New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans arts and spiritual community is reeling from the loss of Gwendolyn Colman, the dynamic and beloved drummer for Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band, who passed away in a tragic accident on Saturday, June 7. Known for her magnetic spirit, musical brilliance, and uncontainable zest for life, Colman’s death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her and the music she helped shape.
Her bandmates—Seán Johnson, Alvin, and Narada—shared the devastating news in a heartfelt tribute, writing, “We are in shock, struggling to grasp that we’ll never sing, laugh, or make music with her again. The world we know—and the music we create—will never be the same without her presence.” These words capture the collective heartbreak of a music community that relied on Gwendolyn’s energy, passion, and innovation to bring their creations to life.
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Gwendolyn Colman had made New Orleans her home for many years, becoming a true fixture in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. She was more than just a musician; she was a cultural force, a radiant soul who lived life with fierce authenticity and contagious joy. Her artistry defied easy categorization—she was a drummer, singer, teacher, artist, and spiritual explorer. Whether performing on stage or connecting with people off stage, Colman’s presence was always unmistakable. She was known for her ability to create music that resonated deeply with listeners, using rhythm and melody to connect people with the divine and each other.
Her personal life reflected the same joy and intentionality that she brought to her music. Gwendolyn was a gardener, cook, aromatherapy alchemist, craftswoman, and self-declared “bad yogi.” Every aspect of her life, whether creative or spiritual, was infused with whimsy, wonder, and an authenticity that made others feel seen and appreciated. As much as she was a performer, she was a nurturer, a creator of spaces where people could come together and be themselves. Whether preparing a meal for friends or creating an aromatherapy blend, Gwendolyn brought love and intention to everything she did, touching lives with the same care and devotion that she put into her music.
Colman was a beloved member of the Wild Lotus Yoga and bhakti communities in New Orleans, where she became known as a spiritual mischief-maker—irreverent, playful, and deeply loving. She was unapologetically herself, always encouraging others to do the same. In a city known for its rich spiritual and artistic heritage, Gwendolyn stood out as someone who not only contributed to the community but helped shape it. Whether through rhythm, voice, or presence, Colman touched lives profoundly, giving others permission to be fully and freely themselves.
“She was as real, raw, quirky, colorful, and unique as it gets,” one admirer wrote. “She gave us all permission to be our authentic selves.” This sentiment is echoed by the many who were touched by Gwendolyn’s warmth and authenticity. Her ability to embrace her own individuality inspired others to do the same. In a world that often pressures people to conform, Gwendolyn’s unapologetic self-expression was a breath of fresh air, reminding everyone that they, too, could live their truth.
Beyond her extraordinary talents, Gwendolyn was a community builder and a friend to many. Her warmth, laughter, and magnetic spirit earned her the love of people across disciplines and geographies. A true original, she brought joy to every room and rhythm to every gathering—whether in a music hall, a yoga studio, or under the stars around a fire. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life made her a unifying figure in a city known for its diversity and creative energy.
Gwendolyn’s legacy is not just one of musical talent, but of a life well-lived. Her unrelenting joy, her fierce love for her community, and her ability to make others feel heard and valued will continue to resonate in New Orleans and beyond. Though she is no longer physically present, her voice and rhythm live on through her recordings, her impact, and the countless people she inspired with her fierce freedom and radiant soul.
In a gesture that captures her free-spirited legacy, her bandmates encouraged those grieving to honor her in Gwendolyn-esque ways: blow bubbles into the wind, light a fire, beat a drum, dance wildly, or sing unabashedly. These acts of remembrance reflect the essence of who Gwendolyn was—a woman who lived life fully, who expressed herself without inhibition, and who invited others to do the same. “We carry you with us—forever,” they wrote, a testament to the enduring impact Gwendolyn had on those who knew her.
The music community in New Orleans has been hit hard by the loss of one of its brightest stars. Colman’s influence extended far beyond the music she played. It was about the way she made others feel—welcomed, valued, and connected to something bigger than themselves. Her bandmates, fellow musicians, and the countless individuals she touched with her unique spirit are left grieving, but they also carry with them the lessons she imparted through her life and music.
In remembering Gwendolyn, her family, friends, and the many communities she was a part of ask that her life be celebrated in the spirit she lived it. In a city where jazz, rhythm, and soul are at the heart of everything, Gwendolyn’s presence was a reminder of the power of music to heal, connect, and uplift. Her loss is immeasurable, but the way she lived her life—full of passion, joy, and authenticity—will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Gwendolyn Colman is survived by the vibrant community she helped build, uplift, and inspire. While her passing has left New Orleans in mourning, her spirit lives on through the music she helped create, the lives she touched, and the love she shared with all who crossed her path. In the wake of this profound loss, the community will continue to remember Gwendolyn with love, laughter, and rhythm. As her bandmates said, “We carry you with us—forever.”
Rest in peace, Gwendolyn Colman. Your music, your light, and your spirit will never be forgotten.
