Biography
Paul Barbarin (born Adolphe Paul Barbarin, May 5, 1899, New Orleans, Louisiana) was a foundational figure in American jazz, especially within the New Orleans tradition. Raised in the musically rich Treme neighborhood, Barbarin was part of a renowned Creole family of musicians, including his father Isidore, a leader of the Onward Brass Band, and his brothers and nephew Danny Barker[1][2][4][6]. As a child, Barbarin began playing percussion on improvised instruments before acquiring his first drum kit as a teenager, quickly launching his professional career[3].
Barbarin's career spanned several major jazz hubs. He joined the Great Migration north to Chicago in 1917, working by day and performing by night with leading bands such as those led by Freddie Keppard and Jimmie Noone[2][3]. He made his recording debut with King Oliver's Dixie Syncopators in 1926, gaining national recognition[3]. Moving to New York in 1928, Barbarin played with Luis Russell's Orchestra, later supporting Louis Armstrong when Russell's band backed him[1][2]. He collaborated with Red Allen, Sidney Bechet, and Art Hodes, among others, and returned to New Orleans permanently in 1944, where he led his own bands and reformed the Onward Brass Band, remaining a central figure in the city's jazz scene until his death in 1969[1][2][4].
Barbarin's drumming style was deeply rooted in the New Orleans brass band tradition, synthesizing snare and bass drum rhythms with inventive cymbal and tom-tom work[4]. His compositions and performances helped define the sound of New Orleans jazz, and he was revered for his ability to blend the joyful, funky beats of street parades with the sophistication of ensemble jazz. Barbarin's legacy endures in the continued popularity of his songs and the influence he exerted on generations of jazz musicians[5].
Fun Facts
- Paul Barbarin died while playing snare drum in a Mardi Gras parade, a testament to his lifelong dedication to New Orleans music[1][4].
- His funeral was attended by an enormous crowd and led by four brass bands, reflecting his stature in the community[8].
- Barbarin was nicknamed 'Ti-Boy' (short for 'petit boy') among friends and family in the French-Creole community[3].
- He rejected his birth name 'Adolphe' as 'antique, ancient' and chose to go by his middle name, Paul, in honor of music teacher Paul Chaligny[3].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Isidore Barbarin - Father and leader of the Onward Brass Band, provided early musical environment and guidance (Onward Brass Band performances) [1899–1917]
- Paul Chaligny - Barbarin was named after this influential New Orleans music teacher, indicating early inspiration (N/A) [Early 1900s]
- Jean “Ratty” - Admired for brass band drumming technique (Brass band performances) [Early 1900s]
- Louis Cottrell Sr. - Influenced Barbarin's approach to brass band drumming (Brass band performances) [Early 1900s]
Key Collaborators
- Freddie Keppard - Played together in Chicago and recorded with Keppard's band (Live performances, recordings) [1917–1920]
- Jimmie Noone - Worked together in Chicago and New York (Band performances) [1917–1920]
- King Oliver - Member of Oliver's Dixie Syncopators, made recording debut (Recordings: 'Snag-It', 'Too Bad') [1925–1927]
- Luis Russell - Played in Russell's Orchestra, later supporting Louis Armstrong (Luis Russell Orchestra, Louis Armstrong band) [1928–1938]
- Louis Armstrong - Supported Armstrong as drummer in Russell's band (Louis Armstrong Orchestra) [1935–1938, 1941]
- Red Allen - Played in Allen's sextet (Red Allen Sextet) [1942]
- Sidney Bechet - Performed together in New Orleans (Live performances) [1944]
- Art Hodes - Collaborated in New Orleans (Live performances) [1953]
- Louis Cottrell Jr. - Co-led the reformed Onward Brass Band (Onward Brass Band) [1960–1969]
Artists Influenced
- Danny Barker - Nephew, became a noted jazz guitarist and banjoist influenced by Barbarin's musical legacy (New Orleans jazz recordings) [1930s–1980s]
- Louis Cottrell Jr. - Protégé and collaborator, continued Barbarin's brass band tradition (Onward Brass Band) [1960s]
- Generations of New Orleans drummers - Barbarin's style and compositions became staples in the city's jazz repertoire (Brass band performances, jazz standards) [1940s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Red Allen: Original 1933-1941 Recordings | 2011-05-03 | Album |
| Rare and Unissued Recordings 1954-1962 | 2015-12-18 | Album |
| Rare Cuts: Well Done, Vol. 3 | 2002-11-11 | Album |
| Billie & Dede Pierce and Paul Barbarin with Chris Barber's Jazz Band 1960 | 1994 | Album |
| Paul Barbarin And His New Orleans Jazz | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Dixieland Then And Now | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Paul Barbarin and his New Orleans Band in Concert 1951-1959 | 1999-01-08 | Album |
| Herb Morand's New Orleans Band 1950, Paul Barbarin's Band 1951 | 1998 | Album |
Top Tracks
- After the Ball (Echoes of New Orleans)
- Savoy Blues (New Orleans Styles)
- Bourbon Street Parade (Atlantic Jazz: New Orleans)
- Whose Honey Are You? (Red Allen: Original 1933-1941 Recordings)
- Eh La Bas (Atlantic Jazz: New Orleans)
- I Used to Love You (Take 1) (Rare and Unissued Recordings 1954-1962)
- Whose Honey Are You? (Red Allen: Original 1933-1941 Recordings)
- On A Persian Market (New Orleans Styles)
- All of Me (Billie & Dede Pierce and Paul Barbarin with Chris Barber's Jazz Band 1960)
- Bourbon Street Parade - Voice (New Orleans, Vol. 4)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Paul Barbarin has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24, 2025 | 09:58 | Clarinet Marmaladefrom Sounds Of New Orleans, Vol. 1- P | Traditional Jazzw/ the Jazz Police |