Louisiana blues legend Coco Robicheaux, originator of the style known as "hoodoo blues," passed away on Friday night, November 25, 2011 at the age of 64 years. Robicheaux had collapsed at the Apple Barrel club in New Orleans, and was later pronounced dead upon arriving at the Tulane University Medical Center. The cause of death has not been announced.
Robicheaux was a mainstay of the New Orleans music scene since a teenager. Born Curtis John Arceneaux, he took his stage name from a Louisiana folk tale where a mischievous child named "Coco Robicheaux" is abducted by the werewolf Loup Garou. Robicheaux formed his first band at the age of 13, and was playing to Bourbon Street audiences in New Orleans by the age of 15. He signed his first record deal at 18 years old, releasing an album on the JB Records label in 1965, but he wouldn't record again for almost 30 years.
In 1994, Robicheaux released the critically-acclaimed Spiritland album, following it up a few years later with 1998's Louisiana Medicine Man. Robicheaux's gravelly vocals were instantly recognizable, and with his swampy guitar tones and lyrical fascination with voodoo, mysticism, and spiritualism he created an individual style that many call the "hoodoo blues." Robicheaux toured and recorded sporadically throughout the 1990s, appearing at blues festivals in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. Robicheaux was also a supporter of the New Orleans Musician's Clinic.
Robicheaux was a familiar figure in the clubs of Frenchman Street in New Orleans, performing frequently and just hanging around when he wasn't onstage. Robicheaux appeared eight straight years at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and was also a regular performer since 1995 at the French Quarter Festival. Robicheaux released his most recent album, Revelator, in 2010, and was becoming known as an actor, appearing in the HBO series Treme. Robicheaux also received acclaim as a painter and sculptor, and he created the bronze bust of fellow Louisiana music legend Professor Longhair that stands in front of the famous Tipitina's club.
A unique and singular talent that never received the acclaim he deserved, Robicheaux will be missed by his family, friends, and many fans around the world.
Coco Robicheaux photo by Thomas Arceneaux, courtesy Spiritland Records
Comments
Photo by Thomas Arceneaux, Coco’s brother.
So glad that we got to see Coco and the band at the 2011 French Quarter Fest on the main stage. One of a kind, absolutely unique and totally psychedelic. A great performer.
RIP Coco.
R.I.P. Coco, loved the many hours I went to hear you on the patio at the H.O.B.
Gonna be missed like all the other great legends of that city.
thanks for being in my life and being so kind and caring.
here’s to ya’!
Will miss you. Your Spiritlands album is one of those if you’re stranded on a desert island albums. Definately one of my favorite musicians!
I had NO idea… Clicked on the list of who passed on in 2011, and did NOT expect to see this man. His work on Treme was sublime. Saw him at Margaritaville in NOLA in 2000. I had NO idea who the man was, but was blown away… Sad to see him go, good that he was around.