River boats out of New Orleans going up the Mississippi rive

Anyone remember when Otis Redding and the radiators, played on the river boat? Probably more than 30 years ago. I was on the boat. I can’t remember when it was. Thanks, Mike.

It sounds like you’re recalling a memorable event from the past when Otis Redding and The Radiators performed on a riverboat in New Orleans! While the specific event you’re referring to might be a bit hard to pin down, performances on riverboats have been a popular tradition in New Orleans, and both Otis Redding and The Radiators were known for their live performances during the 1960s to 1980s.

It's likely that the performance you're remembering took place sometime in the early 1980s, as this was a period when riverboat cruises were often used for special events and performances by both local and nationally-known acts. Otis Redding, however, tragically passed away in 1967, so he wouldn’t have performed in the 1980s. If you’re referring to The Radiators, they were very active during that time and frequently performed in New Orleans venues, including possibly on riverboats.

Many of the riverboat cruises out of New Orleans, such as those on the Steamboat Natchez, often hosted musical performances, especially during Mardi Gras season or other special events. These performances would have been a great way to experience live music along the Mississippi River with a fantastic view of the city.

  • Steamboat Natchez - This iconic riverboat is still active today and offers daily cruises along the Mississippi River, often featuring live jazz music. It's possible that similar events took place decades ago, with bands like The Radiators performing on board.
  • The Creole Queen - Another riverboat that has hosted live music events in the past. The Creole Queen offers historic tours and cruises along the river and may have hosted performances in the past similar to what you remember.
  • Private Charter Events - There have also been many private charters that included live music performances on riverboats, some of which were special, one-off events featuring big-name acts.

While it’s difficult to find the exact date of the performance you’re referring to, it seems like it would have been a special event on one of New Orleans' legendary riverboats during a time when live music was a huge part of the city’s cultural identity. If you're looking to relive that experience, the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen still offer some great music-filled cruises that might bring back those memories of the Mississippi River's musical past!


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