SOUTHERN CHARM

While I was away from the blog it was sad news that came to find out that New Orleans' longest reining showgirl, Chris Owens passed away. I 'd had been twice to NOLA, but never did get the chance to see her perform but would spend time outside the venue she owned on Bourbon Street gawking at her glam pics from decades gone by. I reckon she was one, if not, one of the last lounge acts, with a band and Latin-themed, high-energy songs and dance. To see her pictures and style, she always reminded me of NYC's  Latin legend and a drag sister, The Lady Catira, who was dropped dead glamorous and a performer at the Escuelita. I understand Chris who shimmied and sang for audiences went for more then six decades. No small feat, and was one of the French Quater's signature stars in the era of Al Hirt and Pete Fountain.

Generations saw her perform over the years and her shows became a classy cornerstone of one of the world's best-known entertainment destinations. Funnily, Owns age remained one of Nola's most mused-about mysteries. Her late longtime companion always said Owens was old enough to know what she wanted. It's believed she was 89 when she passed.

In 1983 the seemingly timeless chanteuse became the perennial queen of an Easter parade that annually drew thousands to the French Quater to behold the bonneted float riders and vie for the pastel stuffed toys she tossed. Alas,  Chris's last parade came in 2019 and was clouded with tragedy. The annual procession was followed by the death of Owen's companion Mark Davison. and her sister. She was highly regarded by us drag queens and was practically one of us. Owen's was a good and deep pocketed, and long time ally to the LGBTQ community and a excellent philanthropist for the whole community really. She was charismatic, beautiful, campy and iconic. The news was only made more sad that she died of a heart attack just weeks before the  Easter Parade that was her most glorious stage. I understand she was buried in the white and lavender showgirl costume she would've worn for the parade. Bless her heart. Why do I post this?  Stop procrastinating and go see your favorite divas and drag queens while they are still here. There are far more queens then just what we see on Drag Race. Let's see them now, instead of talking about them once there gone.