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Eddie Bo

Edwin Joseph Bocage, known to music lovers around the world as 'Eddie Bo', was born in New Orleans, raised in Algiers and the 9th Ward. Having come from a family that is legendary in the traditional jazz community (cousins Henry, Charles, and Peter, had all made important contributions playing with the finest jazz orchestras prior to World War II), after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School and spending time abroad in the Army, he returned to New Orleans to study composition and arranging at the Grunewald School of Music. It was here that Eddie Bo developed a unique style of piano playing and arranging that incorporated complex be-bop voicings, influenced by Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. His mother and Professor Longhair, whose playing styles were similar, were major influences on Bo as well.

In a career that spans well over five decades, Eddie Bo has made more 45’s than any artist has in New Orleans other than Fats Domino. He has produced records for Irma Thomas, Robert Parker, Art Neville, Chris Kenner, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson and the late Johnny Adams. Bo is a prolific songwriter, having penned several timeless songs: "Check Mr. Popeye", "It Must Be Love", "I’m Wise" (made famous by Little Richard under the name "Slippin' and Slidin'") and the hit recorded by Etta James, "My Dearest Darling". He also wrote Tommy Ridgley's "In The Same Old Way" and further demonstrates genius in the realm of contemporary New Orleans funk on the highly creative works, "Hook and Sling" and "Pass the Hatchet."

During the 1950's Eddie Bo led a group of stellar New Orleans sidemen around the country backing such vocalists as Ruth Brown, Joe Turner, Lloyd Price, Smiley Lewis, Earl King, the Wild Magnolia Indians, Algiers brass Band, Treme Brass Band, the late Johnny Adams and the Platters. His versatility and professionalism have had a vital impact on the world of contemporary New Orleans music. As a vocalist, he is one of a kind. As a pianist, he transcends categorizing. His spirit and vitality are an inspiration to musicians all over the world.

Bo has had many of his early 45's reissued on compilations and has contributed to the works of many other artists, including The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and George Porter, Jr.

Throughout his career, Eddie has self-produced several CDs and toured Europe in a series of stadium concerts which drew record setting audiences.

Although called a 'one man orchestra' by Jon Pareles in a New York Times review, Eddie continued to perform with his band at private events in and outside of New Orleans and in Europe.

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Obituary

New Orleans Bluesman Eddie Bo Dies

New Orleans Bluesman Eddie Bo Dies

Source: Billboard Magazine

New Orleans blues singer-pianist Eddie Bo, who worked with musicians such as Irma Thomas and Art Neville, has died of a heart attack. He was 79. His death was confirmed Friday by his close friend and booking agent, Karen Hamilton. Hamilton said Eddie Bo, whose real name was Edwin Joseph Bocage, had a “sudden, massive heart attack" while out of town Wednesday. She said he “went very quickly, very peacefully." Bocage was an accomplished keyboardist-pianist with a career spanning more ...

405

Obituary

Eddie Bo Blues Singer, Pianist and Songwriter Passes

Eddie Bo Blues Singer, Pianist and Songwriter Passes

Source: Michael Ricci

Bo penned the 1960 Etta James hit 'My Dearest Darling' and 'I'm Wise,' which was made famous by Little Richard when he renamed and released it in 1956 as 'Slippin' and Slidin'.'

Eddie Bo, a New Orleans blues singer-pianist who worked with musicians such as Irma Thomas and Art Neville, died Wednesday of a heart attack, according to his booking agent, Karen Hamilton. He was 78.

Eddie Bo, whose real name was Edwin Joseph Bocage, was an accomplished keyboardist- pianist ...

93

Performance / Tour

Second Movement Brings the Groove to the Midwest in June 2007

Second Movement Brings the Groove to the Midwest in June 2007

Source: All About Jazz

From June 19 to June 23, New York City quintet Second Movement will bring their groove-driven jazz-funk to six of the midwest's best venues.

Formed in 2003, the band has emerged as an energetic and original voice within the jazz and jamband scenes. In addition to their showcase at this year's South by Southwest Music Festival, they have headlined festivals and clubs along the East Coast and have shared the stage with the undisputed Grandfather of instrumental funk, Meters guitarist ...

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