A Giant Leaves the Building

Today in New Orleans we bid farewell to Wardell Quezerque, a seminal figure in the musical history of New Orleans. He worked as an arranger, writer, and producer for uncountable recording sessions across decades of popular music. "Barefootin'" and "Mr Big Stuff" are two particularly memorable recordings. His influence, however, is unmeasurable, as he worked in the seams of the music industry, both here in New Orleans and nationwide. He wasn't a performer or a big name producer as some of his proteges became, such as Allen Toussaint and Mac Rebennack (aka Dr. John), but many musicians in this city consider him their "teacher."

I have a friend who became very close to Wardell over the years, acting as a sort of caretaker whenever she was in town. That's how I came to meet Wardell just last year. They were totally social occasions, usually over dinner. He was a man of many moods, as I have been told, but in my few brief interactions, he was gentle man with stories to tell. I did get to witness him at work at one of his sessions for his final piece, an orchestral setting of the Passion. Seeing him in the studio, listening so intently to the performers and advising and guiding them to the sound he wanted, was a humbling experience for me.

I hardly knew him as a person, but the sound of New Orleans music in the 1960s and 1970s will always resonate with the heart, soul, and genius of Wardell. Indeed, today a true giant has left the building.