John "Papa" Gros

Biography

John 'Papa' Gros is a celebrated New Orleans keyboardist, singer, and songwriter whose music embodies the vibrant spirit of the Crescent City. Born and raised in New Orleans, Gros began playing gigs at just fifteen and honed his craft further after graduating from Loyola University in 1989 with a degree in French Horn performance. Immersed in the city’s musical traditions, he quickly became a sought-after sideman, performing with legendary local musicians and absorbing the deep grooves and rhythms that define New Orleans music.

In the early 1990s, Gros launched his solo career, gaining recognition from icons such as George Porter Jr. and Snooks Eaglin, who brought him on as a supporting musician. His solo debut, 'Day’s End,' arrived in 2004, but his most prominent role came as the leader of Papa Grows Funk, a band he formed in 2000. For over a decade, Papa Grows Funk held a legendary weekly residency at the Maple Leaf Bar, releasing six acclaimed albums and touring internationally. After the group disbanded in 2013, Gros returned to solo work, releasing 'River’s On Fire' in 2016 and 'Central City' in 2020, the latter serving as a love letter to New Orleans and its musical heritage.

Gros’s style is a gumbo of New Orleans funk, rock, jazz, blues, and Americana, drawing on the city’s rich musical lineage while forging his own path. His live performances are renowned for their infectious energy and eclecticism, and he is recognized as a torchbearer of the New Orleans tradition, blending reverence for the past with a forward-looking approach that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

Fun Facts

• John 'Papa' Gros began gigging professionally at just fifteen years old.
• He holds a degree in French Horn performance from Loyola University, though he is best known as a keyboardist.
• Papa Grows Funk held a legendary weekly residency at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans for 13 years, drawing both locals and tourists.
• Gros is known for his mastery of the Mardi Gras music repertoire and often incorporates classic New Orleans standards into his live sets.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Porter Jr. - Gros served as keyboardist and supporting musician in Porter Jr.'s Runnin' Pardners band, learning directly from the legendary Meters bassist. (Live performances, Runnin' Pardners band) [Early 1990s]
• Snooks Eaglin - Gros played as a supporting musician for the renowned New Orleans guitarist, absorbing blues and R&B influences. (Live performances) [Early 1990s]
• Allen Toussaint - Major stylistic influence; Gros has covered Toussaint's songs and cites him as a model for blending New Orleans traditions with modern songwriting. (Covers on 'Central City') [Throughout career]

Key Collaborators

• Papa Grows Funk - Gros was founder, bandleader, and principal songwriter/keyboardist for this acclaimed New Orleans funk band. (Six studio albums including 'Needle in the Groove', 'Shakin'', 'Mr. Patterson's Hat') [2000-2013]
• George Porter Jr. - Frequent live collaborator and mentor, both in Runnin' Pardners and on various New Orleans stages. (Live performances, Papa Grows Funk guest spots) [1990s-present]
• Members of the New Orleans music community - Collaborated with numerous local musicians on solo albums and live performances, including covers of songs by Lloyd Price and John Prine. ('Central City' album) [2016-present]

Artists Influenced

• Younger New Orleans funk and jam musicians - Gros's work with Papa Grows Funk and as a solo artist has inspired a new generation of New Orleans musicians to blend funk, jazz, and R&B traditions. (Papa Grows Funk's discography, solo albums) [2000s-present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cocaine and Chicken Fricassée (River's on Fire)
2. They Say I’m Different (Live To Be This)
3. Deep in the Mud (Central City)
4. Mardi Gras (Central City)
5. Sugar in My Soul (Fever Dreams)
6. Harris the Hater (Harris the Hater)
7. Sugar and Ice (River's on Fire)
8. Stormy Weather (Stormy Weather)
9. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah (Central City)
10. Please Don't Bury Me (Central City)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia