Alton T. Carson

Alton Tommie Carson, affectionately known as "Big Al Carson", went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the age of 66. Born October 2, 1953 to the late Richard Carson and Gloria Carson-Ison (Stepson of Romalis Ison) of New Orleans, LA. A New Orleans native and musical icon, Al was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High school. He later attended Xavier University of New Orleans majoring in Music. In the late 70’s as a Gospel Singer and member of Old Zion Baptist Church, he became known within the Gospel Music Community while performing with the popular Christ Elite Gospel Choir. He was a Scottish Rights Mason for many years. In the late 80s, his tremendous talent as a Tuba player as well as his one of a kind voice scored Al a role in the Nationally Acclaimed stage play One Mo' Time. A highly visible musician and proud member of the New Orleans Musicians Foundation, Al was an intricate part of several highly regarded New Orleans Dixieland and Jazz Bands such as Doc Paulin's Dixieland Brass Band, Herman-Sherman’s Brass Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Dejan's Olympia Brass Band, and Teddy Riley’s Royal Brass Band to name a few. One could catch Big Al at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans French Quarter Festival, the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival and occasionally at The House of Blues. Many years ago he could be found at 4th Edition and Pampies Lounge, until landing on Bourbon Street at The Funky Pirate where he and the Blues Masters performed nightly for over 20 years. Alton "Big Al" Carson is survived by wife: Corina Carson, mother-in-law: Carlota Sussmann, stepsons: Desmond Sampson and Jose Barrios (Annik), grandchildren: La’ Salle Galloway, Desmond Sampson Jr. and Julien Barrios, sisters: Greer Lauriano (Adolph) and Cynthia Zeno, sisters-in-law: Martha Scheurmann (Randy) and Carla D’ Bran, brothers-in-law: Henry, Adolfo and Daniel Sussmann, nieces and nephews: Charlotte Hewitt (Patrice), Adele Hill (Rovan) , Jeanne Zeno, James Lauriano (Venetia), Jude "Jaz” Zeno Jr., Maurice Lauriano, Gabriel Cathy, Ryan and Dylan Schuermann, Noah Sussman, Adessa, Jon-Carlos, and Jonathan D’Bran along with a host of other relatives, musicians and very special friends. Due to the Government Social Distancing Guidelines, the family prepares for a private service, however, a public drive-thru viewing will be held at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125 on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 4:00pm until 5:30 pm. A musical will be streamed live on D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home Facebook page at 6:00 pm. Please TEXT FUN RFH to 797979 to sign guestbook and/or visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to leave well wishes, share memories and condolences for family. If in immediate area tune to FM radio link 90.1 to share in musical. Like us on Facebook to watch Live Stream of funeral service honoring Alton T. “Big Al” Carson. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125.