Friday of prostate cancer-related complications in a hospital near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said Bartelstein. Williams had been treated for the disease for the last six months.

The Seven Most Touching Obituaries of 2015

Honoring seven souls who left their loved ones with a smile.

Gib Guilbeau (1937 - 2016), Cajun musician and songwriter

Gib Guilbeau, the Cajun musician and veteran songwriter from Louisiana, died April 12. He was 78. His death was announced by The Burrito Brothers band via Facebook. No cause of death was immediately available. “Gib was a beautiful guy. Great singer and songwriter,” the group wrote, noting that Guilbeau was a member “of the last of the early wave (1968-75) of Flying Burrito Brothers. … It was an honor to play a couple of times with him. Thoughts and prayers go out to Ronnie and the rest of the Guilbeau family. Thanks, Gib, for the music!”

Baton Rouge Shooting Victims

Three law enforcement officers were killed Sunday morning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after a gunman ambushed them, according to multiple news sources. Three other officers were wounded in the attack. The gunman died in a shootout with the police. Killed were Baton Rouge Officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald. The third victim, Brad Garafola, 45, was an East Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy. His death was confirmed by a spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was a 24-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. At the time of his death, he was working in civil processing and foreclosures, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release posted on its Facebook page.

The Story Behind the Year's Funniest Obituary

When the recently went viral, we wanted to learn more about the story behind the words. We talked to Ziegler's family members and found out how they worked together to create the perfect tribute to their father.

Clyde Holloway (1943 - 2016), former U.S. Representative

Clyde C. Holloway, a former member of the U.S. Congress, died Oct. 16, 2016, at his home in Forest Hill, Louisiana, according to multiple news sources. He was 72.

10 Things To Know About Louis Armstrong

He's one of the greatest musicians this world has ever seen: Louis Armstrong, the New Orleans-born trumpet player and singer, who died July 6, 1971, was an entertainer who possessed a unique voice and playing style that's still imitated today. During Armstrong's lifetime, only one of his recordings ever reached the No. 1 Billboard spot in the U.S.: his 1964 cover of "Hello, Dolly," which pushed the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" from the top spot on the Hot 100 chart. Since his death, Armstrong's recordings have enjoyed great popular success, especially his cover of "What a Wonderful World."

Norma McCorvey (1947–2017), Roe v. Wade plaintiff

Plaintiff in the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion case.

Lonnie Brooks (1933–2017), Sweet Home Chicago bluesman

Lonnie Brooks, a Louisiana-born blues musician well-known for his version of the song "Sweet Home Chicago," died Saturday, April 1, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 83.

Who Was Fats Domino?

One of the original creators of rock ‘n’ roll music died this week. If you've never heard his music, you're in for a treat— .

Ndugu Chancler (1952–2018), legendary session drummer

Ndugu Chancler, legendary session drummer who played on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” has died at the age of 65, according to multiple news sources.

Billy Cannon (1937–2018), legendary LSU running back

Won the 1959 Heisman Trophy.

Tony Joe White (1943–2018), “Polk Salad Annie” songwriter

The “swamp rock” musician had songs recorded by Elvis Presley and Tina Turner.

Leah Chase (1923–2019), New Orleans chef perfected Creole cuisine

Leah Chase was the "Queen of Creole Cuisine," the owner of the legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans who fed presidents and made space for civil rights leaders to meet and plan the movement. She and her husband, jazz trumpeter Edgar "Dooky" Chase, took over his parents’ sandwich and lottery shop in the Treme neighborhood, and she used her background of working in French Quarter restaurants to build it up into a fine dining establishment for the black community in the days when New Orleans was still segregated. Dooky Chase was a popular gathering place whose prominent customers included the , James Baldwin, and , and wrote it into his song "Early Morning Blues." Credited with perfecting Creole cuisine, Chase was honored with the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and Food & Wine magazine named Dooky Chase one of their 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years. Chase was also an avid art collector with a notable collection of art by African-American artists, and her own portrait by Gustave Blache III hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.

Art Neville (1937–2019), keyboardist and singer with the Neville Brothers and the Meters

Art Neville was a keyboardist and singer who was a founding member of the Neville Brothers and the Meters. Known as “Poppa Funk,” Neville was a staple of the New Orleans music scene, who helped shape the city’s signature sound. The Meters, formed in 1965, were among the originators of funk, performing their own songs as well as backing artists including Lee Dorsey, Robert Palmer, and . They were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. In 1977, Neville founded the Neville Brothers along with his brothers Aaron, Charles, and Cyril. Their notable songs include “Sister Rosa” and “Healing Chant,” which won a Grammy Award in 1989. In later years, Neville formed the Funky Meters along with some members of the original group. He continued playing with them until his retirement in late 2018.

Jeff Blackshear (1969–2019), former NFL offensive lineman

Jeff Blackshear was an offensive lineman who played with the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Green Bay Packers. The guard started every game for the Ravens from 1997 until 1999. He was drafted by the Seahawks out of Northeast Louisiana University in the eighth round.

Cokie Roberts (1943–2019), legendary journalist with NPR and ABC News

Cokie Roberts was a journalist known for her work on NPR’s “Morning Edition” as well as co-anchoring ABC News’ “This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts.”

