Rest In Peace: Tony Nominee B.J. Crosby

It is with our deepest sympathies that we report the passing of a wonderful talent, Tony Award nominee B.J. Crosby. Having been seen on the Broadway stages in One More Time & Chicago, she is most known for her show stopping vocals in the musical review Smokey Joe’s Cafe. There has never been a voice that shook a Broadway house like that of B.J. Crosby. She was the definition of a powerhouse, with a vibrant spirit to match.

B.J. Crosby was born on November 23, 1952 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. And it was fellow NOLA native, Wendell Pierce, that broke the news to us of her passing. This led to an outpour of more than deserving social media love for the soul singer, including the Tony Award winning Harvey Fierstein and R&B Diva L.A. seen Stacy Francis. Those he knew her on and off the stage were are forever changed. She leaves behind something that can never be replaced and you can hear it in her voice. Below you’ll see her singing her show stopping number in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, “Fools Fall In Love”, which we often thought should have garnered her the Tony Award and not just the nomination in 1995. However, you’ll see why she has always been a winner.

The Great Lady “BJ” Crosby, a New Orleans singing legend,original cast of One Mo’ Time has passed away.She showed the world the soul of NOLA

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) March 27, 2015

.@WendellPierce that’s so sad. I worked with her in Smokey Joes Cafe on Broadway. She was the best. RIP Lady BJ Crosby

— Stacy Francis (@stacyfrancis) March 28, 2015

BJ Crosby, a powerhouse of a talent & wonderful friend is gone. I treasure our time on HAIRSPRAY: https://t.co/hN63nCeJ4f via @YouTube

— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) March 28, 2015

I want 2 take a moment 2 acknowledge 1 of the most amazin vocalist 2 ever live. Lady BJ Crosby. I was honored 2 have witnessed your gift RIP

— Stacy Francis (@stacyfrancis) March 28, 2015

Thanks BJ Crosby for the career advice, honesty & laughter! #smokeyjoes#RIP#foolsfallinlove#BJcrosby pic.twitter.com/HeLtn3N8Oh

— Destan Owens (@DestanOwens) March 28, 2015