SEA CRUISE

First let me state: I am forever grateful to Huey Smith for writing and giving “Sea Cruise” to me. This letter is a rebuttal to false or misunderstood information. Never did I hear anyone else sing “Sea Cruise” except the time at Cosimo’s studio on Governor Nicholls. Huey sat at the piano and sang parts and taught me the lyrics written on a sheet of loose-leaf paper from my high school binder. It now hangs in the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The only two people still with us would be Cosimo and myself. But, as fast as the music business was in the ’50s and ’60s, some things get lost in the memory. Cosimo’s and my recollection are the same.

—Frankie Ford, New Orleans, LA

SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE

New Orleans is the seat of the American Folksoul. “Folksoul” is a term used by Rudolf Steiner, the visionary who founded the Waldorf school movement. Each nation has its own folksoul, a unifying soul that speaks through its people.

Without the crucible of New Orleans, we would have been just an amalgamation of different regions, regardless of the Constitution and its laws. Congo Square, where jazz was born then rock ‘n’ roll (also born in New Orleans), entered into the hearts and minds of every man, woman and child in America. The birth of the American Folksoul, 1956! Rock ’n’ roll—the true fusion of black and white ethnic cultures.

Huge topic, but yes New Orleans is the birthplace, the womb, the balls and vagina. I think Mardi Gras can be celebrated nationally, but anyone wanting to go to the source should know where to go. New Orleans should be a spiritual pilgrimage for all Americans.

—Fred Simmons, Peterborough, NH

A GOOD MUSICIAN

Thank you for all that you and your staff do for New Orleans musicians and the supporters of live music around the world. Things could be better, but let’s not complain because things could be worse. Many of our musical family are returning home; all we need is for our city to acknowledge that a good musician in the right places and the preservation of our musical culture equals tourism. We have this to offer and for the world to view.

—Alton “Big Al” Carson, New Orleans, LA

BEST CITY

I have visited and lived in New Orleans on and off since 1978. I first got there for Mardi Gras. Henry Winkler was king that year, which I’ll never forget because two of the beautiful tall ladies in evening gowns that got out of a stretch limo with this man between them. Each was at least a foot taller than the “Fonz”! He was just as nice as Carlos Santana was when I met him waiting tables at the Hotel Montelone.

I could not make Jazz Fest this year, so I went to Syracuse on Memorial Day and saw the Radiators. It really brought tears to my eyes.

I once say Eubie Blake on the S.S. President back when they did actual cruises. I’ll never forget the show. A young bearded white man in a floor-length dashiki with tulips on top of his head sat right next to people in tuxedos. Eubie actually gave me and a lady friend his autograph that night.

Now we have a President that will help re-build. Take that to heart and do not ever forget that New Orleans is one of our best cities on this planet.

—Harry J. Lagonegro, II, Elmira, NY