NEW ORLEANS NIGHTLIFE & MUSIC - New Orleans Musicians

New Orleans Musicians: Eddie Bo

Eddie Bo shares the keys to the city. The legendary pianist released more R&B singles than any other New Orleans musician except Fats Domino.

What is the first word that comes to mind to describe New Orleans?
Fantastic.

What is your secret weapon for thriving in New Orleans?
Getting absorbed in the essence of the mysteries of New Orleans. Particularly the food and the music.

What would you like to do on Mardi Gras day but haven't dared?
Hide. But I've seen quite a few Mardi Gras. And you never know just what you're gonna see.

What is the most romantic place in the city?
Anyplace where people are sharing good spiritual feelings.

Why do you live here?
You always have to come back.

What is your best habit?
Being involved in the music.

What is your worst habit?
Never getting away from the music.

What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten here?
It's not unusual, but not everyone can make a good gumbo. And I've had some peculiar ones.

What's the most underrated thing about this city?
It's not underrated, but people have to stick around long enough to really absorb it.

What's one thing you would change about the city?
We need more jam sessions. It used to be that all the musicians would end up at the same club. You'd have twelve trumpets. Everybody just shared their music.

Who is your favorite local performer?
There's quite a few. If I tried to name any I'd just get in trouble.

What musicians influenced you when you were young?
When I studied piano I liked Horowitz, the Russian classical pianist.

What is your favorite Jazz Fest memory?
I enjoyed the last one. They had "Piano Heaven." All in a row they had me, Dr. John, Fats Domino and Ray Charles.

What is your favorite song about New Orleans?
I like everything by Professor Longhair.

What is your favorite New Orleans cliché?
Hitting the second and third beats. That's New Orleans. The rest of the world just doesn't understand.