Ronnie Lamarque has probably lasted longer on local television than many local TV journalists.
Commercials for his car dealerships have run in the New Orleans market since 1980 and his name has been synonymous with the Fords, Lincolns and other brands he’s sold through the decades.
The commercials are like a time capsule of Ronnie Lamarque. There’s the patriotic Ronnie Lamarque in the 1980’s that was crusading against foreign imported cars. In more modern times, there’s the “most ordinary man” campaign that featured the slick side of Lamarque doing ordinary things. It was a play off the Dos Equis beer commercials that featured “the most interesting man in the world.” Now at the age of 77, Lamarque is pursuing a lifelong dream of singing. Lamarque and his 21-piece “Ronnie Lamarque Orchestra” are scheduled to perform at the upcoming French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This will be the second time Lamarque will take the stage at Jazz Fest. He’s never performed at the French Quarter Fest.
“We had about six or seven practices, long practices for five hours. Personally, I think I’m gonna kill it. I feel very good. I feel positive,” said Lamarque.
One thing that Ronnie Lamarque doesn’t lack is confidence. He’ll tell you he’s never allowed obstacles to remain in his way. He developed a sharp sense of determination and work ethic growing up as the son of a janitor in Arabi, Louisiana. During a visit to his Lamarque Automotive Complex in Kenner, Lamarque shared with me some of the more personal sides of his life that perhaps the public hasn’t been privy to. It’s a life that has seen a lot of money, success and even a plot against his life. Listen to my conversation with “the most ordinary man in New Orleans” here.
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