Walter Payton, Jr. passed away on Thursday, October 28, a musical force since the early ’60s in a city of staggering talent. Payton was born and raised in uptown New Orleans and has played in several famous New Orleans outfits, such as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band and Olympia Brass Band. Lending his talents as a bassist or sousaphonist, he has played with the likes of Aaron Neville, and has been featured on several famous recordings, such as Lee Dorsey’s “Working in a Coal Mine”. In later life, he taught music in New Orleans public schools for 25 years.

On Saturday, November 20, New Orleans will celebrate his life and contributions to the music and culture of the city.  Beginning with a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at Preservation Hall, the celebration will culminate in what’s sure to be a grand second line in his honor. The parade begins at 11 a.m. from the Hall, and will move through the French Quarter, pause in front of the McDonogh 15 School for Creative Arts on St. Philip Street (where Payton taught music), and eventually end back at Preservation Hall.

For more information on Saturday’s memorial events, including the precise second line route, visit the Hall’s website. Also read Preservation Hall Director Ben Jaffe’s remembrance of Walter Payton, who was Jaffe’s bass teacher and friend.