Louis "Big Lou" Washington Sr. Dies

Louis "Big Lou" Washington Sr. Dies

Gentlemen Soul Vocalist Transitions at the Age of 78 


November 4, 2019


by Rod Sias
www,ZydecoOnline.com
Uniting the Zydeco Nation

Louis "Big Lou" Washington Sr.

"Gentlemen Soul Vocalist"

Born August 4, 1941 - Died November 4, 2019

Soul singer Louis "Big Lou" Washington Sr passed away on Monday, November 4, 2019 at the age of 78 in St Martinville, Louisiana.

Originally from Opelousas, Louisiana, "Big Lou" Washington was a talented soul and blues vocalist who toured with Louisiana Soul, Blues and Swamp Pop Bands like Lil Bob & the Lollipops, Bobby Powell and other local and National Bands.

"For Your Precious Love - Pt 1 & Pt 2"

Fats Gaines Band Present Lou Washington

He was the fourth child born unto Nathan Washington and Stella Moore-Washington.  He was a member of J.S. Clark High School class of 1962.  Upon graduating from J.S. Clark High School, "Big Lou" Washington enlisted in the U.S. Army for three (3) years.  

"For Your Precious Love - Pt 1"

Fats Gaines Band Present Lou Washington

After returning from military duty,  and with a great talent for singing, "Big Lou" Washington began performing locally in the Opelousas area at the Moonlight Inn and Bradford's White Eagle with musicians like Camille Bob (Little Bob), Bobby Powell, and Roscoe Chenier.  

He enrolled at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, and studied Special Education while singing in the Baton Rouge area blues and soul clubs.

"Any Old Time" & "When We Meet Again"

Lou "Big Lou" Washington

Louis "Big Lou" Washington relocated to San Francisco, California and became a journeyman and heavy equipment operator to East Palo Alto, California in 1968 where he worked for the City of East Palo Alto until his retirement.  Louis "Big Lou" Washington was a lead vocalist with the Fat Gaines Band led by the late William Carl "Fats" Gaines, a regional big band from of San Francisco, California.

"Any Old Time"

Lou "Big Lou" Washington

"When We Meet Again"

Lou "Big Lou" Washington

After retirement, Louis "Big Lou" Washington returned to Opelousas, Louisiana and became an avid fisherman, hunter and cook.

Louis "Big Lou" Washington was buried in Bellevue Memorial Cemetery in Opelousas, Louisiana on Saturday, November 9, 2019.

Louis "Big Lou" Washington Sr.

"Gentlemen Soul Vocalist"

Born August 4, 1941 - Died November 4, 2019

Thank you Mr. Louis "Big Lou" Washington

for giving the world your Musical Legacy 

and keeping our Soul and Blues Roots Proud and Strong!

11:30 PM