gerald french & the original tuxedo jazz band

Biography

Gerald French is a renowned drummer, vocalist, and bandleader from New Orleans, Louisiana, hailing from one of the city’s most distinguished musical families. He is the current leader of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, a group founded in 1910 by Oscar 'Papa' Celestin and recognized as the oldest continuously performing jazz band in the world. Gerald French officially took over leadership in 2012, becoming the fifth leader in the band’s storied history and the third in his family line, following his grandfather Albert French and uncle Bob French.

French’s musical upbringing was steeped in the traditions of New Orleans jazz, but his style is also shaped by the funk, R&B, and soul music of the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting influences from artists like James Brown, P-Funk, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power. As a drummer, he is celebrated for his dynamic presence and versatility, blending traditional jazz with modern elements to keep the band’s sound evolving while honoring its roots. In addition to his work with the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, French has performed with prominent artists such as Charmaine Neville, The Dixie Cups, Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and is also an accomplished vocalist who leads his own bands, Abstract and Déjà Vu.

Gerald French’s leadership has ensured the continued vitality of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, maintaining its legacy as a cornerstone of New Orleans’ musical heritage while introducing new generations to its unique blend of tradition and innovation. His commitment to both preserving and expanding the sound of New Orleans jazz has made him a respected figure in the city’s vibrant music community.

Fun Facts

• Gerald French is nicknamed 'The Giant' due to his commanding presence and powerful drumming style.
• He is the third generation in his family to lead the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, following his grandfather and uncle.
• French is an accomplished vocalist as well as a drummer, singing lead in all his bands.
• He has performed on major television programs such as The Tonight Show and The Today Show.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Albert French - Grandfather and previous bandleader; taught Gerald both the musical and leadership traditions of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band. (Band performances, family legacy) [Gerald's youth through 1970s-1990s]
• Bob French - Uncle and former bandleader; direct mentor in band leadership and drumming style. (Band performances, leadership transition) [1990s-2012]
• David Lee - New Orleans drummer and educator; influenced Gerald’s drumming technique. (University of New Orleans teaching, local gigs) [1980s-1990s]
• Ernie Elly, Smokey Johnson, Zigaboo Modeliste, Russell Batiste, Raymond Weber - Influential New Orleans drummers whose styles shaped Gerald’s musical approach. (Local performances, recordings) [1970s-1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Charmaine Neville - Longtime drummer for her band. (Live performances, tours) [2000s-2020s]
• The Dixie Cups - Drummer for the group. (Live performances) [2000s-2020s]
• Harry Connick Jr. - Performed with his Big Band. (Tours, television appearances) [2000s-2010s]
• Dr. John, Dr. Michael White, Lillian Boutté, Jeremy Davenport, Big Chief Bo Dollis, The Wild Magnolias, Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Shared stage and collaborated in various live and studio settings. (Live performances, festivals) [2000s-2020s]
• Larry Sieberth - Pianist and composer in the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, contributes to the band's evolving sound. (Band performances, arrangements) [2010s-2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger New Orleans jazz musicians - Mentors and inspires through leadership of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band and educational outreach. (Band performances, workshops) [2012-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Bogalusa Strutt (A Tribute to Bob French)
2. Lord, Lord, Lord... Sure Been Good To Me (A Tribute to Bob French)
3. Darktown Strutter's Ball (A Tribute to Bob French)
4. Muskrat Ramble (A Tribute to Bob French)
5. Mood Indigo (A Tribute to Bob French)
6. Dinah (A Tribute to Bob French)
7. Basin Street Blues (A Tribute to Bob French)
8. Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans (A Tribute to Bob French)
9. Hindustan (A Tribute to Bob French)
10. Weary Blues (Shake It & Break It) (A Tribute to Bob French)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz