I took the train to New Orleans 24 years ago and yeah, I was like all tourists - the sights, tastes and novelty of the city made an impression. But the biggest impression was aural. Live music flowing onto the streets and then there was the lagniappe - WWOZ.

Jivin' Gene's show made a profound impression. I'm a committed radio-phile but Gene's show was unlike anything I had ever heard. More, much more. It was the best of every radio show I had ever heard. Layer after layer of music I had never heard with each song so refreshingly good that it was beyond my imagination of radio's possibilities. I was hooked. I recorded Gene on cassette tapes that I overplayed on countless commutes through Washington, D.C. traffic.

My JIvin' Gene highlight? Gene and Frogman on fund drive shows. Two old friends enjoying each other's company while the rest of us were treated to living biographies of our musical idols. Yep, plural - Frogman AND Gene.

Ah Gene, say it isn't permanent. Tell us you'll drop in and visit. Please? I really need to refresh my cassette tape collection.

Jamie Dell'Apa
Saturday midnight to Sunday 3am

WHOA! THIS CAN NOT BE! Y'ALL, I MEAN YOU ALL ARE PLAYING MY HEART, MY SOUL. WE WILL MISS GENE UNBEARABLELY. WHO ELSE NEW THE COLOR OF THE MUSIC CITY LABEL FOR W.P.L.J. TAKE CARE, MY MAN. LOVE YA TO DEATH. THE PASSION LIVE ON.

THE KID FROM THE NORTHWEST
DON TRUITT

AND JAMIE DELL'APA: ANSWER YOUR PHONE SOMETIMES. Y'ALL, YES YOU ALL ARE SO HIP YOU MAKE THE REST OF US LOOK STUPID.

For those of us who grew up listening to WWOZ, the pleasure of listening to the soft-spoken voice of Jivin' Gene will be missed as much as the great music selections he has shared with his listeners for decades. I recall hearing a fuzzed out, totally spent copy of The Coasters 45rpm recording "I'm A Hog For You". It barely made it through and afterwards, Jivin' Gene dryly said, "I guess I have to get a new copy of that one." We've had a lot of disc jockeys retire or move away since Katrina, but I wasn't prepared to say goodbye to Jivin' Gene, simply because I know, just like all of you know -that this one cannot be replaced. Jivin' Gene was New Orleans to the bone and his love for this city, our culture, and our music can not be overstated. You were a great radio host and you will be missed every Tuesday night forever!

My first exposure to 'OZ was 1987. I also made tapes in the late 80s/early 90s. Bob Murret, Gene, Brown Sugar, Barry Wratten, Duke & BB...that music got me through a lot of times til the net connected me. Thanks Gene. Another jewel in the New Orleans crown. Yeah, you right!

I once worked the phones for a pledge drive during Gene's show, and it was such a great experience. I will never forget Gene presenting Frogman Henry with an original 45 of one of Frogman's songs. Such a gentleman and such a maervelous DJ. Thank you for everything, Gene. We will miss you terribly.

Clay Randolph

I'll never forget hearing Jivin' Gene come back on-air for the first time after Katrina. So powerful. Thank you, Gene, for sharing so much good music.

Mark LaMaire
Tuesday Morning Set

Thanks for all the great shows, Gene, But it seems like only yesterday we were gathering over Tipps to take part in this crazy radio station. All the best from Hazel and Larry

Thank you Jivin Gene!
we have learned and enjoyed so much
BEST TO YOU

I've been an OZ fan since I moved here in 81' but was not a Jivin Gene follower until 2000. I worked every Tuesday night on France Road, and Gene was on the radio. He really opened my eyes to the oldies scene in NOLA. I mistakenly believe motown was responsible for some of my most favorite songs. Thank you very much for your service to the community. Yours, Neil Barnett

Gene is/was an exceptional programmer. I trust Neil will take the helm confidently, and bring us great music for the coming years. Still, I raise a (metaphorical) toast to a truly wonderful gem to the music community! Cheers to ya!