"Mr. Eddie Gabriel (1910-2005)"
Eldridge Gabriel was born March 23, 1910. He began his career at Pat O'Brien's Bar in New Orleans in 1938, just five years after the bar opened. Strangely, he just walked in and started waiting on tables. No one had officially hired him, but they knew he was special. Shortly, he was up on stage tapping his aluminum tray with coins on top to the beat of the piano players. That was the beginning of his long 67 year musical career in the Piano Lounge at Pat O'Brien's, where people flocked to hear him play. He used a tray with coins, thimbles and magical fingers to bring joy to millions of people. He loved to hear the infamous "EDDIE, EDDIE, EDDIE" chant from the audience and truly loved what he did. He never missed a day of work.
After a long search, his family confirmed everyone's fear and a small funeral mass was held on Jan. 2, 2006. On March 23, 2006 Pat O'Brien's honored Mr. Eddie with a "Celebration of Mr. Eddie Gabriel's Life". This day would have been his 96th birthday. Ana, Stacey, Victoria, Henrietta and his niece Angela had some incredible stories and great memories to share with the crowd. A jazz band led everyone in a second line jazz funeral and the celebration continued through the night. Thank you to everyone who joined us to pay tribute to Pat O'Brien's Rhythm King! Here are some photos of our celebration.....
 With kindly permission of "Shelly Oechsner Waguespack of Pat O' Brien's" |