Onward Brass Band

Biography

The Onward Brass Band is a legendary New Orleans brass ensemble whose origins trace back to the late 19th century, with the earliest references appearing in 1887. The band quickly became a central figure in New Orleans’ musical life, earning a reputation as the city’s top marching band by the time of the Spanish–American War. Under the leadership of cornetist Manuel Perez from 1903 until its disbandment in 1930, the original Onward Brass Band included many musicians who would become foundational to the development of jazz, such as Lorenzo Tio Jr., Peter Bocage, George Baquet, Isidore Barbarin, and King Oliver. The band was known for its powerful brass sound, blending European military band traditions with African American musical practices, and was a staple at parades, funerals, and social events, helping to shape the distinctive New Orleans brass band tradition.[1][2][8]

After a period of inactivity following the Great Depression, the Onward Brass Band was revived in 1960 by drummer Paul Barbarin, son of original member Isidore Barbarin, alongside clarinetist Louis Cottrell Jr. and banjoist Danny Barker. This second generation of Onward Brass Band maintained the spirit and repertoire of its predecessor, performing at major events such as the 1964 World’s Fair, Super Bowl IV, and the inaugural New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The band became a fixture in the city’s cultural life, especially during Mardi Gras, and continued to record and perform under various leaders, including Louis Cottrell Jr. and Placide Adams, well into the late 20th century. The Onward Brass Band’s enduring presence and influence have made it a cornerstone of New Orleans’ musical heritage, celebrated for its role in both preserving and advancing the brass band tradition.[1][2][8]

Fun Facts

• The original Onward Brass Band never made any recordings, despite its major influence on early jazz.
• Members of the band served in the Spanish–American War as part of the 'Ninth Immunes Regimental Band' and played in the 1899 Victory Parade in New York City.[2]
• Onward Brass Band performed at the halftime show of Super Bowl IV in 1970, the first Super Bowl hosted in New Orleans.[1]
• In 1971, Onward trumpeter Theodore 'Teddy' Riley played taps on Louis Armstrong’s first cornet at a citywide tribute following Armstrong’s death.[1]

Members

• Isidore Barbarin
• Louis Barbarin
• Lucien Joseph Barbarin, Sr.
• Freddie Kohlman

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Manuel Perez - Led the original Onward Brass Band and mentored younger musicians, including Louis Cottrell Jr. (his godson) (Leadership and performances with the original band) [1903–1930]

Key Collaborators

• Paul Barbarin - Revived and led the second generation of the band, composed and performed with the group (Onward Brass Band In Concert 1968, Bourbon Street Parade) [1960–1969]
• Louis Cottrell Jr. - Clarinetist, co-leader, and later leader of the revived band (Recordings and festival performances) [1960–1978]
• Danny Barker - Banjoist, Grand Marshal, and key member after returning to New Orleans (Performances and parades) [1960s–1970s]
• Isidore Barbarin - Original member (alto horn/cornet), father of Paul and Louis Barbarin (Performances with original band) [Late 1800s–early 1900s]

Artists Influenced

• Olympia Brass Band - Contemporary and later ensemble influenced by Onward’s style and repertoire (Joint performances, including Super Bowl halftime show) [1960s–1970s]
• Danny Barker - Returned to New Orleans and became a mentor to younger musicians after joining Onward (Mentorship and performances) [1960s–1970s]
• New Orleans brass band tradition - Set the template for brass band instrumentation, repertoire, and performance style (Influence on generations of brass bands and jazz musicians) [1880s–present]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. (I'm Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica (Hanukkah in Santa Monica)
2. Seasons of Love (Hanukkah in Santa Monica)
3. The Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom of the Opera)
4. If I Were A Rich Man (Opening Number)
5. Do You Hear The People Sing? (Opening Number)
6. Trashin' The Camp (Opening Number)
7. The Phantom of the Opera (Phantom Of The Opera)
8. Think Of Me (Phantom Of The Opera)
9. Music of the Night (Phantom Of The Opera)
10. All I Ask Of You (Phantom Of The Opera)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz