'He brought the funk to kick it up a few notches': Lagasse mourns 'Emeril Live' bandleader

Though it has been off the air for 14 years, "Emeril Live" lives on in fond memories for many loyal viewers of the cooking show nationwide.

Celebrity chef and Fall River native Emeril Lagasse — with the help of "Emeril Live" bandleader and wingman of sorts Leonard “Doc” Gibbs — captured the hearts of devoted fans during the Food Network program's 11-year run. 

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Sad news came this week for "Emeril Live" fans as it was announced that Gibbs, the show's celebrated musician, has died.

According to his obituary, Gibbs died Sept. 15 in Salem, Oregon, of prostate cancer at the age of 73.

Lagasse shared a touching tribute Thursday morning on his Instagram account in memory of his former colleague and friend.

"Doc was an integral part of Emeril Live. He brought the funk to kick it up a few notches every single show," he said in his post. "He was an incredible percussionist and musician and an even more incredible human being. Doc will be missed but never forgotten. Rest easy my friend."

His post also featured a video with highlights of Gibbs' time on the program, where Lagasse notes that the musician provided a much-needed "new dimension to the show."

Lagasse — Fall River born and bred, working his way up from city kitchens to kitchens across the world — kicked things up a notch on the Food Network program from 1997 to 2007, whipping up gourmet dishes for a live audience. The show also welcomed a slew of special guests — from Patti LaBelle to Joe Perry, Sammy Hagar, Aretha Franklin and Jimmy Buffett — to sample his culinary creations.

Gibbs served up the tunes right along side Lagasse as musical director and head of the "Emeril Live" house band from the show's beginning to its end.

Gibbs' music career spanned decades and included stints with notable artists such as Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Wyclef Jean, and Erykah Badu. But the master percussionist was perhaps best-known for his time on "Emeril Live."