New Orleans, Louisiana, is so proud of their native bluesman Walter
"Wolfman" Washington, the city recently celebrated a day in his honor.
As VOA's Doug Levine tells us, Washington delivers a tribute of his own
with a new album of New Orleans R&B, Doin' The Funky Thing.
Walter
"Wolfman" Washington has been doing the "funky thing" for decades. He
achieved legendary status by playing guitar and singing backup for New
Orleans icons Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey and Johnny Adams. One of his
biggest fans is fellow Crescent City crooner Doctor John who says,
"Since I first heard 'The Wolf,' I thought that he was one of the
hippest guitar players and singers." Doctor John should know. He
plays the Hammond B-3 organ on the song "I'm Back."
Walter
"Wolfman" Washington marks his return to the studio with "I'm Back."
He took time off to write new material, update his band The
Roadmasters, and rebuild his life after Hurricane Katrina tore through
New Orleans almost three years ago.
Washington pays tribute to
the Big Easy and its long history of great Southern soul with such
tracks as "Crescent City Starlights" and "Landslide," as well as "Wolf
Jazz," which puts him to the test as a jazz bandleader and arranger.
New
Orleans is famous for honoring its musical heroes. Proclaiming April
30, 2008 as "Walter 'Wolfman' Washington Day," Mayor Ray Nagin bestowed
upon Washington, "A special day of honor for a lifetime of amazing
musical performances representing New Orleans throughout the U.S. and
around the world."
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