Coco Robicheaux - New Orleans blues legend

Subject: CoCo Robicheaux - blues & jazz-spoken
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Sep 10 - 12:15 AM

I see we've had mention of Coco Robicheaux just a few times, so I thought we could use a thread. I just heard his "Avatar" and "Freedom and God" from his "Revelator" CD. WOW!! I love his speaking voice and the jazzy blues was a great backdrop for it. The lyrics/words themselves spoke so much Truth to my heart...what am amazing man. I hope some of you will give him a listen. Here's a link with previews at CDBaby

Now, after reading his bio from CDBaby, I am wondering why we haven't had more about him on here. Here it is:

New Orleans legend Coco Robicheaux has faithfully delivered his mojo soul to devoted listeners in tiny joints and massive stages for decades. He has performed across the US and Europe, at every French Quarter Festival since 1995, and for ten consecutive years at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Mr. Robicheaux was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at the House of Blues in New Orleans on Oct. 24, 2009.

The animated performer known for his commanding stage presence and story-telling mastery has enjoyed several stints in the acting world. Coco is featured most recently in HBO's Treme, and previously in "Good Times San Francisco", George Lucas' "More American Graffiti", commercials for Popeye's Chicken, countless indie and horror movies and several voice overs.

New Orleans is home for Coco, and he is an integral thread in his city's fabric and heritage. He offers his services and performs gratis for local fundraisers, and contributed to N. O. Musicians' Clinic's fundraising project by donating the song "Louisiana Medicine Man" to the 'Get You a Healin' CD. Tipitina's showcases his artwork, a bronze bust of Professor Longhair, which was created with much love, hundreds pennies collected from friends, and a little help from the Spirit.

What a remarkable man.

kat

Subject: RE: CoCo Robicheaux - New Orleans Blues Legend
From: PoppaGator
Date: 24 Sep 10 - 04:26 PM

Great guy, terrific performer, and amazing New Orleans character; I've known him for years (although my kid brother Paul has known him longer, and introduced us sometime back in the late 70s.)

The name "Coco Robicheaux" is an assumed one, and comes from the lyrics to Dr. John's "Walk On Golden Splinters" ~ fittingly enough, considering the similarities between the two performers, both their personas and their vocal "sounds." (Coco's Cajun-French "real" name isn't really all that different from "Robicheaux," but I'll keep his confidence on that score here in this public forum.)

When I met him, Coco wasn't performing as a musician, although I learned later, when he resumed his musical career, that he had put in several years playing on Bourbon Street when he was younger. He has truly spent most of his life on stage; it's just a coincidence that he was "on hiatus" when I met him.

Coco is also a notable sculptor. His bronze bust of Professor Longhair, created shortly after Fess's death in 1980, stood inside the front door of Tipitina's for a decade or so, and then was moved outdoors and halfway across the street to the Napoleon Avenue neutral ground as the centerpiece of a little memorial plaza.

Subject: RE: CoCo Robicheaux - New Orleans Blues Legend
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Sep 10 - 09:25 PM

Thanks for the further info, Poppa...I figured you would know of him, at least. Neat that you and your brother have both known him for so long.

I just told a friend, today, that she has to hear his Freedom and God piece. It is still resounding in my heart and mind.

kat

Subject: RE: CoCo Robicheaux - New Orleans Blues Legend
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 09:01 AM

He was featured prominently in an episode of first season of the HBO television series "Treme," playing himself.

Subject: RE: CoCo Robicheaux - New Orleans Blues Legend
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 08:01 PM

Hey Now~

This is Coco's daughter. I am very happy to hear that you like the new cd-I did the design and my family produced it for Coco.

He is going to participate in this cool upcoming project as well:
http://www.blackcabsessions.com/

I try to keep the gigs current on his myspace, and will be updating pix/videos on the website at some point.

http://www.myspace.com/cocorobicheaux

Cheers,
Heather
www.spiritland.com

Subject: RE: CoCo Robicheaux - New Orleans Blues Legend
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 12:47 PM

Welcome to the Mudcat, Heather, and thanks for stopping by and posting the info!

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Coco Robicheaux - New Orleans blues legend
From: GUEST,Jazz & Blues Florida
Date: 19 Apr 18 - 02:32 AM

www.CocoRobicheaux.com
http://www.CocoRobicheaux.com

Subject: RE: Coco Robicheaux - New Orleans blues legend
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 03:20 AM

I investigated his music after reading the novels of James lee Burke. I have at least one of his CDs. Great sound of New Orleans.
RtS