New Orleans-born singer and entertainer B.J. Crosby (born Joanne Crayton) passed on this past Friday, a sad loss for the city and world.

Born in 1952, Crosby got her start singing in church as a child. She performed in local theater productions and as a jazz singer  throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

She sang and recorded with such local greats as Ellis Marsalis and Germaine Bazzle, and eventually brought her powerful voice and captivating stage presence to venues across the globe.

Crosby relocated twice, first to Los Angeles in 1987 and then to New York in 1995, where she was enjoyed many successes in the theater, including a Tony nomination for The Songs of Leiber and Stoller.

After moving back to New Orleans in 2007, she released her first solo album, Best of Your Heart. She suffered a stroke in 2008 and, unfortunately, lost her singing voice.

“Lady B.J.”  is survived by her son Joseph Elloie, three grandchildren, and a countless family, friends, and fans.

The funeral will be held at the First Emanuel Baptist Church (1829 Carondelet Street) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11th, with a viewing beforehand beginning at 8 a.m.

A tribute concert is being planned for the following day, to be held at Dillard’s Cook Theater. More information forthcoming.