Page 24 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New Orleans

22  INTRODUCING NE W ORLEANS

History of New Orleans Jazz

Jazz is America’s original contribution to world culture. It
evolved slowly and almost imperceptibly from a number
of sources – from the music played at balls, parades, dances,
and funerals, and New Orleans’ unique blend of cultures.
Its musical inspirations included classical music (the original
jazz musicians were classically trained), spirituals, marches,
and American folk influences – the entire mélange of music
that was played in 19th-century New Orleans. Trumpeter Oscar “Papa” Celestin
The founder of the Tuxedo Brass
Band in 1911 also composed
“Down by the Riverside.”
Congo Square
On Sundays, slaves
gathered here to
celebrate their
one day off, playing
music and dancing.

Papa Jack’s
Dixieland Jazz Band
This all-white band,
led by Nick LaRocca,
made the first jazz
recording in 1917.

Louis Armstrong
This world-famous jazz trumpeter Bordellos, or “sporting
began singing on the streets of houses,” were where jazz
New Orleans. He played with Kid gained its popularity.
Ory before leaving the city in 1922
to join King Oliver’s band in Chicago.

Buddy Bolden (1877–1931), a Joe “King” Oliver (1885–1938)
barber born in New Orleans, played started playing cornet in New “King” Oliver
cornet and formed one of the first Orleans in 1904, but moved to
jazz bands in the 1890s Chicago with his Creole Jazz Band
1880 1900 1920
Sidney Bechet (1897–
Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941) 1959) played clarinet
began his piano career in the and soprano saxophone
brothels of Storyville. He was the with early leaders like
first great jazz composer and pianist Freddie Keppard

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