Eddie Bo, 79, a New Orleans blues singer-pianist who worked with musicians such as Irma Thomas and Art Neville, has died of a heart attack.
His death was confirmed Friday by his close friend and booking agent, Karen Hamilton. Hamilton said Eddie Bo, whose real name was Edwin Joseph Bocage, had a “sudden, massive heart attack” while out of town Wednesday.
Bocage was a keyboardist-pianist with a career spanning more than five decades.
An accomplished songwriter, Bocage penned the 1960 Etta James hit “My Dearest Darling” and “I’m Wise,” which was made famous by Little Richard when renamed and released in 1956 as “Slippin’ and Slidin’.”
Bocage released more than 50 singles in his career — a number second only to Fats Domino among New Orleans artists — including “Check Mr. Popeye” in 1962. The Associated Press
