Bob French

Biography

Bob French (December 27, 1937 – November 12, 2012) was a New Orleans jazz drummer, bandleader, and WWOZ radio host from a third-generation musical family. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the son of banjo player Albert 'Papa' French and grandson of a tuba player, with an uncle who played trombone. Initially uninterested in traditional jazz, young Bob preferred R&B and at age 15 played in a band with Art Neville, Charles Neville, and James Booker. His career shifted after joining his father's band at the Fairmont Hotel, where seasoned musicians like Jack Willis, Frog Joseph, Joseph 'Cornbread' Thomas, Jeanette Kimball, and Frank Fields guided him, building his skills in New Orleans jazz.[1][2][3][4]

From 1977, following his father's death, French led the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, New Orleans' oldest continuously performing jazz ensemble founded in 1910 by Oscar 'Papa' Celestin. Under his direction until 2011 due to health issues, the band preserved traditional jazz, performing standards at venues like Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. French's forceful personality shone as a controversial WWOZ DJ on shows like 'New Orleans Music' and 'French Cooking,' known for repetitive playlists, post-Katrina rants, and candid style that boosted fundraisers despite conflicts leading to his dismissal. He recorded extensively with artists like Fats Domino and released Marsalis Music Honors Bob French in 2007, featuring Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., and Trombone Shorty.[1][2][5]

French's legacy centers on mentoring young musicians to preserve New Orleans jazz culture amid modern jazz trends. He taught players like Glen Andrews, Shamarr Allen, and Kid Chocolate the traditional style, ensuring its continuity. His nephew Gerald French succeeded him as bandleader, honoring his life with performances post-death. History remembers French more for his musical preservation than radio antics.[1][2]

Fun Facts

• At 15, Bob French played in an R&B band with future Neville Brothers Art and Charles Neville plus James Booker, before embracing traditional jazz.
• The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, which he led, played at President Eisenhower's inauguration with his father.
• French's WWOZ radio style was so controversial he was fired after fights, but loved for fundraisers; he played the same dozen records repeatedly.
• Post-Katrina, he used airtime to harshly criticize those not returning to New Orleans.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jack Willis - Trumpet player who guided young Bob in his first professional traditional jazz gig (Fairmont Hotel band) [Early career, around late 1950s]
• Frog Joseph - Trombone player who helped teach heads of tunes and build confidence (Fairmont Hotel band) [Early career, around late 1950s]
• Joseph 'Cornbread' Thomas - Clarinet player and entertainer in early band experience (Fairmont Hotel band) [Early career, around late 1950s]
• Jeanette Kimball - Piano player considered top in New Orleans music (Fairmont Hotel band) [Early career, around late 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Albert 'Papa' French - Father and predecessor as leader of Original Tuxedo Jazz Band (Original Tuxedo Jazz Band) [Pre-1977]
• Branford Marsalis - Guest on tribute album (Marsalis Music Honors Bob French (2007)) [2007]
• Harry Connick Jr. - Guest and former protégé on tribute album (Marsalis Music Honors Bob French (2007)) [2007]
• Trombone Shorty - Guest and former protégé on tribute album (Marsalis Music Honors Bob French (2007)) [2007]
• Fats Domino - Recorded together among many New Orleans artists (Various recordings) [Career spanning decades]

Artists Influenced

• Glen Andrews - Learned traditional New Orleans jazz in Tuxedo band (Original Tuxedo Jazz Band) [2000s-2011]
• Shamarr Allen - Taught traditional style despite modern jazz training (Original Tuxedo Jazz Band) [2000s-2011]
• Kid Chocolate - Learned preservation of New Orleans jazz culture (Original Tuxedo Jazz Band) [2000s-2011]
• Gerald French - Nephew and successor as bandleader (Original Tuxedo Jazz Band) [2011 onward]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia