In Memoriam: Bob French

I do hope you're considering having Sally Newhart come on and talk about Bob, the band and it's long history. She was a great friend of Bob's and has compiled a lot of history about the French family and the band. I think you're listeners would love to hear a truly fitting tribute to Bob.

Bob French not only mentored many young musicians here in New Orleans, he also was kind and helpful to new deejays.

After the "storm" WWOZ was in dire need of new show hosts. Bob took it upon himself to patiently give me pointers as I learned how to sit in for show hosts who were unable to immediately come back.

Bob was always a loyal friend and at times an honest and frank curmudgeon.

He truly loved New Orleans, its musical heritage and his fellow musicians.

He was kind to his fans, once indulging me 45 hilarious minutes after his Monday night gig.

His radio show, equal parts music, personality, and community, made 9AM bearable, at least Tuesdays and Fridays.

Please consider releasing his past radio shows as podcasts sold to benefit his family and 'OZ. I'd buy them.

He will be missed.

Count me in

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tuesday and friday mornings of Bob's shows during his tenure were dedicated blocs of "time out" from my daily toils.....oh what gems of real life senerios with "tell it like it is" commentary by Mr French and his guests....that morning he had Dr.John on who was in typical form of "who cares what they think, its the dam truth!!!! " it was a double barrel shot of real-ness.....the cultural historical gems he shared was an audio-philes dream class....it'll be a guarenteed large time for all in presence where-ever his soul gets to rest, i'll tell ya that ole padnah...

In Memory of Bob French

Bob died yesterday and at first, I did not realize the loss we had experienced. I guess I was still seeing him behind the drums, taking a drink and philosophizing. I met Bob on a gig like so many of his fans. I had heard him on OZ and I decided to introduce myself to him the next opportunity I got. That was in 1998. In 1999, my Mom died, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the guy I thought I was dating…ended our relationship. ( always a man in the scenario). So turning on OZ and listening to Bob was a source of sunshine. We became friends. He always acknowledged me whenever he saw me at a gig, a second-line, Jazz Fest, or a funeral.
He knew I was always taking pictures of musicians and he would make it a point to have musicians pose for me. He introduced me to so many musicians; among them was Smokey Johnson…”Ain’t My Fault”.
He was just a funny, round the block guy, who spoke the truth and shame the devil.
During the aftermath of Katrina, I decided to publish my book, The Last Walk, and I dedicated it to Bob. I had to track him down, but we met at Donna’s in December, 2005 and I gave him a bunch of books. He was elated because he did not realize that I had dedicated the book “to all the musicians of the city, especially, Bob French.”
We are going to miss you , Bob, but whenever your name is spoken your spirit will live within us.

I loved listening to Bob. He was funny, irreverent, smart, and told it the way he saw it.

I met Bob just once, but he made a wonderful impression on me. After listening to him on the radio for years, I came to New Orleans and saw him perform at DBA. He signed my CD and then invited my friend and myself to stop by the studio next day. After the show, he gave me 12 of his own CDs to take home.

To me, Bob will always be New Orleans. His charm, humor and hospitality will remain with me as symbols of what a great place the city is. I've missed him ever since he stopped doing his show and I'll continue to miss him.

Bob French...Was a True Ta' Dah' Bone N.O. La. Cat'...LOVED Dat' Cresent City and UNDERSTOOD IT,Too ! Spoke HIS MIND on Tyme....IF HE LIKED Ya'YOU KNEW IT....IF HE Didn't, Ya' GOT Dah' MESSAGE Cher' R.I.P. Mr.Bob'

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob French. He was one of my all time favorite show hosts. He certainly was at the heart of Traditional New Orleans jazz. And his online chatter was always fun to hear. He will be sorely missed by many.

Gordon Lee
Minneapolis, MN

In 1979 Bob and one of the many configurations of his Original Tuxedo Jazz Band skipped out of their paid gig at the brand new Hilton Riverside Hotel's jazz brunch to stop by my wedding reception. Bob was one of the first people I met after moving here permanently in 1977.
Now he can finally Rest in Peace...
and I have another angel in my personal 'Heavenly Band'.
Thanks for everything, Bob!