Samuel Adams Jr.

Samuel T. Adams, Jr. (2/10/1928 - 2/13/2016) – Sam Adams, “The Prince of Parody,” announces that he has completed his 88-year gig on planet Earth, and is available for other engagements. Sam, also known as “Sonny” Adams, was a fixture on the local entertainment scene from the 1940s until fairly recently. He was a modern minstrel, miraculously managing to earn a living over this period not only as an incomparable pianist and clarinetist, but also as a humorist, puppeteer, and TV “Bozo the Clown”. He is best known, to his chagrin, as one of the perpetrators of “Nobody Likes A Smart Ass,” the irreverent satirical cabaret show that somehow ran successfully for 15 years in the French Quarter during the 1960s and 1970s. Older fans might remember him best for his song parodies, which were almost always topical, clever and achingly funny, but sometimes teetered on the boundaries of good taste. He was hilarious and unfiltered, and let his quirky thoughts lead him wherever they might. While he had a Masters Degree in Zoology, his Korean War Army service led to a stint at the Navy School of Music, which he credits with honing his longtime interest and skills in music. He ultimately received a Masters Degree in Music and taught briefly before heading out to entertain the world. And entertain many, many of us he did. For friends, fans, and his large family, Sam was always where the party and the fun was – he’ll be greatly missed. Also during his Army service, Sam involuntarily participated in “Operation Upshot-Knothole”. An atmospheric nuclear blast at the Nevada Test Range, which he credits his life long relationship with skin cancers and dermatologists. Funeral and celebration arrangements are a bit confused at this time, which is the way Sam would have like it.

Sam leaves behind a large, loving family of children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a younger brother. He was preceded in death recently by his dog “Trash” whom he rescued from starvation.

Sam’s family asks for donations in his memory to be made to one of these 3 charities: Hospice of St. Tammany 725 W. 11th Avenue Covington, LA 70433, St. Francis Animal Sanctuary P.O. BOX 0616 Mandeville, LA 70470 or “The Eagle Saloon” Initiative which is one of three buildings waiting to be being restored that remain of New Orleans historic jazz infrastructure. Donations can be made online at their site. Thank you!