The last time I saw Walter "Wolfman" Washington perform was back in April when he was part of Jon Cleary's Rhythm & Blues Revue. Prior to that, I could always count on his regular spot at DBA on Frenchmen Street.
My favorite memory of Wolfman though, goes back to the very first time I stepped foot in New Orleans. It was my first Jazz Fest and I was taking in as much as possible. Overwhelmed? Twice over! It was the end of the first day at the Fairgrounds, and the march through the Mystery Street exit to the bus stop was almost as much fun as the day full of music and food. The neighborhood was rocking, everyone sitting on their front steps or in their porch chairs, trying to make a buck either playing drums on spackle buckets or selling bottled water. Then, we came to this barely standing shack on a corner with a weed-filled front yard, and a makeshift sign jammed into the ground:
WALTER "WOLFMAN" WASHINGTON
TONITE INSIDE, 3AM.
$5.00
I thought I was hallucinating. I mean, I knew all about New Orleans. I just didn't believe all I heard.
But this was real.
That was a long time ago, and I still regret not being inside that shack.
I did get to see Walter "Wolfman" Washington play a dozen times or more, and he always satisfied.
Sad news today, for me, and for many.
R.I.P., Wolfman.
6 comments:
Its not a surprise, but it still hits hard. He has been extremely ill, and about 2 months ago there was a rumor that he had died then. Thankfully, he lived to see another birthday this past week, and since people were aware that he was extremely ill, there were a ton of platitudes sent his way (go to the WWOZ 2 week archive and look up Marc Stone's show from Tuesday for a great tribute). While his passing is sad, equally troubling is that it further brings an end to an era of NO rnb/soul that is simply no longer being performed by actual New Orleanians. All that is left of that era is Irma Thomas, Deacon John and Al Johnson. None of them perform much any longer. As much as I love Jon Cleary, he's really from a different era (70s-80s) in additon to obviously being not from the Crescent City.
He has just finished recording a new lp, and the early releases are simply stunning. Walter had become more infatuated with jazz and vocal stylings and the new recordings reflect that trend.
Another good man down. RIP, Walter. A city mourns for you.
Another great New Orleans story.
RIP. I only saw him once, but he had the tightest band I've ever seen. Great show!
3am in a rundown shack doesn't sound very legit. But I've never been in N. O., so...
got to see him inducted to the NOLA HOF @ Tip's monday after JF 1rst weekend 1 year.. he gave us a lot
I had no idea!!! I only saw him once and I never forgot it. What a legend. What a loss.
The Wolfman was a giant. Saw hi a bunch of times at the Maple Leaf and at least once at Snug Harbor when it was new. i miss him.
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