CELESTIN'S ORIGINAL TUXEDO ORCHESTRA

Biography

Celestin's Original Tuxedo Orchestra was founded in 1910 by Oscar "Papa" Celestin, a Creole musician born in Napoleonville, Louisiana, in 1884. Raised in a working-class family, Celestin spent his youth laboring on sugar plantations before saving enough money as a railway cook to pursue music, initially playing guitar and trombone before settling on the cornet. After moving to New Orleans in 1906, he immersed himself in the vibrant local music scene, performing with bands such as the Excelsior Brass Band and the Imperial Band, and collaborating with legendary figures like Joe "King" Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton[2][3][4].

Celestin's leadership and charismatic stage presence earned him the position of bandleader at the Tuxedo Dance Hall, where his ensemble became known as the Original Tuxedo Orchestra. The group quickly gained prominence for its infectious dance music and open-minded hiring practices, including employing women pianists and building a diverse following across racial and social lines. The orchestra was among the first jazz bands to record in New Orleans, producing notable tracks like "My Josephine" in the 1920s. Despite setbacks during the Great Depression, Celestin revived the band after World War II, leading it through the 1950s jazz revival and performing regularly on Bourbon Street until his death in 1954[2][3][4].

Musically, the Original Tuxedo Orchestra was rooted in ragtime and early New Orleans jazz, blending syncopated rhythms, lively brass, and ensemble improvisation. Celestin's band played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and culture of New Orleans jazz, influencing generations of musicians and leaving a legacy that endures through the continued performances of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band more than a century after its founding[2][3].

Fun Facts

• Celestin was known for his comedic stage antics, which made him a crowd favorite at the Tuxedo Dance Hall[2].
• He performed at the White House in 1953, a rare honor for a jazz musician of his era[2].
• The Original Tuxedo Orchestra was one of the first jazz bands in New Orleans to employ women pianists regularly[2].
• Celestin's final recording session included 'Marie Laveau,' a tribute to the legendary New Orleans voodoo queen[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Claiborne Williams - Traveling music teacher who gave Celestin cornet lessons in his youth. (Early musical training) [Late 1890s–early 1900s]

Key Collaborators

• William 'Baba' Ridgley - Co-founder and trombonist; co-led the Tuxedo Brass Band and Orchestra. (Original Tuxedo Orchestra, Tuxedo Brass Band) [1910s–1920s]
• Louis Armstrong - Played in the Original Tuxedo Orchestra early in his career. (Band performances) [1910s–1920s]
• Peter Bocage - Band member and collaborator. (Original Tuxedo Orchestra) [1910s–1920s]
• Octave Crosby - Pianist in the orchestra. (Original Tuxedo Orchestra) [1920s]
• Joe 'King' Oliver - Performed with Celestin in various bands. (Imperial Band, Original Tuxedo Orchestra) [1900s–1910s]

Artists Influenced

• Louis Armstrong - Celestin's band provided Armstrong with early professional experience and exposure to ensemble jazz. (Early band performances) [1910s]
• Danny Barker - Grandson of Isidore Barbarin (band member); Barker was inspired by the legacy and musicianship of Celestin's ensemble. (New Orleans jazz works) [1930s–1970s]
• Original Tuxedo Jazz Band (successors) - Band continues to perform, maintaining Celestin's musical traditions and style. (Ongoing performances) [1950s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. As You Like It (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
2. Dear Almanzoer (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
3. Give Me Some More (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
4. My Josephine (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
5. Papa Got The Jim-jams (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
6. It's A Jam Up (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
7. The Sweetheart Of The Tko (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
8. Just For You Dear I'm Crying (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
9. Station Calls (1) (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
10. My Josephine (New Orleans Jazz Of The 1920s)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia