Singer Juanita Brooks has died ( blues and jazz singer)

[The Straight Story]

Singer Juanita Brooks has died

Associated Press - September 10, 2009 5:04 PM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans blues and jazz singer Juanita Brooks, who performed at popular clubs in her hometown and all over the world, has died.

Details surrounding the singer's death have not yet been released, but close family friend Benny Jones says Brooks died sometime between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Jones says Brooks was recovering from a recent back surgery, but he wasn't sure if that had anything to do with her death. He said Brooks was in her 50s.

Jones has been friends with Brooks for more than 30 years and is the booking agent for the Treme Brass Band, which performed with Brooks often.

On Thursday, the band performed a special tribute for Brooks in a public park along New Orleans' historic St. Charles Avenue. The tribute included the dirge "Just a Closer Walk With Thee."



http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11109654

[quiet.american]

1. Sad news. nt