Call them whatever you want: hipsters or hippies, beatniks or punks, New Orleans has always been an attractive place for American bohemianism. But despite its laid back attitude, the people down here often think these subcultures threaten the way things are done. Amzie Adams encountered that kind of opposition when he moved here in the late 60’s, but then quickly found a way to participate in New Orleans’ culture.
Although the underground newspaper Amzie worked for no longer exists, he made a living for himself as a painter and musician in the French Quarter.
This interview was conducted by Mark Cave for the Historic New Orleans Collection and produced for WWNO by Thomas Walsh.