March 20, 2009
- RIP Eddie Bo 9/20/1930-3/18/2009: One of the great legends of New Orleans has left us. Singer/pianist/songwriter/arranger Edwin Joseph Bocage, who is known to the world as Eddie Bo, passed away on Wednesday of a sudden heart attack. He was 78. Eddie was part of the formative 1950s and 60s phenomenon of New Orleans rhythm & blues, and remained active throughout his long career. Eddie cut numerous records for labels including Ace, Apollo, Scam, Swan, Bluejay, Nola, Arrow, Cinderella, At Last, Seven B, Ric, Checker, Chess, Telarc, and his own Bo-Sound imprint. Eddie wrote songs covered by Etta James, Tommy Ridgely, and Little Richard. His biggest hit "Check Mr. Popeye" coined a term for a particular beat characteristic of many New Orleans songs. In later years, Eddie joined up with fellow Louisiana musicians Raful Neal and Tabby Thomas and put out a beautiful record on Telarc called Hoodoo Kings. His influence and significance to the music of New Orleans cannot be overstated. For the Associated Press obituary, click here. For Eddie Bo's complete bio, click here, and for a great Wikipedia overview of his life, click here.
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