Died On This Date (November 16, 2012) Bernard Lansky / Clothier To Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison And More
themusicsover Bernard Lansky
1927 – November 16, 2012
Bernard Lansky was a longtime Memphis clothing retailer who, along with his brother, Guy Lansky owned Lansky Brothers on Beale Street. Since the early ’50s, the Lansky brothers helped create a visual image for celebrities who appreciated their store’s simple yet classic suits. The long list of their musical clientele over the years included Rob Orbison, Isaac Hayes, Robert Plant, Dr. John, Johhny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Steven Tyler, and most famously, Elvis Presley. One day back in 1952, Bernard invited a 17-year-old Presley into the store after seeing him continually window-shop outside his store. Presley, who was working at a local movie theater at the time, remarked to Bernard that he was going to buy him out if he ever made enough money. To that Bernard replied, “Don’t buy me, buy from me!”, and that is exactly what Presley did when he ultimately made it big. It was Lansky who put Presley in the suit he wore for that first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. And from then on, Presley was one of Lansky Broters’ most loyal customers, and in return, the Lanskys opened the shop for him late at night so he could shop in peace and even hand-delivered suits to Graceland to try on. When Presley died in 1977, it was Bernard who selected the suit and tie that he was buried in. Bernard Lansky was 85 when he passed away on November 16, 2012.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the asssist.
Coco Robicheaux was a popular New Orleans blues musician who built a loyal following for his Tom Waits-like gravelly voice, swampy guitar, and mystical subject matter. A familiar face throughout the clubs that lined the streets of Crescent City, Robicheaux entertained both on and off the stage thanks to his colorful personality. He often held court outside nightclubs for tourists and locals alike when he wasn’t performing. Beloved by New Orleans music and blues fans around the world, Robicheaux was a popular draw at festivals far and wide – particularly the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. Over the years, he released several albums and appeared on recordings by the likes of Dr. John. In 2010, he made a memorable appearance on HBO’s Treme, where he sacrificed a “live” chicken over the air of a local radio station. He also played a musician on USA’s Big Easy series. On November 25, 2011, Coco Robicheaux collapsed while in hanging out at a New Oleans club. He died after being taken to a hospital. Cause of death was not immediately released. He was 64.
Herman Ernest was a respected New Orleans drummer who, over the course of his career appeared on countless records including those with the likes of Kermit Ruffins, Shemekia Copeland, Jeremy Davenport, and Dr. John. Ernest, who was also known as “Roscoe” to friends and fans, called his hard-hitting style of drumming, “diesel funk.” He spent many years playing with Dr. John – appearing 0n numerous albums over the past two decades as well as on stage as part of his Lower 911 Band. His last appearance with him was on December 30, 2010. Herman Ernest died on March 6, 2011 following a long battle with cancer. He was 59.
Willie DeVille was a much respected American singer, songwriter and musician who came to prominence fronting his own band, Mink DeVille, the one-time house band for legendary NYC club, CBGB’s. Although it’s difficult to label DeVille’s music, he had no problem fitting with the punk and new wave artists of the era with his musical stew of R&B, rock, cabaret, roots, blues, New Orleans, and country. Mink DeVille as a band was over by the mid ’80s, but DeVille continued to have a successful career (at least at the cultish level) well into the 2000s. Throughout his career, he worked with the likes of Brenda Lee, Dr. John, Mark Knopfler and 