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Oliver Morgan

 
Artist: Oliver Morgan
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Frankie Ford, Alvin "Red" Tyler, Gyros, Neville Brothers, Stop Inc., Al Johnson, Hawketts, The Wild Tchoupitoulas, Professor Longhair, Little Buck

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Performed Songs By:

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  • Born: May 06, 1933, New Orleans, LA
  • Died: July 31, 2007, Atlanta, GA
  • Active: '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s
  • Genres: Rhythm & Blues
  • Instrument: Vocals

Biography

New Orleans R&B singer Oliver Morgan remains best remembered for his 1963 hit "Who Shot the La La," a tribute to fellow Crescent City legend Prince La La. Born and raised in New Orleans' Ninth Ward alongside fledgling greats Fats Domino, Jessie Hill, and Smiley Lewis, Morgan first began singing in his local church. Upon signing to Harold Battiste's AFO label in 1961, he cut his earliest singles like "I'll Make a Bet" and "I Got a Feelin'" under the alias Nookie Boy, a childhood nickname bestowed by his aunt. When fellow Ninth Ward product and R&B eccentric Prince La La suffered a fatal but mysterious drug overdose in 1963, Morgan signed to GRP-Crescendo to cut the Cosimo Matassa-produced "Who Shot the La La." A lively, whimsical tribute to his late friend, the record proved a surprise crossover hit and Morgan soon went on tour in support of Jackie Wilson, Wilson Pickett, and Don Covay. Follow-ups including "La La Man" and "Liver Quiver" fell flat, but Morgan remained a New Orleans institution, his colorful live act renowned for its signature second-line umbrella, previously a staple of jazz funerals. In addition to club appearances, he worked for years as a custodian at New Orleans' City Hall building, followed by a stint as caretaker of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. In 1997, Morgan recorded his first-ever album, the Allen Toussaint-produced I'm Home. Days after completing the sessions he suffered a stroke, and the following January, Toussaint headlined a benefit concert in his honor alongside fellow Crescent City immortals Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, and Frankie Ford. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Morgan and wife Sylvia were forced to relocate to Atlanta after the breached levees destroyed their Lower Ninth Ward home. He died on July 31, 2007, at the age of 74. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
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Oliver Morgan

Oliver Morgan on stage with his trademark second-line umbrella, 1997
Background information
Born May 6, 1933(1933-05-06)
Origin New Orleans, Louisiana
Died July 31, 2007 (aged 74)
Genres Rhythm and blues
Occupations Singer
Instruments Vocals
Years active 1961–2005

Oliver Morgan (May 6, 1933 - July 31, 2007[1]) was a R&B singer from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

History

Morgan was born and raised in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans alongside Fats Domino, Jessie Hill and Smiley Lewis.[2]

In 1961, he released his debut single on AFO Records under the pseudonym "Nookie Boy." It was in 1964 that he released his only national hit "Who Shot the La La" which sings about the mysterious situation surrounding the death of singer Lawrence "Prince La La" Nelson in 1963. The recording session took place at Cosimo Matassa's studio in New Orleans with Eddie Bo at the piano.

Following the success of the song, he went on a tour nationally, but eventually settled as a local singer appearing at local clubs and festivals. He also had a day job working as a custodian at City Hall and as the caretaker of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum on Chartres Street.[3]

In 1998, he released his first and only full length album I'm Home from Allen Toussaint's Nyno label. Toussaint gave him full support providing songs and producing the album.

Morgan's Lower Ninth Ward home was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and he evacuated to Atlanta with his wife where their children were living in. Morgan died in Atlanta on July 31, 2007. He had not performed since he evacuated out of New Orleans.

Notes

  1. ^ The Louisiana Weekly obituary
  2. ^ The New York Sun obituary
  3. ^ The Times-Picayune obituary

External links

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