Oliver Morgan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver Morgan
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Oliver Morgan on stage with his trademark second-line umbrella, 1997
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 6, 1933 |
| Origin | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | July 31, 2007 (aged 74) |
| Genres | Rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1961–2005 |
Oliver Morgan (born May 6, 1933 – died July 31, 2007) was an American R&B singer. He was very talented and was even added to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Many people remember him for his big hit song from 1964, "Who Shot the La La."
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Oliver Morgan grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He lived in a neighborhood called the Lower Ninth Ward. Some other famous musicians like Fats Domino and Smiley Lewis also grew up there.
In 1961, Oliver Morgan released his very first song. It was a single, which is a song released on its own. He worked with a record company called AFO Records.
His Big Hit Song
Oliver Morgan's most famous song was "Who Shot the La La," which came out in 1964. This song became a national hit, meaning people all over the country heard it. The song was about a mysterious event involving another singer named Prince La La.
He recorded this song in a special studio in New Orleans owned by Cosimo Matassa. Another musician named Eddie Bo played the piano during the recording.
Life After the Hit
After "Who Shot the La La" became popular, Oliver Morgan went on tour across the country. But he later decided to stay closer to home. He became a local singer, performing in clubs around New Orleans. He also performed at the famous New Orleans Jazz Festival.
Besides singing, Oliver Morgan had other jobs. He worked as a cleaner at City Hall and also took care of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.
Later Music and Life Changes
In 1998, Oliver Morgan released his first and only full music album, which was like a collection of songs. It was called I'm Home. A famous musician and producer named Allen Toussaint helped him a lot with this album. Allen Toussaint wrote five of the ten songs and also produced the album.
Later, in 2005, a very strong storm called Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Oliver Morgan's home was destroyed. He and his wife moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where their children lived. Oliver Morgan passed away in Atlanta on July 31, 2007, from a heart attack. He had not performed music since he left New Orleans.
Images for kids
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Oliver Morgan on stage with his trademark second-line umbrella, 1997
