Dr. Michael White

Biography

Dr. Michael White, born November 29, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a renowned jazz clarinetist, bandleader, composer, historian, and educator. Raised in a family with deep musical roots—his relatives played with early jazz icons like King Oliver and Kid Ory—White was initially influenced by his aunt, a classical clarinetist, and honed his skills in the St. Augustine's School Marching Band. He pursued higher education at Xavier University (B.A., 1976) and Tulane University (M.A., 1979; Ph.D., 1984), balancing his academic pursuits with a growing passion for traditional New Orleans jazz.

White's career began in earnest as a teenager, performing with Doc Paulin's Brass Band and later joining the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band under the mentorship of Danny Barker. He became a key figure in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band and founded The Original Liberty Jazz Band in 1981 to preserve New Orleans' jazz heritage. White's clarinet style draws from the Creole and blues traditions, inspired by legends like Johnny Dodds, George Lewis, and Sidney Bechet. He has recorded extensively, collaborated with Wynton Marsalis on the acclaimed album 'The Majesty of the Blues,' and led performances at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and the Village Vanguard. As an educator, he holds the Keller Endowed Chair at Xavier University and is celebrated for his efforts to keep the spirit and legacy of New Orleans jazz alive, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Fun Facts

• White is related to early jazz pioneers, including bassist Papa John Joseph and clarinetists Willie Joseph and Earl Fouche.
• He lost his home and a world-class collection of clarinets during Hurricane Katrina but rebuilt his life and career, channeling the experience into new music.
• White was the first to bring a traditional New Orleans jazz band to perform at the Village Vanguard, where he has been a regular for over 16 years.
• He holds a Ph.D. in Spanish and taught Spanish for over twenty years before focusing on music full-time.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Danny Barker - Leader of the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band, provided early professional opportunities and mentorship in traditional jazz. (Performances with Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band) [1970s]
• Doc Paulin - Led the brass band where White played as a teenager, introducing him to parade and funeral traditions. (Performances with Doc Paulin's Brass Band) [1970s]
• Aunt (unnamed) - Classical clarinetist who was White's first musical influence. (Early musical training) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Wynton Marsalis - Collaborated on recordings and concerts, notably 'The Majesty of the Blues' and 'A Tribute to Jelly Roll Morton.' (The Majesty of the Blues (1989), A Tribute to Jelly Roll Morton (1989)) [1980s–1990s]
• Nicholas Payton - Trumpeter featured on White's album 'Blue Crescent.' (Blue Crescent (2008)) [2000s]
• Jason Marsalis - Drummer featured on White's recordings and live performances. (Blue Crescent (2008)) [2000s]
• Gregory Stafford - Trumpeter and frequent bandmate in White's ensembles. (Blue Crescent (2008), The Original Liberty Jazz Band) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Wynton Marsalis - Sparked Marsalis' interest in traditional New Orleans jazz and introduced him to elder musicians. (The Majesty of the Blues (1989)) [1980s]
• Numerous students at Xavier University - As a professor and chair, White has mentored many young musicians in New Orleans jazz traditions. (Classroom instruction, ensemble direction) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Canal Street Blues (Our New Orleans (Expanded Edition))
2. One Love (Adventures in New Orleans Jazz Part 1)
3. Creole Nights (Dancing In The Sky)
4. Horn Man Blues (Jazz from the Soul of New Orleans)
5. House of the Rising Sun (Adventures in New Orleans Jazz Part 1)
6. Petite Fleur (Adventures in New Orleans Jazz Part 2)
7. St.James Infirmary (Adventures in New Orleans Jazz Part 2)
8. Give It Up - Gypsy Second Line (Dancing In The Sky)
9. Jambalaya (Adventures in New Orleans Jazz Part 2)
10. Dark Sunshine (Blue Crescent)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz