Eldridge Gabriel was born March 23, 1910. He began his career at Pat O'Brien's Bar in New Orleans in 1938, just five years after the bar opened. Strangely, he just walked in and started waiting on tables. No one had officially hired him, but they knew he was special. Shortly, he was up on stage tapping his aluminum tray with coins on top to the beat of the piano players. That was the beginning of his long 67 year musical career in the Piano Lounge at Pat O'Brien's, where people flocked to hear him play. He used a tray with coins, thimbles and magical fingers to bring joy to millions of people. He loved to hear the infamous "EDDIE, EDDIE, EDDIE" chant from the audience and truly loved what he did. He never missed a day of work.

After a long search, his family confirmed everyone's fear and a small funeral mass was held on Jan. 2, 2006. On March 23, 2006 Pat O'Brien's honored Mr. Eddie with a "Celebration of Mr. Eddie Gabriel's Life". This day would have been his 96th birthday. Ana, Stacey, Victoria, Henrietta and his niece Angela had some incredible stories and great memories to share with the crowd. A jazz band led everyone in a second line jazz funeral and the celebration continued through the night. Thank you to everyone who joined us to pay tribute to Pat O'Brien's Rhythm King! Here are some photos of our celebration.....

Amongst all the fun and excitement of the Piano Bar stood a "true" Pat O'Brien's tradition -- Mr. Eddie Gabriel.  A 67-year veteran employee, Mr. Eddie took his place on the stage between the two pianos to play his aluminum tray with thimbled fingers, keeping time for the audience and entertainers, just as he has six nights a week since he invented the act in 1945. (See Press Releases - August 26, 1997 for more info on Mr. Eddie!)    

       

Excerpted from article by Jennifer Lange, December 1995 (modified for this event)

Photo Gallery - Times to Remember

Mr. Eddie Gabriel Playing his tray with James Curley Baudoin playing along side on the grand copper topped piano.

Eddies 50th Anniversary at Pat O'Brien's Bar (1989). Eddie was presented with a brand new red Ford Thunderbird to thank him for his many wonderful years with Pat O's.

Mr. Eddie knew how to kick off a Pat O'Brien's Anniversary Party the right way!! This is Eddie entertaining the crowd for Pat O's 60th Anniversary Party in December of 1993.

Eddie Gabriel's 60th Anniversary Party, September 1st 1999

We will remember the good times and miss you everyday.