Wardell Quezergue

The thronging masses will claim not to have heard of this man, will not be able to pronounce his name, and will have heard his music countless times. Among New Orleans musicians, Wardell Quezergue was known as the "Creole Beethoven," but the behind-the-scenes nature of his work means his name was invariably not the one out in front in big lights. As one of the first-choice arrangers on New Orleans recording sessions, Quezergue was the man who made classic records for performers such as Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and many others. His most famous records include ...