One of the true legends of New Orleans jazz, Germaine Potter Bazzle has been under-recognized nationally and internationally through her entire career. On par with R&B queen Irma Thomas, her voice in jazz is as distinctive as any, with a sweet soul to match. Her exploits singing in the Seventh Ward are unmatched, but she has been known primarily as a teacher. Influenced by the greats like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Eckstein, she took on a repertoire of classic jazz, American popular songs, show tunes, and the music of Duke Ellington. Sounds of the church were never far behind, and she sang regularly on Sundays with the Saint Louis Catholic Choir. A graduate of Xavier University, Bazzle chose to stay at home, instructing mostly young girls in choir and music appreciation at Xavier Prep. Her limited discography has her included on the compilation New New Orleans Music: Vocal Jazz and her live document, Standing Ovation. In 2007 she was part of the faculty at the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp, along with other Crescent City music icons, in particular Edward “Kidd” Jordan.”
Category: OUR COMMUNITY
RUTHANN KERR
RuthAnn Kerr (also known as “BabyRuth”) is a native New Orleanian, She got her nickname, “BabyRuth”, from her dad, who was the shoemaker at Krauss Co.
RuthAnn grew up singing in her Apostolic Pentecostal church from the time she was a toddler (the pastor had to hold her on the altar rail so she wouldn’t fall). Although there were no instruments at home for many years, she learned to sing harmony with her dad & 2 older brothers. In her mid-teens, RuthAnn began to play the Hammond B3 in church, later adding piano & other keyboards; since then, she frequently plays & sings for churches of all denominations in New Orleans & across North America.
LINDA SEABRIGHT
As a radio DJ and personality for the past 10 years, I’ve been honored to interview and work with many of the greats.
I am proud to be the host of a weekly show on Public Radio KRCB 91.1fm, “New Orleans by the Bay.” Having dreamed of living in New Orleans for all these years, I am proud to now call it home.
MARTHA ALGUERA
Martha Alguera lives to love her babies, New Orleans and MUSIC. The passion for music is what has inspired her to work in the music industry in any way possible. Martha’s grandfather ran a full orchestra in her homeland of Nicaragua. He played cello, violin, bass and piano. Her love for music is in her blood.
Through writing she began helping musicians write biographies for events, websites, press releases, etc. Martha has also been a music writer for NewOrleans.com, GoNola.com and had a bilingual music column in the New Orleans Hispanic publication of “El Tiempo”. Martha has also managed various musicians, aided with website design as well as Graphic design. Currently she is the Secretary for New Orleans Women in Music, produces the annual City wide “Pisces Party”. She is a master Networker, and is in a singing group called The Yemaya-ya’. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters and is now pursuing a degree in Communications P.R. with a double minor in Music Business and Design.
JUDY SPELLMAN
Judy Spellman is the daughter of NO R&B singer Benny Spellman and Gospel pianist Ammerette Rieux. With a Masters in Art and a long career in Medical sales, Judy is now performing full time, locally, nationally and with a German based band “Phavior Adelic” where she is featured and preparing to launch a cd and tour in Europe this fall.
Judy performs annually at the NO Jazz fest, as well as many other venues throughout the year. Judy states that she is at her happiest when performing for causes which assist in helping the people of our great city. “Judys life motto is….”If I Can Help Somebody As I Pass Along This Way, Then My Living Is Not In Vain”! God bless the Sisters of the Holy Family,we love you and appreciate all that you do!
JOANN SCHNELLER
Born and raised in NOLA.
I studied drama and music at Loyola University in New Orleans, LA. But that is not the direction I went!
I’ve been involved in the real estate industry for 30+ years. It has always been my passion to return to selling real estate and now that my kids are grown I have pursued this career, my dream.
Now I enjoy the music that I enjoyed as a child while hanging out at my dad’s grocery store on St. Philip St. in Treme’. I Love New Orleans and being a part of NOWIM! Even though I don’t perform.
JEANINE DUHE-CROW
Jeanine is originally from Lafayette, LA, but has been living in the New Orleans area since the mid 1970’s. Her musical “career” began almost from birth, being born into a musical family where singing, piano playing, guitar strumming, and kazoo playing were frequent pastimes. She has been in several musical groups, ranging from country to rock and roll, and is currently in the New Orleans based band, 30 x 90 Blueswomen, as a singer and rhythm guitar player. When not playing music, Jeanine is a special education teacher and director of school musicals.
CHARMAINE NEVILLE
Charmaine Neville is a member of the New Orleans music family, which includes the The Neville Brothers she is the daughter of Charles Neville, she is currently the leader and lead singer of the Charmaine Neville Band, a jazz/funk band based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Charmaine is heir to a rich New Orleans musical legacy but is busy putting her own stamp on this musical heritage. Neville and her band dish out a spicy mix of the best of New Orleans music, from the nastiest of blues to some V-8-driven R & B. Add a funky rhythm and some jazzy ballads, and you’ve got yourself one helluva Crescent City gumbo!
Charmaine is a great cook and a member of New Orleans Women In Music.
ANNIE LOUSTEAU
Annie is a great songwriter, playwright and artist/painter. She is one of the original members of the organization New Orleans Women In Music.