"The King" - and we're not talking about Elvis

At the turn of the 20th Century, New Orleans was a bustling cosmopolitan port city, full of people from very diverse cultures, each bringing its own dance, language, music, and cuisine. 

As a result of this diversity, the city would become the cradle of a musical art form known as jazz.  New Orleans embraced this music and fostered a new group of musicians whose style consisted of improvising melodies. Music listeners and critics had such affection for the trumpet that the best trumpet player of the day –chosen by popular public opinion- would be known as “The King.”  New Orleans-style jazz featured the trumpet (or cornet) on every song on the front line, alongside the clarinet and trombone.

Buddy Bolden, Joe Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and some others were all “kings” of the trumpet at one time or another, but

Freddie Keppard – one of the most popular jazz horn players of the early part of the century – would be known as “King Keppard” from 1906 to 1915.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 27,1890, Keppard was 25 years old when he decided to leave New Orleans with his all-black Original Creole Orchestra and tour outside the South - the first band leader to do so.  His travels would take him to New York City, where he would pass up the opportunity of a lifetime to be immortalized in the history of music. 

What happened in New York City that made him but a mere footnote in jazz?  Watch the interesting video below to find out!

https://youtu.be/gBWwSr25aXc

Have a great weekend! Rob

TheRockandRollProfessor.com