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10 Most Famous People Buried in New Orleans

Known for its rich history, New Orleans has grown vastly in the tourism department. With unique cuisine, vibrant culture, and festive celebrations, it is seen as a place made for never-ending adventure. The city attracts tourists from around the world because of its music scene and architectural structures. Some of the cultural landmarks include the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Jackson Square. Some of these people were artists and musicians who shared their talent with the world. They include Mahalia Jackson and many other famous people.

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1. Ernest Nathan Morial

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He died on December 24, 1989. He was an American political figure who advocated civil rights. He was buried in Saint Louis Cemetery No.3. Ernest is noted as the first black mayor of New Orleans who served from 1978 to 1986. The people of New Orleans remembered him by renaming the convention center which spans over 10 blocks after him.

In 1993, he was inducted into the Louisana Political Museum and Hall of Fame. Ernest was the first African American to be inducted.

2. Homer Plessy

He died on March 1, 1925, he was an American shoemaker and activist. He was buried in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1. He was a plaintiff in the Plessy v. Ferguson supreme court decision. Homer fought against racial segregation but the decision was that it didn’t violate the U.S. Constitution. This was translated to separate but equal.

In 2009, the Plessy & Ferguson Foundation for Preservation, Education, and Outreach was formed. It has created new ways to teach the history of civil rights through art, public programs, and film.

3. Louis Armstrong

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He was also known as Pops, Satch, and Stachmo. He was an American trumpeter and vocalist who died on July 6, 1971. He is among the most influential figures in Jazz. Louis has received numerous awards including the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 1977, his house in New Orleans was declared a National Historic Landmark and Museum. It is run by the Queens College City University of New York. The museum was opened on October 15, 2003.

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4. Fats Domino

Antoine Dominique Domino Jr was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who was known as Fats Domino. He was buried in Mount Oliver Cemetry and Mausoleum. He was one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Domino sold more than 65 million records, beginning with his first album which sold 1 million copies. Domino was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

His song The Fat Man entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. 

5. Mahalia Jackson

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She was a well-known American gospel singer who was among the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. She was buried in Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum. At a time when racial segregation was at its peak, she still succeeded with approximately 22 million records. She gained recognition with the release of Move On Up a Little Higher which sold 2 million copies and earned her a spot on the Billboard charts.

Through her success in gospel music, other artists and vocal groups were able to tour and record. This initiated the Golden Age of the Gospel.

6. Buddy Bolden

He was a cornetist known as a key figure in the development of the New Orleans style of jazz music. He was laid to rest in Holt Cemetery. Many labeled him as the Corney King of New Orleans because he was the first musician to play jazz music.

Artists like Malachi Thompson, Luke Ellington, and Wynton Marsalis have given tribute to Bolden. Aside from music, he has also inspired several fictional characters in the books Coming Through Slaughter, A Connecticut Yankee in Criminal Court, and The Sound of Building Coffins. 

In 2021, Christine Welldon wrote the novel Kid Sterling which centers around the life of Buddy Bolden.

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7. Jean Lafitte

He was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico. He roamed the street of the French Quarter, helped Americans win the Battle of New Orleans, and smuggled merchandise from the swamps of Barataria. Over the years, the history of Jean can be found in Literature, and films. 

However, the life and death of Jean are considered to be legends because of all the stories that have been made up about him. Some believe that before his death, Jean buried treasure across Louisiana.

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8. Anne Rice

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She was an American author of erotic literature, gothic fiction, and Christian literature. She was laid to rest in Metairie cemetery. She is best known for her novel series The Vampire Chronicles. Anne’s books have sold over 100 million copies making her one of the best-selling authors of modern times.

Over the years, some of her novels have been chosen for film adaptation. These include Interview with the Vampire, Queen of the Damned, Exit to Eden, and Christ the Lord. Anne’s works have been analyzed by literary commentators.

9. Al Hirt

He was an American bandleader and trumpeter famous for his recordings of Java and Honey in the Horn. He was buried in Metairie Cemetery. During the course of his career, Hirt has received 21 Grammy nominations. In 1967, Hirt starred at the first Super Bowl halftime show together with marching bands from Grambling State University and the University of Arizona.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Hirt posted 22 albums on the Billboard charts. 

10. Sidney Bechet

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He was an American jazz saxophonist. He is noted as the first important soloist in jazz and first recorded before Louis Armstong. After his death on May 14, 1959, he was honored by Philip Larkin who wrote a poem called “For Sidney Bechet” Sidney’s music was added to the soundtracks of 60 films including The Quiet American, and Midnight In Â鶹APP.

From historical figures to musicians, New Orleans has been the home of culture and art. The place where talent is nurtured and developed. Many have chosen New Orleans as their resting place because of the peace that comes with passionate music and hearty communities. New Orleans holds the remains of many more famous people that influenced society in one way or another.

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