Cole Williams, Corey Henry

Biography

Corey Henry, born in 1975 in New Orleans' Treme neighborhood, grew up immersed in the city's rich brass band tradition. Starting on snare drum before switching to trombone at age 10, he learned music organically from family and neighbors rather than formal school bands. His uncle, Benny Jones, a founder of the Treme Brass Band, brought him into the band at 16, where he honed his skills alongside legends like Kermit Ruffins, developing a style blending traditional New Orleans second line with funk and rap elements.[2][3][5]

Henry's career advanced through stints with groups like the Little Rascals Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band—featured on their 2012 Grammy-winning album Rebirth of New Orleans—Galactic, and Kermit Ruffins' outfits. He took over Ruffins' Thursday residency at Vaughan's Lounge, leading his own Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet, known for high-energy performances. His 2016 national debut album Lapeitah showcased his trombone prowess, vocals, and leadership, earning awards like Best Emerging Artist (2013) and Best Trombonist (2016) from Offbeat Magazine, plus Best of the Big Easy (2019).[2][3][4]

Henry's legacy endures as a preserver of Treme's brass band heritage, pushing boundaries with funk-infused sounds via the Treme Funktet. Active into 2025 with performances like JazzAscona, he continues influencing New Orleans music through residencies and collaborations.[3]

Fun Facts

• Learned music in Treme streets from neighbors like Tuba Fats instead of school band, with family on every block as teachers.[2]
• Took over Kermit Ruffins' iconic Thursday night gig at Vaughan's Lounge with Treme Funktet.[2]
• His daughter Jazz plays trumpet and appeared on his debut album Lapeitah.[4]
• Won multiple Offbeat awards including Best Trombonist (2016) and Best of the Big Easy with Treme Funktet (2019).[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Benny Jones - Uncle and Treme Brass Band founder who hired him at 16 and threw him into gigs (Treme Brass Band performances) [early 1990s]
• Kermit Ruffins - Trumpeter who showed him the ropes in Treme Brass Band and stage presence (Treme Brass Band, Vaughan's residency) [1990s onward]
• Tuba Fats, Freddie Kemp, Stack Man, Frederick Shepard, Roderick Lewis - Neighborhood musicians and family who gave gig tips (Local Treme performances) [childhood]

Key Collaborators

• Treme Brass Band - Early band membership (Various gigs) [1991 onward]
• Rebirth Brass Band - Played on Grammy-winning album (Rebirth of New Orleans (2012)) [2012]
• Treme Funktet - Leader and frontman of his band (Lapeitah (2016), Vaughan's residency) [2010s-present]
• Cole Williams - Guest vocalist on album track ("Baby C’mon" on Lapeitah) [2016]
• Trombone Shorty, Glen David Andrews - Fellow Treme trombonists in local scene (New Orleans brass band circuit) [ongoing]
• Galactic, Little Rascals Brass Band - Former member/leader (Various tours and recordings) [2000s-2010s]

External Links

• Spotify