Biography
Eddie Bo, born Edwin Joseph Bocage on September 20, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerged from a family deeply rooted in the city’s traditional jazz community. Raised in Algiers and the Ninth Ward, Bo was surrounded by music from an early age—his mother was a self-taught pianist, and his cousins played in prominent jazz orchestras before World War II. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School and serving in the Army, Bo returned to New Orleans to study composition and arranging at the Grunewald School of Music, where he developed a distinctive piano style influenced by jazz greats like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, as well as local legend Professor Longhair.[1][2][3]
Bo’s career began in earnest in the mid-1950s, debuting on Ace Records in 1955. Over the next five decades, he recorded for more than 40 labels and released more singles than any New Orleans artist except Fats Domino. His songwriting prowess produced classics such as “Check Mr. Popeye,” “I’m Wise” (later a hit for Little Richard as “Slippin’ and Slidin’”), and “My Dearest Darling,” which became a national hit for Etta James. Bo was also a prolific producer and arranger, working with artists like Irma Thomas, Art Neville, and Robert Parker. His music traversed jazz, R&B, blues, and funk, and he was instrumental in shaping the New Orleans sound from the 1950s through the funk era of the 1970s.[1][2][3][4]
Despite being described as an “underappreciated veteran” of the New Orleans R&B scene, Eddie Bo’s influence is profound. His innovative piano techniques, genre-blending compositions, and contributions as a producer and arranger have left a lasting legacy in American music. He continued performing and recording until his death on March 18, 2009, in Picayune, Mississippi, leaving behind a rich catalog that continues to inspire musicians worldwide.[1][2][6]
Fun Facts
- Eddie Bo released more singles than any other New Orleans artist except Fats Domino.
- He used his carpentry skills to help build the Ric Records studio in New Orleans.
- Bo sometimes performed under the name 'Spider Bocage', a nickname from his days as a boxer in the Army.
- His song "I’m Wise" became a rock and roll standard when Little Richard recorded it as "Slippin’ and Slidin’".
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Professor Longhair - Major stylistic influence; Bo’s mother and Professor Longhair had similar piano styles, shaping Bo’s approach to rhythm and phrasing. (General influence on Bo’s piano technique and New Orleans R&B style.) [1940s–1950s]
- Art Tatum - Inspired Bo’s complex bebop voicings and improvisational skill. (Influence evident in Bo’s jazz-influenced piano arrangements.) [1950s]
- Oscar Peterson - Influenced Bo’s technical proficiency and jazz sensibility. (General influence on Bo’s piano playing.) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Irma Thomas - Produced records for her, contributing to her early career. (Production credits (specific songs not listed in sources).) [1960s]
- Art Neville - Produced records for him, helping shape the New Orleans funk sound. (Production credits (specific songs not listed in sources).) [1960s–1970s]
- Robert Parker - Produced records for Parker, including during the rise of New Orleans R&B. (Production credits (specific songs not listed in sources).) [1960s]
- Chris Kenner - Produced records for Kenner, contributing to the New Orleans R&B scene. (Production credits (specific songs not listed in sources).) [1960s]
- Al "Carnival Time" Johnson - Produced records for Johnson. (Production credits (specific songs not listed in sources).) [1960s]
- Johnny Adams - Produced records for Adams, a significant New Orleans soul singer. (Production credits (specific songs not listed in sources).) [1960s]
- Paul Gayten - Co-wrote "My Dearest Darling" with Bo. ("My Dearest Darling" (recorded by Etta James)) [1957]
Artists Influenced
- Little Richard - Recorded Bo’s song "I’m Wise" as "Slippin’ and Slidin’", turning it into a rock and roll classic. ("Slippin’ and Slidin’ (Peepin’ and Hidin’)") [1956]
- Etta James - Recorded Bo’s co-written song "My Dearest Darling", scoring a national hit. ("My Dearest Darling") [1960]
- Modern funk and hip-hop artists - Bo’s funk tracks have been widely sampled by hip-hop producers, influencing the genre’s sound. (Samples from "Hook and Sling", "Pass the Hatchet") [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Hook and Sling | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| The Complete Ric Singles: 1959-1962 | 2020-12-18 | Album |
| Check Mr. Popeye | 1988-01-01 | Album |
| New Orleans R&B Legend | 2010-09-09 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 1156: Eddie Bo | 2025-10-03 | Album |
| The 1991 Sea-Saint Sessions | 2017-02-24 | Album |
| New Orleans Solo Piano | 1995-01-01 | Album |
| Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered) | 2021-03-12 | Album |
| The Ric Ron Hits | 2021-04-30 | Album |
| The Complete Ric Singles 1959-1962 | 2020-02-06 | Album |
| Dinky Doo | 2018-02-23 | Album |
| The 1991 Sea-Saint Sessions | 2017-02-24 | Album |
| The Hook and Sling | 2017-01-31 | Album |
| New Orleans Solo Piano | 2017-01-31 | Album |
| New Orleans Funk 4: Voodoo Fire In New Orleans 1951-75 | 2016-11-25 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Check Your Bucket (The Hook and Sling)
- It Must Be Love (The Complete Ric Singles: 1959-1962)
- Check Mr. Popeye - Pt. 1 (Check Mr. Popeye)
- Every Dog Got His Day (The Complete Ric Singles: 1959-1962)
- The Hook & Sling - Vocal Mix (The Hook and Sling)
- The Funk Hits the Fan (Eargasm)
- Tee Na Na Na Na Nay (Gumbo Stew)
- Lover and a Friend (The Instant & Minit Story)
- Hey Mama Here Comes the Preacher (The Hook and Sling)
- Baby I'm Wise (Check Mr. Popeye)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
eddie bo has been played 12 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 19:20 | Driftingfrom CHESS 45 | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 21:49 | Let Our Love Begin | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 17, 2025 | 12:28 | dinky doofrom check mr popeye | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Nov 28, 2025 | 11:26 | ticklin' the blues | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 12:15 | SISSY WALK | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 15:36 | BLUE MONDAY BLUESfrom RATTIN & RUNNIN AROUND | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 11:54 | Check Mr. Popeyefrom WWOZ CD #3- Live From Jazzfest | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 11:48 | Baby I'm Wisefrom Check Mr. Popeye | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 11:43 | Tell It Like It Isfrom Chck Mr. Popeye | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | 19:56 | Getting To The Middlefrom Eddie Bo`s Funky Funky New Orlea | Block Partyw/ Brice Nice |