
One of New Orleans’ most-underrated soul musicians – EDDIE BO, has died aged 79. Local New Orleans press agencies reported that EDDIE died from a heart attack on Wednesday 18th March after a day spent in that city’s shopping centre. The pianist/vocalist was born EDWIN JOSEPH BOCAGE on September 20th, 1930. His family were noted Big Easy musicians and after a stint in the army EDDIE enrolled himself at the Grunewald School of Music where he immersed himself in the jazz style of ART TATUM but on graduating he soon learned that playing good time R&B brought more bookings. He joined the house band at the famed Club Tijuana where he played under the name SPIDER BOCAGE. He made his recording debut in 1955 and over the years he released more singles than any other New Orleans musician save FATS DOMINO. In the 60s – now calling himself EDDIE BO, and with numerous production credits under his belt too – his playing style became funkier and he scored his biggest hit in 1969 with the two parter ‘Hook And Sling’ which was eventually followed by ‘Check Your Bucket’ in ’71. EDDIE worked only sporadically after that – concentrating more on his construction business – even converting an old office into a café – neatly named Check Your Bucket. In the 80s he recorded with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and as the demand for oldies started to flourish he began touring again and became a popular player on the festival circuit – a circuit he continued playing right up to his death.