Issue Articles — Obituaries
Jimmy Maxwell (1953-2024)
Musician, band leader and conductor Jimmy Maxwell passed away on February 29, 2024, at the age of 70.
Kerry “Fatman” Hunter (1970-2024)
The devastating news of the tragic death of the beloved snare drummer Kerry “Fatman” Hunter profoundly impacted those in the New Orleans music and Black cultural communities, family, friends and all of those who loved and respected him as an artist and a beautiful person. A New Orleans native, Kerry “Fatman” Hunter, died on February 13, 2024, at the age of 53.
Gina Brown (1965-2024)
Singer and entertainer Gina Brown passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Touro Hospital.
Jo-El Sonnier (1946-2024)
Grammy Award-winning Cajun and country artist Jo-El Sonnier passed away at the age of 77. Sonnier suffered a fatal heart attack following a performance in Llano, Texas on January 13, 2024.
Jean Knight (1943 – 2023)
New Orleans singer Jean Knight has passed away at the age of 80 on November 22, 2023.
Greg Miles (1966 – 2023)
OffBeat photographer and prolific music photographer Greg Miles passed away on November 19, 2023 at his apartment in Mid City.
Russell Batiste Jr. (1965-2023)
Drummer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Russell Batiste Jr. had been scheduled to lead his band, Russell Batiste & Friends, at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the recent NOLA Funk Fest. Sadly, only his powerful musical spirit emanated from the stage as an array of musicians paid tribute to their late friend, collaborator and mentor. Batiste, born David Russell Batiste Jr., passed away on September 30, 2023, at the age of 57.
James C. “Jimmy” LaRocca (1939-2023)
New Orleans trumpet player and composer Jimmy LaRocca passed away on October 15, 2023.
Jimmy Buffett (1946-2023)
Singer songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, who launched his career in New Orleans, passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island on Friday September 1, 2023. Buffett had been fighting Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years. A statement from Buffet’s website said: “Jimmy passed away peacefully … surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song ’till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Paul Conrad “Biff” Rose, III (1937-2023)
Biff Rose, pianist and singer-songwriter passed away at the age of 85 at his home in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday July 25, 2023.
