John Boutte

On Sundays, John Boutte was awakened by the sounds of his New Orleans neighborhood. Past the front yard, second-line parades rolled by, matching the madness of Carnival season and the transcendent joy of the jazz funeral. This roux of influences created John Boutte, and serves him to this day.

Topsy Chapman

Topsy Chapman is one of New Orleans' finest singers, adept at gospel, blues, rhythm and blues and jazz. Her trio Solid Harmony — with daughters Yolanda Windsay and Jolynda Phillips — is one of the best, most soulful vocal harmony groups working today.

Charmaine Neville

As the daughter of one of the highly acclaimed Neville Brothers, Charmaine is heir to a rich New Orleans musical legacy but is busy putting her own stamp on this musical heritage. Neville and her band dish out a spicy mix of the best of New Orleans music, from the nastiest of blues to some V-8-driven R & B. Add a funky rhythm and some jazzy ballads, and you've got yourself one helluva Crescent City gumbo!

George French