Sunday Night Jazz Showcase
Program #331 (July 18 at 8:00pm)
The son of New Orleans banjo player Albert "Papa" French, drummer/vocalist Bob French is a journeyman New Orleans musician who has played with a variety of artists including New Orleans R&B legends Dave Bartholomew and James "Sugarboy" Crawford as well as rock & roll icon Fats Domino and many others.
After his father's passing in 1977, French took over the leadership of his father's ensemble, the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, the longest continually working New Orleans group -- founded in 1910 by trumpeter Oscar "Papa" Celestin.
Since that time, French has led the ensemble as well as hosted the WWOZ radio program French Cooking, showcasing the varied music of New Orleans. He released Marsalis Music Honors Bob French on Marsalis Music/Rounder Records in 2007.
French passed away in 2012 at the age of 74.
(provided by Allmusic/NPR)
