He called himself “Wolfman” and he fronted the Jazz/R&B band the Roadmasters. Walter “Wolfman” Washington has died at the age of 79 from cancer.
Described by many as possessing a wolfish grin, he made his guitar into a sound that was uniquely his own, according to Keith Spera of the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate.
Washington enjoyed a 60-year career of singing and playing guitar.
He began in the choir of the New Home Missionary Baptist Church on Jackson Avenue.
As he grew, he taught himself how to play the guitar and at age 19, after working a number of menial jobs, decided to become a full time musician.
He gigged with such names as Irma Thomas, saxophonist David Lastie, Sr. and singer Johnny Adams.
During his career he played 16 years he played in Johnny Adams group, he enjoyed an eight year stretch playing the overnights at Dorothy’s Medallion Lounge on Orleans Avenue where the show started at 3am and played into the next day.
In 1980 he went his own way, forming the Roadmasters.
Though he traveled far and wide abroad, he was most fond of play New Orleans nightclubs. The Roadmasters were usually found at the Maple Leaf Bar Saturday nights.
Wolfman enjoyed being named King of the Krewe du Vieux in 2019 with his queen Michelle Bushey, who he ultimately married in 2021 with a ceremony at Tipitina’s.
Cancer what has ultimately stopped the Wolfman. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment for tonsil cancer and continued to perform at events like the French Quarter Festival and the Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Wolfman Washington’s final performance was September 29th at the Bogalusa Blues Festival.
