Discover the Richness of New Orleans’ Music and its History
New Orleans has a colorful musical history. As you wander around the city, you will hear melodies coming from every corner of the streets, bars, shops and concert halls! Some of the influential musicians in the world come from New Orleans. Like Louis Armstrong, Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins and so on. And up until today, New Orleans is still a home responsible for creating a remarkable musical legacy.
Traditional Jazz
Traditional Jazz was developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This groundbreaking genre originated from the African American communities living in New Orleans. It began with Papa Jack Laine’s musical formation that consists of musicians from diverse ethnic groups and social statuses. Even though Jazz today has changed a little, it is still alive today.
Blues Music
Blues comes from the Southern plantations of the nineteenth century, just after the ending of slavery and during the emergence of juke joints. It is a musical form that has deep roots in American history and its name comes from “blue devils” which are feelings of sadness and melancholy. Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Lead Belly, Charley Patton and Robert Johnson are the notable 1920s blues pioneers.
Zydeco Genre
The Zydeco music genre was created by Southwest Louisiana’s Black Creole community. It is a group of mixed African, Native American, Afro-Caribbean and European descent people. Rural southerners used this cross-fertilization of musical forms to express their hardships of everyday life in the South. Early Zydeco artists include Clifton Chenier, Rockin’ Sidney Simien, Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin’ Dopsie.