RIP Bob French

JazzFest 07 Last Day-1350, a photo by NoVARon on Flickr.

Word just came that Bob French passed away. This New Orleans legend was part of the studio crew at Cosimo's studios and played on countless classic New Orleans recordings. Later, he took over leadership of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band from his father which he maintained for some time. His nephew Gerald now leads it.

Above he is seen at the 2007 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival where Marsalis Music celebrated its album of Bob. He was joined he was joined by friends and those he mentored including Harry Connick, Jr., Bradford Marsalis, Kid Chocolate and Trombone Shorty.

He also hosted a show on WWOZ for several years, championing New Orleans Music which he closed by saying that if you liked his show, tell all your friends and if you didn't like it, don't tell anybody. A character who was true to himself.

Hee is Keith Spera's obituary from nola.com, http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2012/11/bob_french_longtime_original_t.html.

Below is Bob performing with the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band at the 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.