Celebrating the Birthday of Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer who was born in New Orleans on May 14, 1897. Bechet is considered one of New Orleans’ greatest jazz musicians, along with King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. By the age of 13, Bechet was a professional jazz musician, and by 16 he was touring the South with pianist and singer Clarence Williams. In 1919, Bechet began touring with trumpeter King Oliver, eventually going on to Chicago, New York and Europe. He was a master of improvisation, becoming one of the first important soloists in jazz, playing lead parts that were usually reserved for trumpet. Known for his heavy vibrato, his unequaled energy made him king of the soprano saxophone, and also one of the most original and innovative clarinetists in jazz. From 1925 to 1931 Bechet lived and played in Europe, playing in England, France, Germany and Russia, and it was there where he achieved his greatest success. Bechet has had a deep and lasting influence on the way jazz clarinet and soprano saxophone are played, inspiring countless musicians along the way. Sidney Bechet passed away in Paris, France, on May 14, 1959, on his 62nd birthday. On the date of his birth, we celebrate his life.

Celebrating the Birthday of King Oliver

Jazz cornet player and bandleader Joseph Nathan "King" Oliver was born on May 11, 1885, in Aben, Louisiana, and moved to New Orleans in his youth.  He was particularly recognized for his playing style and his pioneering use of mutes in jazz to alter the sound of his horn. Also a notable composer, he wrote many tunes still played today, including "Dippermouth Blues", "Sweet Like This", "Canal Street Blues", and "Doctor Jazz". He was the mentor and teacher of Louis Armstrong, who said his influence was such that "if it had not been for Joe Oliver, Jazz would not be what it is today." Sadly, Oliver suffered from ill health and financial troubles before his death at age 52 on April 8, 1938. Today we celebrate King Oliver’s significant influence on the music of New Orleans and the world. 

Happy Birthday, Anders Osborne!

Anders Osborne was born on May 4, 1966, in Uddevalla, Sweden, but the singer-songwriter guitarist has made his home in New Orleans for many years. Whether he’s performing solo, with his band, or with North Mississippi Osborne (N.M.O., featuring Osborne and the North Mississippi Allstars), this award-winning artist is a local and international favorite. Happy Birthday, Anders!

Photo by: Mr.schultz

Happy Birthday, Glen David Andrews!

Trombonist and vocalist Glen David Andrews was born in New Orleans on April 26, 1980. Andrews hails from a musical family, with grandfather Jesse Hill of “Ooh Poo Pa Doo” fame, brother Derrick Tabb of Rebirth Brass Band, cousin of brothers Troy “Trombone Shorty” and James Andrews, and cousin to the late Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill. Andrews learned about brass bands from greats like Tuba Fats and by second line parades in the Tremé neighborhood of his youth. And, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Andrews mesmerizes audiences with his showmanship and energy. He is a beloved and charismatic live performer, and today we join in the celebration. Happy Birthday!

Photo: Facebook

Celebrating the Birthday of Allan Jaffe

Jazz tubist and entrepreneur Allan Phillip Jaffe was born on April 24, 1935, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and is the person who developed Preservation Hall into a New Orleans jazz tradition, along with his wife Sandra. Jaffe's grandfather was a French hornist, his father was a mandolin player and teacher, and Jaffe learned piano and cornet before settling on tuba in junior high school. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania before joining the Army and being stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Following his discharge in 1961, Jaffe moved to New Orleans where he took over management of Preservation Hall. As owner, he played a major role in the New Orleans jazz revival of the 1960s, shepherding the latter-day careers of numerous musicians. He also played the tuba in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and took the group on tours worldwide, booking them into the finest music and performance halls and making appearances at cultural events of note even in small communities.

Sadly, Jaffe passed away in New Orleans on March 9, 1987. But, his legacy lives on as his son, Ben, now leads and performs with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Today we celebrate someone who helped preserve and promote the musical heritage of New Orleans.

Photo: Twitter

Celebrating the Birthday of Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown

Guitarist, violinist and vocalist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown was born on April 18, 1924, in Vinton, Louisiana, and raised in Orange, Texas. Brown was given the nickname “Gatemouth” by a high school teacher who said he had a “voice like a gate”. Known for his work as a blues musician, he also performed rock n roll and folk, and was an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist who played not only guitar and fiddle, but also mandolin, viola, harmonica and drums.

In 1974, he recorded as a sideman with the New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair on his album, Rock 'N' Roll Gumbo and moved to New Orleans in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, a series of releases on Rounder Records and Alligator Records revitalized his U.S. career, and he toured extensively and internationally, usually playing between 250 and 300 shows a year. He won a Grammy in 1982 for the album Alright Again! and was nominated for five more. He also won eight W. C. Handy Awards. In 1999, Brown was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

In his final years, Brown maintained a full touring schedule, and released his final record "Timeless" in 2004. Brown’s home in Slidell, Louisiana, was destoyed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, though he’d had been evacuated to his childhood hometown of Orange, Texas. Sadly, he passed away there on September 10, 2005, at a relative’s home. Today we celebrate a gifted musician and appreciate his legacy.

Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com