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Grandpa Elliott

Grandpa Elliott

Grandpa has been a New Orleans street icon for decades.  His music and comforting presence have touched countless hearts throughout the years.  When you think of the French Quarter you think of Grandpa.  Many locals and frequent visitors to the Quarter consider Grandpa the saving grace and passionate force behind the revitalization of the city since Hurricane Katrina.  His voice reminds us all that music can help the soul persevere through many hardships.

Our first trip to New Orleans was in fact a mission to find Grandpa. We knew of his reputation in the New Orleans street music scene and knew his voice would be a great addition to "Stand By Me." We made our way over to Royal and Toulouse, and found him entertaining a crowd on the corner. While he was on a set break, we approached him and struck up a conversation and introduced ourselves and the project. With a voice that tickles the soul and a harmonica that lifts the spirit, Grandpa continues to dazzle audiences from street corners to stages across the country.

Related Episodes

71.

What a Wonderful World

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66.

PFC Day 2012

Support global music education by celebrating Playing For Change Day on 22 September 2012!

63.

A Change Is Gonna Come - Live at Folsom

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60.

Blind Man

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59.

I'd Rather Go Blind

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57.

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56.

Feliz Navidad

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55.

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54.

United

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51.

Playing For Change Day 2011

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48.

(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay

Our heroes and soul brothers, Roger Ridley and Grandpa Elliott, return in this new Song Around the World

45.

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44.

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38.

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37.

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35.

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32.

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30.

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29.

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28.

Sugar Sweet | Grandpa Elliott

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22.

Felangaye

This live performance is from the Playing For Change Band's show on November 13th, 2009 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA.

20.

Another Cup for Grandpa

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19.

Amazing Grace: Live in Boston

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15.

2009 Tour Highlights

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14.

Fannie Mae: Live in Los Angeles

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13.

Peace Through Music Film Trailer

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11.

God Bless America

Grandpa gives an inspired performance of God Bless America at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

10.

Fannie Mae

Grandpa Elliott shares his version of Fannie Mae from New Orleans' Jackson Square.

4.

Don't Worry

The first original Song Around The World, this track speaks to the similarities we all share as a human race.

2.

Stand By Me

This song transformed Playing For Change from a small group of individuals into a global movement for peace and understanding.

Information

Instruments: vocals, harmonica

Location