Remembering the life of Cullen Landry (2024)

Cullen Patrick Landry, age 82, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Born December 30, 1941, to Mary Cullen Landry and Henry Edward Landry, Jr. at Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Henry, his first wife Jolene Trahan Landry, and older brother, Henry Edward "Mickey" Landry, III (Judy). He is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Broussard Landry, his younger brother, Gerald Mitchell Landry (Terri), stepchildren Adam Martin (Rosana) and John Pardue, Jr., grandchildren Natalia, Vitoria, and Anthony Martin and Tiernan Pardue, Winnie Pardue Lam, and Jack Lynn Lam, and nieces Peggy Landry and Skye Truax and nephews Mickey and Bill Landry. Cullen attended St. Rose de Lima Grammar School in New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from Jesuit High School in 1960. A talented musician, Cullen's affinity for music was first displayed after winning the Jesuit High School Talent Night in 1959. In addition to his musical acumen, his athleticism won him the prep school division in the mile in 1959 and 1960. He attended Loyola University, New Orleans, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and a Juris Doctorate in 1966. During his time at Loyola he held a variety of jobs including teaching 8th Grade at Trist Jr. High School in Mereaux, Louisiana, where he established lifelong friendships, maintaining communication with his students until his passing. After law school, Cullen worked as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and served as a special agent in Washington, Philadelphia, Newark, New Jersey and New York. He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where he learned to speak fluent Cantonese. He subsequently worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish where he later was appointed to the Child Support Bench, adjudicating evening division court. He was a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. An accomplished musician from a young age, Cullen played the bass, upright bass, guitar, and piano. In 1998, Cullen was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He was a founding member and the original bassist for the legendary local R&B band, the Jokers. In his career he shared the stage with Bobby Mitchell, Roland Stone, Ernie K-Doe, Clyde McPhatter, Eddie Bo, Eddie Roth, Professor Longhair, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, and many others. He was the founder and leader of the group Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar Band, with regular appearances at the French Quarter Festival and numerous top music clubs in New Orleans. He sought to preserve the influence of New Orleans music from the 1950s and 1960s and introduce it to younger generations. His fans think he succeeded. Cullen was a life-long New Orleanian who passionately embraced his Irish heritage. He was a founding member of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association, where he served as Vice-President, a member of the Regular Democratic Organization, and a member of the Chief of Police Association. Cullen also found painting later in life and became a member of various art associations in New Orleans, receiving several awards for his watercolors. Cullen and his family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Thomas Atkinson for his excellent medical care and attention. Cullen had a heart of gold and will be dearly missed. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at 10 am and memorial mass at 11 am on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic & Assistance Foundation at https://neworleansmusiciansclinic.org/donate/. For condolences, visit www.greenwoodfh.com.

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Published on November 23, 2024