Lauree was in DC's band in the 70's. Lauree performed as bandleader  with his World Famous San Francisco Street Band for 20 years. He decided to take his talents to the streets of the city he loved so well, becoming the self-appointed music ambassador of S. F. , a one man welcoming committee. Lauree played a schedule which rotated from Market Street to China Town to Fisherman's Wharf. Here the City erected a stage and seats for him on the very best spot under the large round Fisherman's Wharf Sign, corner of Jefferson and Taylor.

DC and Selby Minner and Lauree's life companion Marjorie Barzilay are working to create a 4 foot bronze statue of Lauree, horn in hand, to be put some where close to his spot on the Wharf, to continue to welcome the thousands who come annually to San Francisco. This will be a piece of Black History that any child can walk up and touch  - a self made man who lived most of his life in the City , and who brought so much joy to so many.

MORE BACKGROUND ON LAUREE:

           Lauree appeared on the intro and in the show Nash Bridges, in the city's San Francisco the Movie", which plays to this day on pier 39, led the walkers across the bridge during the 50th anniversary celebration, playing the whole way, was mentioned in Herb Cain's column several times over the years, and was voted best street performer in the City more than one year. Lauree was self taught on the horn - very unusual -  a powerful optimistic personality who welcomed thousands to the city, Tourists sent photos back to him from around the world.

CONTACT INFO:  

            DC and Selby Minner at (918) 473-2411, Friends of the Rentiesville Blues, 701 DC Minner St, Rentiesville, OK 74459; dcminner@uslogon.comand of course here at the website,www.dcminnerblues.com. Lauree Watkins Memorial page.

            Marjorie Barzilay in San Francisco at (415) 642-5021

PLANS and PROGRESS: 

We would like to see a statue of Lauree in his beloved San Francisco at the warf, altho it seems a log way off at this point. If you would like to help us out, Click here to print out a PETITION and fill it with signatures!

Thanks, Selby Minner

Click here to see the RESOLUTION.