Interview: Coco Robicheaux

This Simply Six Interview is part of our Jazz Fest coverage. We talk with legendary New Orleans' singer Coco Robicheaux. Coco is an accomplished bluesman. The pictures preceding this interview were from this year's Jazz Fest.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
IT WAS MAYBE 1959, AND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY THROUGH MEMPHIS DURING A CIVIL RIGHTS RIOT. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND OTHERS WERE SPEAKING, TRYING TO KEEP THE PEACE. WE WERE HELD UP IN TRAFFIC, AND A STATE POLICE TROOPER ON A HORSE LEANED OVER AND SAID, "IF YOU WANT TO WAIT A MINUTE, ELVIS PRESLEY IS COMING THROUGH IN THAT RED TRUCK." ELVIS WAS STANDING ON THE SIDEBOARD, AND HE SMILED AND REACHED DOWN TO SHAKE MY HAND. IT WAS LIKE THE IMAGE IN SISTINE CHAPEL, WHEN GOD IS REACHING DOWN TO ADAM. IT SEEMED LIKE HIS TOOTH WENT "BLING", IT GLIMMERED. I LET MY HAND GET ALL GRUBBY, I WOULDN'T WASH IT FOR A WHILE.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
ANY LIVE MUSIC.I LIKE ALL MUSIC IF IT IS PLAYED WITH PASSION.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
SEEMS TO ME, EVERY TIME WE PLAY IT GETS BETTER AND BETTER, IT'S CONSTANTLY EVOLVING.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
THERE ARE PARTS OF THE BRAIN SPECIFICALLY DEDICATED TO HARMONY AND RHYTHM, SO THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE NEED IT. MUSIC CREATES THE WORLD. IT'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO FOCUS ON. I KNOW IT CHANGED MY WORLD.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
IT IS MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE NOW TO EVERYONE, AND IT IS SO MUCH EASIER. THANK GOD FOR MY HELPERS THAT UNDERSTAND THE TECHNOLOGY. I CAN CONNECT WITH PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH MY WEBSITE, SPIRITLAND. COM. EVEN THOUGH SOME OF MY FAVORITE SONGS ARE 50 OR 60 YEARS OLD, THEY SOUND AS BRILLIANT TODAY AS THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THEM.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
WESTERN BOOTS, YOU KNOW, MANLY FOOTWEAR.

"Work of the Devil"