FORT WORTH, Texas -- Each survivor now in North Texas has a story to tell about the toll of Hurricane Katrina, and among them, NBC 5 found in Fort Worth a living legend whose life has been forever changed.

The evacuees who are now sheltered at Meacham Field were surprised to find that among them is a well-known bandleader, arranger and composer.

He's been called the Creole Beethoven, and like many of the people who escaped New Orleans, he feels he's lucky to be alive.

He's 75 years old and blind and, in addition to a storied career in music, Wardell Quezergue can tick off another accomplishment -- surviving Hurricane Katrina.

"Make me feel like I'm blessed and all the people who got out in time is blessed," Quezergue said.

He can tell stories of riding out the storm, floating on a rubber raft, riding in an 18-wheeler, and being hoisted into a helicopter. He then spent hours on buses going from city to city, only to end up with other evacuees in Fort Worth, trying to nail down the whereabouts of his 15 children. He knows where they are now, and can relax enough to talk about his life and where is now.

He's worked with many famous musicians, and as a producer, he worked on classic cuts like "Iko Iko" and "Chapel of Love" by the Dixie Cups, and "Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight. Other evacuees have learned who he is.

For Quezergue, the move to Fort Worth means a new beginning, but he believes music will not be long gone from his hometown of New Orleans.

"I think that after the city gets back on its feet, that it's gonna be bigger than ever as far as the music scene is concerned."

"Like some of the jazz scenes, the jazz fest. I'd like to be part of that just to sit back and hear the bands play my music."

Quezergue said North Texans have been so friendly that he may stay here.

He's already volunteered to work with students who are interested in careers in music.