New Orleans musician and band leader Wardell Quezergue, a man known locally as the Creole Beethoven, has died. He was 81.
Quezerque’s imprint on local music scene looms large, arranging “Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups, “Mona Lisa” by Aaron Neville, Professor Longhair’s “Iko Iko” and “Big Chief” and Earl King’s “Trick Bag.”
In 1992, he produced Dr. John’s Grammy award-winning “Goin' Back to New Orleans.”
He also worked with national stars Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Willie Nelson.
In May 2009, He was given an honorary doctorate from Loyola University for his selfless dedication to enhancing the careers of others.
