Biography
Alvin Elmore Alcorn was born on September 7, 1912, in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city renowned for its vibrant jazz tradition. He learned music theory from his older brother Oliver, a saxophonist and clarinetist, and later studied trumpet with George McCullum Jr. By the late 1920s, Alcorn was already performing with local bands, including Clarence Desdune’s ensemble, and soon became a member of Armand J. Piron's Sunny South Syncopators. His early exposure to the New Orleans jazz scene shaped his distinctive style, rooted in the classic Dixieland tradition.
Alcorn's career spanned over six decades, during which he played with many of the leading figures in New Orleans jazz. In the 1930s, he toured with Don Albert’s swing band and, after returning to New Orleans, worked with Paul Barbarin, Sidney Desvigne, Oscar Celestin, and Octave Crosby. After serving in the army during World War II, Alcorn briefly joined Tab Smith and Alphonse Picou. In the 1950s, he moved to Los Angeles to join Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band, appearing in the film 'The Benny Goodman Story' and touring Europe. He later returned to New Orleans, performing with the Olympia Brass Band and Louis Cottrell Jr.’s Heritage Hall Jazz Band, and continued to tour internationally into the 1980s.
Alcorn was celebrated for his warm, lyrical trumpet tone and his mastery of the New Orleans jazz idiom. His legacy endures through his recordings, his contributions to the preservation of traditional jazz, and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians. He remained an active and respected figure in the New Orleans music community until his death on July 10, 2003.
Fun Facts
- Alcorn appeared as a bit-part actor (a killer) in the James Bond film 'Live and Let Die' and played on its soundtrack with the Olympia Brass Band.
- He served as an official of the New Orleans Musicians Union later in his career.
- Alcorn was featured in the film 'The Benny Goodman Story' during his time with Kid Ory's band.
- He continued performing well into his 80s, touring Europe and remaining active in the New Orleans jazz scene.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Oliver Alcorn - Older brother who taught him music theory and inspired his early musical development. (N/A (family instruction)) [1920s]
- George McCullum Jr. - Trumpet teacher who provided formal instruction. (N/A (private study)) [late 1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Armand J. Piron - Band leader; Alcorn played in Piron's Sunny South Syncopators. (Sunny South Syncopators) [1930-1931, 1937]
- Don Albert - Band leader; Alcorn toured with his swing band. (Don Albert's Swing Band) [1932-1937]
- Kid Ory - Band leader; Alcorn joined Ory's Creole Jazz Band, toured Europe, and appeared in 'The Benny Goodman Story.' (Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band, 'The Benny Goodman Story' (film)) [1954-1956]
- Chris Barber - British bandleader; Alcorn toured Europe with his band. (European tours) [1978]
- Olympia Brass Band - Member; performed and recorded with the band, including the soundtrack for 'Live and Let Die.' (Olympia Brass Band, 'Live and Let Die' (film soundtrack)) [1970s]
- Louis Cottrell Jr. - Band leader; Alcorn played in the Heritage Hall Jazz Band. (Heritage Hall Jazz Band) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- New Orleans traditional jazz musicians - Alcorn's style and dedication to traditional jazz influenced younger musicians in New Orleans and beyond, though specific proteges are not named in sources. (Various performances and recordings) [1950s-2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch | 2003-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Some Day Sweetheart (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Jazz Brunch Blues (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- It's the Talk of the Town (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Don't Blame Me (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Black and Blue (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Don't Take Your Love From Me (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Blue Lou (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Old Rugged Cross (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- New Orleans (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
- Yellow Dog Blues (The Original New Orleans Jazz Brunch)
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Alvin Alcorn has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9, 2025 | 09:52 | The Blues | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young |