On This Date (September 10, 1999) Beau Jocque / Acclaimed Zydeco Performer

Beau Jocque (Born Andrus Espree)
November 1, 1953 – September 10, 1999

Beau Jocque was a Zydeco singer and accordion player who came to prominence in Louisiana during the ’90s.   With his band, the Zydeco Hi-Rollers, Jocque injected rock and funk into the Zydeco sound, endearing him to fans throughout the local clubs.  A big man, standing 6′ 6″ and weighing in at nearly 275 pounds, Jocque died of a fatal heart attack at the age of 46.

On This Date (January 30, 1980) Professor Longhair

Professor Longhair (Born Henry Byrd; aka Roy Byrd)
December 19, 1918 – January 30, 1980

Photo by Lindsay Shannon

Professor Longhair was a New Orleans rhythm and blues pianist and singer whose career spanned some thirty years.  Longhair was a street hustler before turning his focus on playing the piano professionally in the late ’40s.  He made several albums throughout his career, mostly considered among the best of the New Orleans genre.  He was also a crowd pleasure at the most respected music festivals in the world, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival.  Longhair suffered and heart attack and died while asleep.  He was 61 years old.