I just made Pableaux's smoked turkey gumbo, as I've done every post-Christmas for many years, and thought of him, of course. So many wonderful memories-- not all *about* food, but (come to think of it) all of them accompanied by food. No visit to New Orleans was complete without seeing him, most recently last summer at Napoleon House. He was a delightful companion and a good man. I'm sure everyone who knew him will miss him. I certainly will. Rest in peace, brother.
2
Hi I’m Big Chief Tugga with The Red Flame Hunters Mardi Gras Indian Tribe . We are very saddened to hear this . Sending condolences 🙏. We will definitely miss him. He’s watched me grow from a boy to a man. He is legendary!!!!!!!!
7
R.I.P. the multi-talented Pableaux Johnson -- an excellent photographer, a dedicated cultural documentarian who did important work, an expert at cooking gumbo and teaching his craft to the public, an accomplished journalist, and an all-around great guy, widely beloved and respected, consistently upbeat, enthusiastic, friendly, and nice, with a generous spirit. Every encounter with him always brightened my day, and the day of so many others in New Orleans, too. Pableaux Johnson will be very sorely missed.
2
I'm writing this sitting below six of Pableaux's second-line photos, six that my wife and I painstakingly chose out of hundreds and hundreds of amazing candidates. Emily and I were just talking about planning a trip through south Louisiana and wondering if we could talk Pableaux into joining us -- even if he couldn't go, I'm sure he would have given us two dozen marvelous places to see and amazing people to look up. I still have a voicemail from him on my phone and keep looking at his name there in disbelief. There were so many stories I still had to hear, so many times I thought I'd get to sit at his table, so many adventures I thought still lay ahead. We always think we have more time than we do. It just breaks my heart.
3
We would always talk about the light. Not enough clouds. Shadows will be tough, sun’s bright etc. But no matter what the skies would bring, I now know that Pableaux was the only light we needed. He brought it every Sunday, making people happy, making people smile. He loved New Orleans and New Orleans loved him right back. Rest well Pableaux. We’ll miss you, but we know you’ll always be there with us when the band starts to play and the line rolls down the street.
3
My family is so sad to hear this news. Pableaux was a friend and also took many photos of us during the years. Especially made considerations when my mother was sick to do so. We’d love to be in the loop on his celebration of life. He always met us with a smile.
0
Pableaux was who everyone should aspire to be when they grow up. Incredibly genuine, curious and generous. He had such a love for food and Louisiana, and an unapologetically authentic soul. And I know he'd be mad if we don't all have red beans tomorrow, with him at our side in our hearts.
1
An original torchbearer of our culture...filled with heart and hospitality. He will be missed.
1
Brother Im gonna really miss you. Gone to soon. Why did you leave me man? We were just talking to each other and planning our next Secondline line together. On the day I took a break you leave. Today would have been our final hug - I know this because you always hug me.
1
I last saw Pableaux--where else?--photographing at a second line when I was last in New Orleans. We kept in touch via social media regularly, talking photography mostly. What a loss this is. Pableaux was such an intimate part of NOLA's culture; his photographs celebrate the second line and Masking Black Indian traditions and his cooking lifted up NOLA's and Louisiana's food traditions. A good and generous man has passed our way. May his spirit Rest in Peace.
3
Ohhhh, it’s just unfathomable. The loss of you. The loss to New Orleans. The loss of all the Monday night red beans and rice dinners and conversations. The loss to everyone and anyone that was lucky enough to know your generous heart and creative light. I’d say rest in peace my friend, but I know you’re raising hell and marching through the streets of New Orleans. That’s what I wish for you anyway, because it sure seemed that was your personal heaven. Thank you for everything, dear sir. You’re already sorely missed on this plane.
0
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