The Krewe of Orpheus will honor the memory of legendary New Orleans musician and Frenchmen Street mainstay Coco Robicheaux this year with a special commemorative doubloon.
The Krewe of Orpheus honors Coco Robicheaux with a commemorative doubloon. (Image Credit: Manuel Ponce)
After his untimely passing in 2011, Robicheaux’s legacy has continued to grow, according to his widow, Danielle Laramie. Recent homages include a likeness of Robicheaux carved into wood behind the bar at the House of Blues and a large mural on Chartres Street, but Laramie said the Orpheus honor is special for her.
“The fact that the Krewe of Orpheus is honoring him means that Coco is such an integral part of the heart, soul, and culture of New Orleans,” Laramie said. “Celebrating Coco’s legacy helps heal my broken heart with this beautiful honor.”
Krewe of Orpheus Comptroller Fred Nuccio said he felt compelled to shine a light on Robicheaux during this year’s parade.
“Every year I go to the OffBeat obituaries and I go through and we talk about who to honor this year,” Nuccio said. “When I saw the story about Coco Robicheaux, I suggested we go in that direction.”
Past New Orleans musical legends honored by Orpheus after their deaths include Jelly Roll Morton, Mahalia Jackson, Snooks Eaglin, and Ernie K-Doe. Nuccio said Robicheaux felt like a natural extension to that select group.
Robicheaux’s likeness will adorn a commemorative doubloon designed by Mardi Gras artist Manuel Ponce, one of the lead artists at Kern Studios. In addition to the doubloon, Robicheaux’s widow Danielle Laramie and other family members will be invited to the Orpheus ball, the Orpheuscapade, this year, and commemorations will be spread throughout the event.
“Coco’s brother, a lot of the Arceneaux family, and a good portion of the Spiritland Band that don’t already have gigs are coming to represent,” Laramie said. “I feel like we’ve got a good representation all around, from musicians to family and friends.”
(Photo Courtesy of Danielle Laramie)
Throughout its history, the Krewe of Orpheus has always maintained a steady focus on New Orleans musicians and artists. Nuccio said while many deceased musicians have been honored over the years, many more have ridden on floats in Orpheus, performed at the ball, and played various roles behind the scenes.
“We honor our music legends while they are still alive as well,” Nuccio said. “We don’t just wait until they have passed. Even if we’re not glorifying them or putting them on a float, they’re always at the ball or we have them perform.”
Ernie K-Doe rode in Orpheus for many years before his passing, and Frankie Ford always plays a part in the overall celebrations. This year, the Dixie Cups will perform at the Orpheuscapade as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
The Coco Robicheaux doubloon has already become a hot commodity, Laramie said.
“I have been getting requests around the clock for these doubloons since the word got out that Coco’s face is on it,” she said. “From Paris, Spain, Germany, little parishes in Louisiana. People who can’t attend are asking me if I can please catch one for them, and I’m going to do everything I can to get each and every one of those people a ‘Coco coin.’”
Even without the international demand for the doubloons, Laramie said she is overjoyed that Robicheaux will be memorialized at such a huge event.
“Coco would have enjoyed being there, but I’m a small representation,” she said. “How do you represent someone like Coco? You just go and dance and do the best you can.”
