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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO<\/a>) \u2014 Two beloved musicians are dealing with health struggles, and the Krewe of Red Beans is spearheading assistance.<\/p>\n Moving New Orleans Forward anchor LBJ has the story on how the public can help Al \u201cCarnival Time\u201d Johnson and Little Freddie King.<\/p>\n \u201cAl has been around forever and you know, you can call him at any time and say, \u2018Hey Al, how ya doing what time is it?\u2019 and he\u2019ll say, \u2018Oh you know what time it is; it\u2019s Carnival Time I say right now,\u2019 he says \u2018anytime is Carnival Time,\u201d said Charmaine Neville.<\/p>\n New Orleans drum builder creating custom instruments, giving back <\/a><\/p>\n A music star herself, Neville also had kind words for the generosity of Little Freddie King.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re here for, not to receive but to give,\u201d said Neville.<\/p>\n Both Johnson and King are dealing with significant health challenges in their senior years. In Johnson\u2019s case, he suffered a medical incident that left him debilitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat he wants most of all is to stay in his home, and to stay in his home he really needs nursing care that\u2019s 24\/7 and that becomes very expensive. So, the money that we raise will help cover those costs,\u201d said Krewe of Red Beans Founder Devin DeWulf.<\/p>\n The krewe has organized a place we can help both Johnson and King, who suffered an accident on his bike.<\/p>\n \u201cThis part went over on the cement, and I had my helmet on, and BAM, and there I was paralyzed again. It was so simple how that happened,\u201d said King.<\/p>\n The accident damaged the nerves in his hand, and he can\u2019t play his beloved guitar. He\u2019s currently under the care of his sister and niece, but the good news is, he\u2019s rehearsed with his band and is scheduled to sing the blues at this year\u2019s Jazz and Heritage Festival.<\/p>\n A gig that will help pay some bills.<\/p>\n Investing In America: New Orleans\u2019 Cafe Reconcile <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cGod spare life and be able to have my voice, I\u2019ll be right on there again by the help of the good Lord,\u201d said King.<\/p>\n So now, the plea is on to help our culture bearers, who have given our city so much.<\/p>\n \u201cFor these two guys in particular it\u2019s important to show them the love. They\u2019ve enriched our city, and our city\u2019s culture, and our city\u2019s music so much, that it\u2019s really important that people pay that back,\u201d said DeWulf.<\/p>\n You can help both King and Johnson by heading to the Krewe of Red Beans website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple<\/a> or Google Play<\/a> stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter<\/a>. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\nLatest Posts<\/h2>\n