Papa French
Albert "Papa" French (born November 16, 1910 in New Orleans , † September 28, 1977 ) was an American jazz bandleader and banjo player of New Orleans jazz .
French played the banjo in the Tuxedo Brass Band (Original Tuxedo Jazz Band) founded by Papa Celestin in 1910 , whose leadership passed to Papa French via trombonist Eddie Pierson in 1958 after Celestin's death in 1954 (he took over his nickname out of admiration for Papa Celestin). French had previously taken over the line temporarily in Celestin's absence. He led the band, which performed regularly at Dixieland Hall in New Orleans, until his death in 1977. Under his direction, she also toured Europe. It was then directed by his son, Bob French , a drummer who was also a well-known radio host in New Orleans. French is buried in Edgard, Louisiana .
Discography
- A Night at Dixieland Hall , Nobility Records 1965 (with Jeanette Kimball , piano, Louis Barbarin , drums, Stewart Davis (1918–1985), bass violin, Joseph “Cornbread” Thomas (1902–1981), clarinet and vocals, Waldren Frog Joseph , Trombone, Wendell Eugene (* 1923), trombone, Alvin Alcorn , trumpet)
- A Night at Dixieland Hall, Volume II , Nobility Records (live recording, cast as above except Frank Fields instead of Steward Davis on bass violin and without Wendell Eugene)
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Papa French |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | French, Albert (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American jazz band leader and banjo player |
| DATE OF BIRTH | November 16, 1910 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | New Orleans |
| DATE OF DEATH | September 28, 1977 |