Music History
Music commemorates good times and bad in New Orleans
Born of both hope and despair, the New Orleans soundtrack is as disparate as the history of its population, fueled by the influx of enslaved Africans to the waves of immigrants from places like Sicily, Ireland, Germany and, in more recent years, Mexico and Central America.
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, the city of Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Pete Fountain, Harry Connick, Jr. and the Marsalis family.
It’s a place where gospel music achieves lofty heights and marching bands step, dip and sway down well-worn parade routes. It’s a place where Mardi Gras Indians first inspired the call and response now associated with hip-hop, rap and bounce.
New Orleanians care deeply about family, faith, food, traditions, and, perhaps most of all, about making a joyful noise. Here we take our brassy expression of bliss to the streets in celebration of life, death and everything in between.
Birthplace of Jazz
While people dispute Jazz's birthday, the birthplace of Jazz is indisputable. Learn more about New Orleans as the birthplace of Jazz.
The Jazz Funeral
The jazz funeral celebrates life and mourns death. New Orleanians use music as a way to "cut loose" and help heal.
Mardi Gras Indians (Black Masking Indians)
Discover a brief history of the unique and historically rooted culture of Mardi Gras Indians (also known as Black Masking Indians) in New Orleans.
Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs
Strutting and jumping and high-stepping beneath their decorated parasols – blowing whistles and waving feathered fans – New Orleans social aid and pleasure clubs unify communities…
Gospel Brunch
Experience soulful music and lavish buffets at gospel brunches all over New Orleans. Learn the history, when and where to celebrate, here
New Orleans Second Line History - New Orleans & Company
Second lining has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form – a jazz funeral without a body.” At one time, second line parades were mostly associated with social aid…
The Steam Calliope on the Steamboat Natchez
The Steamboat Natchez plays its steam calliope every day. Listen out for this strange music on the Mississippi River.
America's First City of Opera
“Sylvain" was the city’s first opera performance, and New Orleans still has an Opera presence today. Click here to learn about the history of Opera.
Dixieland Jazz New Orleans
Learn more about Dixieland, a uniquely New Orleanian jazz subgenre with roots here in the Crescent City.
Famous New Orleans Musicians
Buddy Bolden
New Orleans native, Charles “Buddy” Bolden, is considered the first person to ever play jazz. Click here to learn more about Buddy Bolden and his part in jazz's history.
Jelly Roll Morton
Jelly Roll Morton is regarded as the first true jazz composer. He was the first to write down his jazz arrangements – and a number of his compositions became jazz staples.
Louis Armstrong
Louis Daniel "Satchmo" Armstrong was one of the best jazz musicians and greatest entertainment personalities the world has ever known. Learn more about his influence and legacy.