Roderick Paulin

Biography

Roderick Paulin is a highly respected saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator whose roots run deep in the New Orleans music tradition. Born into a legendary musical family as the son of Ernest “Doc” Paulin—a revered New Orleans bandleader who led brass bands for over 70 years—Roderick was immersed in the city’s vibrant musical culture from an early age. He began performing professionally while still in the sixth grade, quickly establishing himself as a prodigious talent within the local scene and beyond.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Paulin has become known for his soulful, versatile playing and his ability to bridge traditional New Orleans jazz with contemporary styles. His collaborations include work with a wide array of artists such as John Legend, Harry Connick Jr., Aaron Neville, Allen Toussaint, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Christian McBride, Trombone Shorty, Wynton Marsalis, The Grateful Dead, PJ Morton, The Brand New Heavies, The Afghan Whigs, Branford Marsalis, and the ReBirth Brass Band. In addition to his performance career, Paulin is a sought-after arranger, producer, and educator, serving on the faculty of the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp and mentoring young musicians throughout the region.

Paulin’s legacy is marked not only by his musical achievements but also by his dedication to education and community engagement. He is recognized for his ability to teach and inspire, carrying forward the traditions of New Orleans jazz while nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Fun Facts

• Roderick Paulin began his professional music career while still in the sixth grade.
• He is affectionately known as 'Rev' in the New Orleans music community.
• Paulin has performed with both jazz legends and pop/rock acts, including The Grateful Dead and The Afghan Whigs.
• He is a highly sought-after educator, known for teaching not only music but also economic empowerment to young musicians.

Members

• Roderick Paulin and The Big Easy Groovers

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ernest 'Doc' Paulin - Father and early musical mentor; instilled professional standards and New Orleans brass band tradition (Performances with Doc Paulin's Brass Band) [Childhood through early career]
• Roger Dickerson - Composer and music educator; taught Paulin at Southern University New Orleans (Academic mentorship at SUNO) [College years]

Key Collaborators

• John Legend - Performance and recording collaborations (Live and studio projects) [2000s–present]
• Harry Connick Jr. - Recording and live performance (Various projects) [2000s–present]
• Wynton Marsalis - Jazz collaborations and performances (Live concerts, jazz festivals) [1990s–present]
• ReBirth Brass Band - Band performances and recordings (Collaborative performances) [1990s–present]
• Allen Toussaint - Studio and live collaborations (Recording sessions) [1990s–2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Students of the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp - Mentored and taught fundamentals of music and economic empowerment (Annual jazz camp instruction) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. 'lil Liza Jane (Slow but Steady)
2. Let Your Mind Be Free (Jazz Party)
3. 7th Ward Boogaloo (Jazz Party)
4. A Kiss To Build A Dream On (A Gift To Pops)
5. New Orleans 5/4 Step N' (New Orleans 5/4 Step N')
6. Waltz for Debbie (Slow but Steady)
7. Santa Claus Hat (Santa Claus Hat)
8. Squeakin & Squawkin (Old to New)
9. I Still Get Jealous (Old to New)
10. Burgundy Blues (Old to New)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz