I was unable to attend the second line for the recently passed Coco Robicheaux and hadn’t planned on writing anymore about it since hearing the news on Thanksgiving. Then I saw a 12 minute video someone else shot of the second line. I was moved to tears and decided to share it with you.
You may recognize second line perennials, DancingMan504 and Jennifer Jones as well as Big Chief Alfred Doucette and several local musicians. The lengthy procession winds down Frenchman Street and into the French Quarter as bands play dirges like Just a Closer Walk with Thee and upbeat traditionals like I’ll Fly Away. A highlight is the parade singing along to Li’l Liza Jane. Though it wasn’t a game day, many dressed in funereal black… and gold.
I found this video to be a fairly comprehensive covering of what a memorial second line is. This was not the funeral, just a moment set aside for the community to mourn and celebrate the life of Coco Robicheaux. The last shot shows how many blocks long the second line is. Robicheaux was a very well loved man and the turnout is a testament to his impact. He will be missed.
