Snooks Eaglin, 1937–2009

Renowned New Orleans musician Snooks Eaglin passed yesterday afternoon. Eaglin was an outstanding guitarist with a unique, self-learned style and an energetic, almost confrontational vocalist.  The beloved "human jukebox" was also known for his encyclopedic musical repertoire and eclectic song choices in concert.

His first recordings were made in 1958 and can be heard on the excellent New Orleans Street Singer. Eaglin released a number of records in the early '60s, but withdrew from the music world for the latter half of the decade and for most of the '70s. He returned to performing in the late '80s and again began releasing records (Baby, You Can Get Your Gun, Soul's Edge and Teasin' You are a few fine examples). Eaglin performed with Earl King, Allen Toussaint, Professor Longhair and many others. He will be missed.