The star had solely gained his second Grammy earlier this 12 months.
Lee Allen Zeno had battled most cancers for years earlier than stopping therapy in February (Picture: Getty)
Grammy-winning music legend Lee Allen Zeno died on the age of 71 on Sunday, Could 3, three months after asserting he was ending his therapy for leukemia. His pal and advocate, John Williams, confirmed the information on Fb, explaining star spent his closing days at residence, surrounded by household, caregivers, and a group that had been lifting him up in prayer and help. The star had confirmed in February this 12 months that he was ending chemotherapy after preventing most cancers all through his music profession.
“Mr Lee, our pal, our earthly angel, and keeper of the pocket, went residence to his creator,” Williams wrote. “He handed away peacefully, pain-free, dignified and wrapped in loving grace. 3 months in the past, I requested Lee Allen, ‘If anybody asks how I need to be remembered, please say the next about me’: ‘I JUST TRIED TO BE MY AUTHENTIC SELF.’”
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One other pal, Joseph Rosen, gave additional perception into the star’s closing hours. Sharing an image of the pair collectively, he penned: “Right now at round 3pm central time, the world misplaced an excellent man, and I misplaced considered one of my dearest mates. Lee Allen Zeno has handed. His spouse, Mary, referred to as, and as quickly as I heard her voice, I knew.
“Lee had been preventing most cancers for the third time and had determined to cease therapy and be at residence. He handed peacefully in no ache with household and mates close by. He was the sweetest, kindest, funniest and smartest human. Lee was the bassist with Buckwheat Zydeco and the Ils Sont Partis band for many years.
“He and I bonded immediately once we met virtually 40 years in the past. We spent so many candy instances collectively. For nearly a decade I might spend Thanksgivings with Lee and his fantastic household. I cherish these instances. My deepest condolences to Mary, his household, mates and all who knew him. Lee Allen Zeno made me a greater man. We’re all higher for having had him in our lives. Relaxation In Peace, Soul.”
Lee started taking part in in his cousin’s band, Clifton Zeno and the Hiphuggers, on the age of simply 7. He had intensive credit because the Eighties, that includes on at the least 73 albums, singles, EPs and movies with artists comparable to Charlie Wealthy, Marcia Ball, Irma Thomas, Tracy Nelson, Kenny Neal, Bobby Rush, Boozoo Chavis and the Neville Brothers.
He was the bassist with Buckwheat Zydeco and the Ils Sont Partis band for many years. He gained his second Grammy earlier this 12 months for his work taking part in bass on A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, which gained the Finest Regional Roots Album. In 2025, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Corridor of Fame.
Lee Allen Zeno gained two Grammy awards all through his profession (Picture: Getty)
Tributes flooded in for the star as mates and followers discovered the devastating information. Writing on Fb, one shared: “Simply obtained the phrase my brother Lee Allen Zeno – Bass Participant simply gained his wings, been all around the world collectively, you positively can be missed, love you soul. R.I.H.”
One other added: “A legend misplaced. Mr. Lee Allen Zeno was not solely the best Louisiana bassist, but in addition an exquisite, form human being. Like so many, I used to be lucky sufficient to obtain his day by day affirmations by way of textual content, and had the pleasure of his friendship for many years. He performed with a few of the best musicians on the planet, and just lately, and deservedly, was inducted into the Louisiana Music Corridor of Fame. By no means looking for the limelight, he stored the rhythm going, and now he is doing it from above. RIP.”
A 3rd chimed in: “Heaven shines a bit brighter tonight as my pal Lee Allen Zeno – Bass Participant has modified addresses… There’ll by no means be one other bassist to fill your footwear….I’ll at all times maintain near my coronary heart your closing phrases to me….’Your kindness won’t ever be obliterated.’ I really like you Lee Lee, eternally.”
In the meantime, a fourth lamented: “We’re gonna actually miss this extremely gifted gentleman Lee Allen Zeno. He’s lastly pain-free after his battles with most cancers over time.. thank God he has left us with a beautiful legacy of music after taking part in with the perfect across the nation and the world over the various years of his terrific profession.. Mary and I ship our honest love, condolences and prayers to his household and plenty of mates and followers.. RIP my expensive pal and thanks for the unbelievable recollections!”
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