Cooking Up a Storm

Hurricane Katrina smashed into New Orleans Aug. 29, 2005. Within 48 hours, 80 percent of the city was under water. More than 1,400 people in the city and the surrounding areas died. Hundreds of thousands of others lost their homes and most of their possessions. Those losses included family recipes and favorites clipped from the local newspaper, The Times-Picayune. As residents struggled to rebuild, they sought comfort in familiar foods.

Frankie Ford (1939 - 2015), Sea Cruise singer

Frankie Ford, a singer who enjoyed some success in the 1950s as a rock 'n' roll and rhythm-and-blues star, has died after a long illness, according to multiple news sources. Ford, who went on to become a New Orleans icon, died Monday, Sept. 28. He was 76. The specific cause of death was not immediately available. Ford's big break came in 1952, on "Ted Mack's Amateur Hour" TV program. He had a hit in 1959 with "Sea Cruise." The recording went on to sell more than 1 million copies, hitting No. 14 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Although Ford's success was short-lived, he continued recording through the 1980s.

Paul Prudhomme (1940 - 2015), New Orleans celebrity chef

Famed chef Paul Prudhomme died Thursday morning at the age of 75, according to the New Orleans restaurant he owned, K-Paul's, CNN reported.

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

Legendary New Orleans musician, songwriter and producer.

Funeral Music Across Cultures

The emotional power of music makes it a natural part of funeral ceremonies, no matter which culture you belong to.

Pete Fountain (1930 - 2016), Dixieland jazz clarinetist

Pete Fountain, the virtuoso Dixieland jazz clarinetist, died Aug. 6, 2016, of heart failure, according to multiple news sources. He was 86.

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.

Joan Marie Johnson Faust (1944 - 2016), singer with the Dixie Cups

Joan Marie Johnson Faust, one of the founding members of the New Orleans girl group the Dixie Cups, died Oct. 5, 2016, according to multiple news sources. She was 72. Sisters Barbara Ann and Rosa Lee Hawkins formed the Dixie Cups along with Faust, their cousin. In June 1964, the trio famously kicked the Beatles out of the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with the song “Chapel of Love.” It proved to be their biggest hit, selling more than 1 million copies.

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."

Linda Hopkins (1924–2017), actress and gospel singer

Linda Hopkins, the actress and gospel singer who won a Tony Award in 1972 for her show-stopping performance in the musical "Inner City," died Monday, April 10, 2017, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, according to multiple news sources. She was 92.

Fats Domino (1928–2017), rock ‘n’ roll pioneer gave us a thrill on “Blueberry Hill”

Fats Domino, the early rock 'n' roll superstar who sang enduring songs including "Blueberry Hill," died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 89.

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— .

Harry Anderson (1952 – 2018), “Night Court” star

Played the quirky Judge Harry T. Stone on the popular sitcom…

Charles Neville (1938–2018), saxophonist for the Neville Brothers

Charles Neville, saxophonist and founding member of the Neville Brothers, has died at the age of 79, according to multiple news sources.

Ella Brennan (1925–2018), New Orleans restaurateur

Pioneered nouvelle Creole cuisine at the iconic Commander's Palace.

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.

Dr. John (1941–2019), New Orleans music legend

Legendary New Orleans musician Dr. John won 6 Grammys and was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Dave Bartholomew (1918–2019), New Orleans music legend

Dave Bartholomew was one of the architects of rock and roll, partnering with Fats Domino on early rock classics including co-writing “Ain’t That a Shame.” The New Orleans trumpeter, band leader, producer, songwriter, and arranger was involved in many iconic songs including “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” “Blueberry Hill,” “I’m Walking,” and “I Hear You Knocking.” Bartholomew was band leader for one of New Orleans premier R&B bands when he became an A&R man for Imperial Records. At Imperial, he brought in Fats Domino, working with him on combining R&B with big band, jazz, and country to create early rock and roll. Bartholomew was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

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.

Lucien Barbarin (1956–2020), Harry Connick Jr. trombonist

Lucien Barbarin was a trombonist for Harry Connick Jr. and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Barbarin was a New Orleans jazz legend who showcased his charismatic personality during Harry Connick Jr. concerts. The pair created comic routines that were fan favorites. Barbarin had been playing with Connick Jr. At least since the early 1990s. Barbarin released a few of his own albums, the last in 2007.

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.

Tom Dempsey (1947–2020), legendary NFL placekicker

Tom Dempsey was the legendary NFL placekicker whose 63-yard game winning field goal for the New Orleans Saints in 1970 was an NFL record for over 40 years.

Big Al Carson (1953–2020), legendary New Orleans blues singer

Big Al Carson was a renowned blues singer who was a fixture of the New Orleans music scene.

Roosevelt Taylor (1937–2020), former Bears All-Pro safety

Roosevelt “Rosey” Taylor was a former Bears All-Pro safety who helped lead the Chicago Bears to the 1963 NFL championship title.   

Sterling Magee (1936–2020), one half of blues duo Satan & Adam

Sterling Magee was an acclaimed blues guitarist and musician who was part of the popular blues duo known as Satan & Adam.

Lucille Bridges (1934–2020), mother in 1960 school desegregation

Lucille Bridges was the mother of Ruby Bridges, who made history in 1960 when she began attending an all-white school in New Orleans.

Carol Sutton (1944–2020), actress in “Steel Magnolias,” “Monster’s Ball”

Carol Sutton was an actress known for roles in movies and TV shows including “Steel Magnolias” and “Queen Sugar.”

Jonshel Alexander (2021), "Beasts of the Southern Wild" actor

Jonshel Alexander starred as Joy Strong in the 2012 movie "Beasts of the Southern Wild."

Anne Rice (1941–2021), ‘The Vampire Chronicles’ author

Anne Rice , the author of the popular vampire novel series ‘The Vampire Chronicles,’ died Saturday evening, her son Christopher announced on social media.

Lawrence Brooks (1909–2022), oldest US World War II veteran

Lawrence Brooks was the oldest known living US World War II veteran.

Rosa Lee Hawkins (1944–2022), singer with the Dixie Cups

Rosa Lee Hawkins was a singer with the 1960s girl group the Dixie Cups, known for their hits “Chapel of Love” and “Iko Iko.”

“Grandpa” Elliott Small (1944–2022), iconic New Orleans street musician

“Grandpa” Elliott Small was a New Orleans street musician known for his singing and harmonica playing.

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.

Moon Landrieu (1930–2022), former New Orleans mayor who advocated integration

Moon Landrieu  was the former mayor of New Orleans who was a strong advocate for civil rights during his tenure in the 1970s.   

Walter “Wolfman” Washington (1943–2022), popular New Orleans musician 

Walter “Wolfman” Washington was a guitarist and singer who led the popular New Orleans bar band the Roadmasters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tessie Prevost Williams (1954–2024), pioneer of early desegregation

Tessie Prevost Williams was a pioneer of early desegregation who was among the first to attend integrated schools in New Orleans.