Jazz Funeral for Henry Youngblood

Singer and grand marshal was Tremé mainstay

The 91-year-old Tremé mainstay was laid to rest after a funeral at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on March 29th. Henry Youngblood was a neighborhood character of the first degree. Over the years, he sat in with many local musicians including Kermit Ruffins and held court outside Joe’s Cozy Corner and other local hangouts. When the rest of the band was late, Ruffins played a poignant solo version of “A Closer Walk with Thee.” Later he was joined by James Andrews, Glen David Andrews and Chad Honore on Youngblood’s signature tune, “I Got a Big Fat Woman.” Several baby dolls honored his life as well.