Snooks' Soul Train pulls out of Nawlins

February 18, 2009 4:15 PM

Snooks Eaglin has died.One of New Orleans' most authentic and underrated guitar players won't be making his jazz fest gig this year. Next time you have some red beans & rice, take a moment to remember the guy who some called the human jukebox.
posted by msconduct (23 comments total)

Saw him several times at Jazz Fest, never at Rock 'n Bowl. Huge loss.
posted by justgary at 4:21 PM on February 18

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posted by Joe Beese at 4:22 PM on February 18

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posted by rdone at 4:24 PM on February 18

Thank you for introducing me to this music. That's some booty-shakin' music.

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posted by elmer benson at 4:44 PM on February 18

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posted by The White Hat at 4:48 PM on February 18

I love his version of One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer. This is terrible.

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posted by FunkyHelix at 4:54 PM on February 18

Night Snooks, thank you. God speed.
posted by Divine_Wino at 4:58 PM on February 18

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Damn, just found him on eMusic a few months ago.
posted by doctor_negative at 4:59 PM on February 18

I'm gonna miss Snooks.
posted by nola at 5:18 PM on February 18

The story of him driving the boys home one night....I believe it.

cya man, if I am lucky.

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posted by Xoebe at 5:38 PM on February 18

A wonderful spirit, who made a wonderful contribution to his world. Rest in peace, Snooks Eaglin.

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posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:05 PM on February 18

Oh no!

He does a great St James Infirmary too.
posted by CunningLinguist at 6:35 PM on February 18

Oooo it's on youtube
posted by CunningLinguist at 6:36 PM on February 18

Oh no.

I loved Snooks more than almost any other guitar player ever in history. He had a totally unique style and an awesome groove. Pus he was just charming beyond description. He was the textbook example of soul.

A favorite Snooks story to mark the moment. I once saw Snooks at Antone's in Austin. He had Jimmy Vaughan backing him up and the Antone's all-stars all blowing away (hey Kaz!) They were loud and proud, snooks seated in front wailing away on his stratocaster, head back, oblivious to all but the groove. I forget the song, but I remember that the power went out right at the climax of the lead break, the whole club and stage went dark, a blown breaker from the band and the AC charging so hard. And the club fell totally silent and all the other players stopped blowing but Snooks never noticed it. He kept on jamming with his unamplified guitar, loud enough that you could still hear it and a few moments later the power came back on and the band just joined him a chorus or two back in. He never even registered the moment. He was that lost in the music.

Man, heaven is rocking tonight.

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Here's a fine article on Snooks for those who want to know more. From BluesAccess 1999.
posted by fourcheesemac at 6:47 PM on February 18 [2 favorites has favorites]

("more than almost any guitar player in history" except Hendrix, and Snooks could do a mean Hendrix knockoff) whereas Snooks could do stuff Hendrix would have died even younger to know how to do with his right hand.
posted by fourcheesemac at 6:55 PM on February 18

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posted by ornate insect at 7:54 PM on February 18

Rock n' Bowl is moving to a new location, too. My god, how things change.

goddammit, snooks. happy mardi gras.
posted by gordie at 9:25 PM on February 18

Rock n' Bowl is moving to a new location, too

Wait. WHAT?
posted by CunningLinguist at 10:02 PM on February 18

I remember there was talk about it moving, but I hadn't heard any more.
posted by justgary at 10:22 PM on February 18

♪
posted by Smart Dalek at 4:12 AM on February 19 [1 favorite has favorites]

It's just moving down the street. Still, I'll miss that building.
posted by gordie at 7:13 AM on February 19

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posted by trip and a half at 8:35 AM on February 19

This is terrible news, I was just playing someone his version of "St. James Infirmary", and telling them how amazing his ability is. So sad to see you go Snooks.
posted by javsgotyournose at 1:29 AM on February 23