Ernest Gaines (1933–2019), celebrated novelist

Ernest Gaines  was the celebrated author of “A Lesson Before Dying” and “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” Born on a plantation in Louisiana, he made his way to California as a teenager because the local high school did not allow African American students. After serving in the Army, he earned a place in Stanford University’s creative writing program. His novels took an honest poetic look at Black struggles in America. He gained some success with 1971’s “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” but even more when his 1993 novel “A Lesson Before Dying” was featured in Oprah Winfrey’s book club. Both novels were adapted into movies.  

Phil Phillips (1926–2020), “Sea of Love” singer

Phil Phillips was a singer and songwriter best known for his 1959 hit “Sea of Love.” The song was a million-seller that was later covered by other artists, including popular versions by Del Shannon in 1981 and the Honeydrippers in 1984.

Ellis Marsalis Jr. (1934–2020), New Orleans jazz piano legend

Ellis Marsalis Jr. was a well-known New Orleans jazz pianist who was the patriarch of a musical family including sons Branford and Wynton Marsalis.

Chi Chi DeVayne (1985–2020), “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star

Chi Chi DeVayne (born Zavion Davenport) was a drag queen best known for starring on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Fred Dean (1952–2020), Pro Football Hall of Famer with Chargers and 49ers

Fred Dean was an NFL defensive end who played for the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers, winning two Super Bowls with the 49ers.

Luke Letlow (1979–2020), Congressman-elect from Louisiana

Luke Letlow was a Republican politician who had just been elected to represent Louisiana’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Buddy Roemer (1943–2021), former Louisiana governor

Buddy Roemer was governor of Louisiana from 1988 to 1992, and he became the first governor in U.S. history to switch political parties while in office.

Martha White (1922–2021), started influential 1953 Baton Rouge bus boycott

Martha White was a housekeeper whose refusal to leave the whites-only section of a bus was the catalyst for a 1953 bus boycott in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Edwin Edwards (1927–2021), four-term Louisiana governor

Edwin Edwards was the Democratic governor of Louisiana for four terms in the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

Hurricane Ida Victims (2021)

At least 34 people have died as a result of Hurricane Ida.

Carol Fran (1933–2021), Louisiana blues singer and pianist

Carol Fran was a Louisiana blues singer and pianist known for singles including “Emmitt Lee” and “The Great Pretender.”

Clay Jordan (1955–2022), “Survivor: Thailand” runner-up

Clay Jordan was the runner-up in “Survivor: Thailand,” the fifth season of the popular reality competition show.

Albert Woodfox (1947–2022), former prisoner and celebrated author

Albert Woodfox was one of the “Angola Three” prisoners, who were held in solitary confinement for decades, before his post-release life as a prison reform activist.

Freddie Roulette (1939–2022), blues lap steel guitarist

Freddie Roulette was a blues musician known for his unusual use of the Hawaiian lap steel guitar.

Michael Rhodes (1953–2023), bassist on How Do I Live

Michael Rhodes was a bass player known for his work on Nashville hits including “I Hope You Dance” and “How Do I Live.”

Kidd Jordan (1935–2023), jazz saxophonist and educator 

Kidd Jordan was a jazz saxophonist and educator who played alongside artists like , , Stevie Wonder, , Cannonball Adderley (1928–1975), and R.E.M., and taught jazz artists such as Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and Donald Harrison.

Keith Nale (1960–2023), two-time Survivor contestant

Keith Nale was a contestant on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” and returned for “Survivor: Cambodia.” 

Biff Rose (1937–2023), Fill Your Heart singer and songwriter 

Biff Rose was a singer and songwriter whose songs were covered by such artists as , Pat Boone, and . 

Russell Batiste Jr. (1965–2023), renowned funk drummer 

David Russell Batiste Jr. was a New Orleans-based funk drummer who played for the Funky Meters, Nuclear Rhythms, Papa Grows Funk, and Vida Blue, among others.

Louisiana I-55 Car Crash (2023)

At least seven people have died, and dozens more are injured, after more than 150 cars crashed on Monday, October 23, amidst heavy fog on Interstate 55 in southeast Louisiana.

Jean Knight (1943–2023), Mr. Big Stuff singer

Jean Knight was a New Orleans singer who had a chart-topping hit in 1971 with “Mr. Big Stuff.” 

Harry Connick Sr. (1926–2024), longtime New Orleans district attorney 

Harry Connick Sr. was the district attorney for Orleans Parish (New Orleans) from 1973 to 2003 and the father of musician and actor Harry Connick Jr. 

Clarence “Frogman” Henry (1937–2024), Ain’t Got No Home singer

Clarence “Frogman” Henry was a New Orleans-based rhythm & blues singer best known for his songs, the novelty hit “Ain’t Got No Home” and “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do.” 

Nick Daniels III (1955–2024), mainstay of New Orleans funk scene

Nick Daniels III was a bass player and mainstay of the New Orleans funk scene best known as the co-bassist and co-vocalist for Dumpstaphunk.

Richard Simmons (1948–2024), physical fitness superstar

Richard Simmons was a TV physical fitness instructor who led the 1980s trend of aerobics classes with such popular exercise videos as “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.”

Jacoby Jones (1984–2024), former Baltimore Ravens receiver 

Jacoby Jones was a former NFL wide receiver and Pro-Bowl player who scored a record-setting 108-yard kickoff return touchdown with the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.