Coco en France
My father was a country boy at heart. Curtis loved rocking on the porch telling tales, and there wasn’t an animal or child that wouldn’t want to sit right by him, or a grandma he didn’t charm~he was genuine Southern gentleman. His artistic talent was truly astounding: writing, singing, storytelling, performing, carving, sculpting, drawing, painting, jewelry, stained glass, you name it, he could master it. The bust of Fess was his first sculpture. He found silver, gold and magical reformed treasures in the Mississippi mud and fashioned them into belts and jewelry.
He did not quest for fortune and fame. He loved people. Coco was quietly powerful, generous of spirit, and he touched the soul of every person who experienced his music or listened to his stories.
Beyond the stage, he was happiest sitting outside, drinking coffee, reading the paper while doing the crossword in pen, puffing his cigar.
I love him dearly, but know that he is with me and always will be.
The outpouring of love and support is heartwarming, and has been comforting.
We have created a Memorial Love Board for my father on Spiritland as a place to tell stories, share pictures and videos, and especially to add some humor, because anyone that knew Curtis knew that he was funny.
http://www.spiritland.com/abovelove
It is my wish to create a museum to honor New Orleans musicians in his memory.
Hi Heather.. I wanted to send my condolences but didn’t know how to. Thanks for sharing these words. Your father was quite a man, and an amazing musician. Thinking of you.
This is such a perfect tribute to such a great man, Heather. Thank you for it. And if there’s anything i can do to help make your dream of a museum in his honor a reality, please let me know. I think that is a wonderful idea.
all best wishes to you and yours,
Louie
I am so sorry for your’s and you family loss. There is no one to fill his place.
Love, C.
A great picture. I don’t know if you stopped by the Apple Barrel last Tuesday and I missed meetng you or if you weren’t there, but you might want to see this:
http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2011/11/30/friends-at-the-apple-barrel-remember-coco-robicheaux
Heather, I don’t believe I know you personally…you are your father’s daughter so you MUST be something special…Your dad, though we did not spend lots of time together, I know -from playing gigs (born in NOLA) and realized years ago that he was most definately a New Orleans treasure and extremely talented. I hope you get strength from all the people who knew him in grieving his loss. He was always super nice to me and I respected him as a serious creator musician. I will never forget Coco nor will I forget his Spiritland…for it is there that I truly believe he is walking today. With much love, Barbara Lane
Such a loss for his family and friends. I last saw Curties in September, 2011. He filled my heart with laughter and will be truly missed by all. Praying for you and your’s in this most difficult time.
Yes He was one to make you smile and forget about the stupid things in life.
Love you Heather! Anything I can do to help…
I new he was a musician, artist, poet, storyteller but that’s not how we ‘knew’ each other. Your Papa was a dear friend and familiar face that would greet me on Frenchmen St (before it was FRENCHMEN STREET) and we’d confront each other like we hadn’t seen each other in a long time – even if we had done this same thing yesterday.
We shared stories, laughs and what was happening in each other’s day and do this in a brief span of passing by each other on our way for a cup of coffee or a newspaper or just a stroll…we never interfered with each other’s destination but broke our stride to acknowledge each other and share a good smile and story. I can’t remember a time when we didn’t both walk away laughing about something the other said.
You are his legacy and his spirit will always be protected as long as you and the ones who truly love him keep his memory safe from interlopers. This strength is also aimed at his legacy to keep you and your family protected. Your daddy will always be with you.
yeah, you right.
Beautifully said Heather…xoxo’s to you and your family…. Marco & Monica