A truly great writer, on some of the best music ever made in the world.

Jeff, in his two books -’ I Hear You Knocking’  and ‘The Soul Of New Orleans’ brought this music alive.

The knowledge contained in both books is incredible.

My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
May he rest in peace.

Ray

It's taken some time for me to be able to write this.

Jeff and I were together for about about six years when I was living in New Orleans for graduate school. Although we broke up when I got a job at the University of Idaho, where I still teach, we remained friends. We wrote to each other and sent gifts to each other occasionally. He had sent me a birthday card in June, and in October, I sent him some of his favorite cookies to celebrate the Blue Jays being in the playoffs. His death came as a terrible shock.

Jeff was an athlete and music historian and I can't yet quite believe that he is gone. Together we enjoyed blues, rhythm and blues, dressing up and going dancing, adopting and walking our dogs, swimming laps, watching baseball, reading, thrift shopping, and many other things. Though our romantic relationship ended, my love for him didn't and he knew that.

Because of Jeff's generosity and support, I earned a PhD at Tulane. 

Jeff wrote two books on New Orleans rhythm and blues, and many articles for OffBeat Magazine and many other publications. ..).

From the Blues Foundation:
No writer has done more to chronicle the vibrant sounds of New Orleans rhythm & blues than Jeff Hannusch, a transplanted Canadian who made the Crescent City his home. In his first book, I Hear You Knockin: The Sound of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, published in 1985, Hannusch weaves together the stories of the city's key singers, musicians, producers, record companies, and venues, as told by those who were there as the music developed during the 1950s and 60s. Chapters on Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, Allen Toussaint, Roy Brown, Guitar Slim, Irma Thomas, Earl King, Ernie K-Doe, and other artists are complemented by the tales of music business veterans such as Johnny Vincent of Ace Records, producer Marshal Sehorn.

I will remember and miss you Jeff, forever.

So sad to hear of Jeff's passing . First met in 1974 , I was playing in a band and we had a job in Kitchener . One afternoon I saw an ad posted on a bulletin board , in a music store , "Blues records for Sale " . Called the number , went to his home , met Jeff and bought some records. Later he moved to London , my home city , and we hung out , going to see music , drinking beer , etc . 
 After he moved to New Orleans , I visited a couple of times , and he took me to the coolest places in the city . He would visit with me often when he came back to Canada , usually in the summer . We stayed in contact over the years , emailing back and forth .
 Thankyou Jeff for turning me on to all that good music , and for all the interesting times we had over the many years . Your old buddy , Jerry Fletcher

Sincere condolences to Jeff’s family and friends.    Jeff and my family have been neighbors in New Orleans for 30 and some years.   In a place that celebrates individualty and creativity,  Jeff’s  quirkiness was right at home.  I sure am gonna him,  his wry humor,  and his phone calls which always started with him saying  “Hello Judith”  just to piss me off.                                     

Sincerely, Jude  
(not a derivative of Judith!)

Dear Sandra and Philip,
Please accept my sympathy at the passing of Jeff.  I first knew him when he was a camper at Camp Columbus,  and I was a counselor.  Then our paths crossed again at St. Francis Parish, where I got to know your dear Mom and Dad.  May you have the consolation and peace that comes from our faith in the resurrection of Jesus.  God bless you!
Rev. Paul S. Voisin, C.R.
Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Kitchener

It is very sad news to hear of Jeff's passing.  He  leaves a legacy of priceless chronicling of New Orleans R & B history.

OBITUARY

Jeffrey John Hannusch

31 August, 1954 – 11 November, 2025

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

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