Ernie McLean, a longtime fixture in New Orleans Square, passed away, he was 87.

McLean was reportedly the last entertainer personally hired by Walt Disney. He was one of the first members of the Royal Street Bachelors that played regularly in the theme park.

McLean was a guitarist and played at the theme park solo in recent years.

On a personal note, I remember watching him perform with the Royal Street Bachelors when I worked at Riverbelle Terrace at Disneyland in the seventies. I always enjoyed the smooth playing of that trio which consisted of Ernie on guitar, a guy on clarinet and another on bass.

McLean was at the park since the opening of New Orleans Square, lending credibility to the jazz music featured in the then new land.