Remembering Wardel Quezerge, the Creole Beethoven

By Eve Abrams

New Orleans, Louisiana – Arranger, composer, bandleader, and producer Wardell Quezergue died this past Tuesday. Quezergue left his mark on countless Rhythm and Blues hits, arranging and producing records for the likes of Dr. John, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Earl King, Professor Longhair, and James Booker. Quezergue grew up in the 7th Ward, playing music with his family, and he started gigging professionally when he was 12 years old. In his last few years, Quezergue was legally blind, yet he worked up until his death, at 81 years old. Eve Abrams brings us this tribute.