Tyrone Powell

Mr. Tyrone Powell was called home to rest in eternal peace on Thursday evening, July 4, 2024, in New Orleans after a brief illness. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather. Tyrone was 77 years young and is survived by his devoted wife of twenty-five years, Yoko Matsumoto Powell. The eldest son of the late Dudley and Clarietta Powell, Tyrone, affectionately known as "Tyger" was born on July 24, 1946 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He cherished his childhood memories with his brothers the late Winston and Herbert Powell, and surviving siblings Robert Powell, Calla Victoria, Charles Edward Lonon, and William Powell. Tyrone was a Vietnam veteran who served his country in the United States Air Force. Tyrone's ongoing legacy forms an integral thread in the fabric of New Orleans music history. A schoolmate of the musical icons the Neville Brothers, Nick Daniels III, Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, Theryl "Houseman" DeClouet, Tony Owens, and Reggie Houston, Tyrone's musical taste helped flavor the development of New Orleans music as we know it today. After his military service, Tyrone was personally sought out by Poppa Funk to become a sound engineer for Sam Henry and the Soul Machine as well as the Neville Brothers. Alongside his close friend and audio colleague Joe Francois, Tyrone mixed a long list of local and internationally renowned artists. In later years, Tyrone became a sound engineer-in-residence at both musical powerhouse venues Tipitina’s and The House of Blues. It was here that he served as an ambassador of the city, opening the doors for traveling musicians, facilitating their concerts with kindness, enthusiasm, and professionalism. In these venues, Tyrone dedicated himself as a teacher of music production, answering eager students with respect. In these spaces, he will be remembered as a skilled expert and a dear friend. Tyrone leaves this legacy to be cherished by his sons Neo Powell, Tyrone Michael Lewis, and Kenneth Lewis, Sr.; and daughters Aiyana Francis, Eloise Lewis, and Quiandra Nunnery. He leaves seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Tyrone Powell’s Celebration of Life Memorial on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Tipitina’s. The doors open at 5pm, service starts at 6 pm, 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, 70115.