John McDonogh is an important figure in New Orleans history, best known for his philanthropic contributions to the city. Born in 1779, he was a very successful businessman and landowner, buying re...
Maurice “Moon” Landrieu, born in 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is best remembered for his many contributions to the city. Mayor of New Orleans from 1970-1978, Landrieu put forth a great effort t...
For nearly a century, Andrew Higgins has been celebrated as one of the unsung heroes of World War II. A businessman from New Orleans, Higgins pioneered the design of the landing craft that allowed...
As one of New Orleans' most famous and beloved figures, Antoine Peychaud is a name that resonates deeply among locals. But who was this renowned pharmacist — and how did he become one of the city'...
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ruth R. Benerito was a pioneering scientist and inventor with a lasting legacy of innovation. A graduate of Tulane University and the University of California at Be...
Richard Simmons is an icon in the fitness and wellness world, best known for his innovative approach to exercise, his vibrant personality, and his passion for helping others. But what many people ...
The Neville Brothers are a band that needs no introduction. With a career spanning more than four decades, they have become one of the most influential families in music history. The Neville Broth...
Mahalia Jackson was born Mahalia Ann Julia in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 26, 1911. She was one of nine children born to Rev. Joseph and Mahala Jackson. From a young age, Mahalia showed an ...
If you want to know what soul music is, look no further than Irma Thomas. Often referred to as the "Queen of Soul" of New Orleans, Irma has been performing for over 50 years. She started her caree...
Louis Prima was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1910. He was a jazz musician and singer, who achieved great success both in the United States and abroad. He is considered to be one of the pioneer...
Larry Ragusa's King Cakes: The Greatest Fake Bakery in New Orleans History
The muffuletta king cake. The shrimp bordelaise king cake. The Mrs. Ragusa special with chopped-up weenies and tomato gravy. None of it was real, and all of it was perfect.Larry Ragusa's King Cak...
Dr. John was a musical genius and New Orleans legend who combined jazz, blues, and boogie-woogie into voodoo-inspired performances. Born Malcolm John Rebbeneck, he was sure to turn heads as people ...
“The best gay one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced” is how Dr. John described James Booker. A New Orleans native, “Black Liberace” lived a life peppered with tragedy and addic...
Ellis Marsalis was an integral part of the New Orleans tradition of passing on a passion for music to the next generation. Born in New Orleans in 1934, he grew up in the small, working-class, music...
Pete Fountain's Half-Fast Walking Club
Mardi Gras is world-renowned for many different reasons, one of which is the classic Fat Tuesday parade that occurs every year. This parade involves the marching of over 100 different krewes, whic...
“What they call and rock and roll now’s rhythm and blues I’ve been playing for fifteen years in New Orleans.” –Fats Domino Beloved by his home city, idolized by musicians as varied as Little Ric...
Art “Poppa Funk” Neville came into this world on December 17, 1937. It became evident at quite an early age that Art, along with his three siblings - Charles, Aaron and Cyril – were gifted musicall...
The elder Bo Dollis spent five decades leading the Wild Magnolia tribe, a role he used to help guide the city’s entire Mardi Gras Indian culture into a new, more peaceful era and enable the spread...
