Deane "Buddy" Flett

Buddy left this world on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 72. Buddy was born Deane Roberts Flett, Jr., on June 26, 1953, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Pastor Brady L. Blade, Sr., will officiate a memorial service at 1 pm on Sunday, June 7th, at the Elks Lodge 122, 310 E. Preston Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana. There will be a celebration of life following the service until 6 pm, with music, food, and drinks.

Buddy grew up on Albany Ave in Shreveport, loving to watch baseball on TV with his dad. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, a love he passed on to his nephew, Carlton. He was active in the youth group at First Methodist Church, where he formed life-long friends who called themselves the “Freakout Express.” It was with this group of friends that he started to develop his passion for music. He bought his first guitar with the money he earned throwing a paper route.

After graduating from Byrd High School, Buddy went to college in New Orleans. He preferred going to hear Professor Longhair rather than going to class. He liked to say that’s where he got his real education.

He enjoyed a remarkable career as a professional musician and songwriter. He was an original member of “A-Train” and later founded “The Bluebirds” with his brother Bruce. He ventured into a solo career, releasing two albums, “Mississippi Sea” and “Rough Edges.”

Buddy played slide guitar on Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s first album, “Ledbetter Heights,” in addition to the Grammy-nominated 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads Documentary album and Grammy-nominated “Live in Chicago” album with Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Bryan Lee, Willie Big Eyes, and many more.

His songs were recorded by Percy Sledge, Etta James, Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball, Johnny Adams, and others.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Evangeline and Deane Roberts Flett, Sr., and nephew, Carlton. He is survived by his sister, Laura Flett; brother, Bruce Flett; nieces Avery and Laura Beth; nephew Jake; and two great nieces, Eva Grace and Emmy. He is also survived by his wife of 34 years, Gail Flett, and his bonus niece, Gracey Blair.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Bob, Jacque, Ryan, Jody, and Lori for their friendship and support. Gratitude also goes to the medical team at Ochsner’s ICU team and St. Joseph’s Hospice. A special thanks from Gail to JeanAnn, who assisted her in his care. Also, a special thanks goes out to his life-long friend, “Little Debbie,” whom he often referred to as his little sister.

Special thanks to Ken and Kenny Wayne Shepherd for opening the door wide enough for a dreamer to walk through. Because of y’all, he got to live the kind of life most folks only sing about, full of music, miles, memories, and soul.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.