Jerry Byrne

Born: 2 February 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Died: 7 April 2010 in Morgan City, Louisiana, United States American rock and roll singer from New Orleans, best known for his 1958 single "Lights Out". Raised in the Irish quarter of New Orleans Byrne was still a high-school student when he began singing in the rough 'n tough bars of the city, along with his cousin Mac Rebennack. The two performed in various bar-bands, one known as Jerry Byrne & The Loafers, which included a revolving line-up of personnel such as Paul Staehle, Earl Stanley, Charlie Madwell & Leonard James. Byrne's first release came to fruition after crossing paths with Harold Battiste, helped by Rebennack's working relationship with the Cosimo Matassa studio. It was here that Byrne recorded the David/Rebennack composition "Lights Out", released on the Specialty label in 1958. The single featured on the soundtrack of "Sam's Son", a movie produced by Michael Landon of 'Bonanza' fame. It was also covered by Dr. Feelgood. After his musical career Byrne settled in Morgan City, Louisiana to run a marine supplies company.