GG Shinn, former Boogie Kings singer, dies
Published 6:15 pm Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Trumpeter and singer GG Shinn, who sang with the Boogie Kings, alongside Jerry LaCroix, the band Chase and in solo gigs, has died.
The Boogie Kings were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur.
Shinn, as an individual performer, is a member of the Louisiana Hall of Fame.
The news of Shinn’s death spread quickly on social media Tuesday beginning with a simple post on his Facebook page — “GG is singing with the angels as of 2:47 p.m.”
According to other family posts, Shinn had been having health issues prior to his death.
Cajun musician Jo-El Sonnier, also a member of the museum’s Hall of Fame, said he was saddened to hear the news.
“GG put up a hell of a fight but God just had another plan for him,” Sonnier wrote. “We were blessed to have had him in our musical family for so many years and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Terry Derouen, who went by the stage name Gene Terry and performed some swamp pop, blue-eyed soul and more, also offered condolences.
“Words escape me at this time,” Derouen said. “I have long admired GG and his amazing voice and stage presence. Heaven is sure to have a great Boogie King reunion with those that have gone on before him. Once again, prayers for you Sandra and the rest of the family.”
GG Shinn was born was born Aug. 25, 1939 in Franklin, Louisiana, and formed his first band, the Flat Tops, in 1956, according to ponderosastomp.com
By 1963 he was recruited into the Boogie Kings which had been founded 10 years prior. They bounced around gaining popularity.
Shinn left the band a year later and went on to work with other bands as well as in solo stints and remained popular for years later.