SAM MORGAN'S JAZZ BAND

Biography

Sam Morgan's Jazz Band was a seminal New Orleans jazz ensemble led by Sam Morgan, born December 18, 1887, in Bertrandville, Louisiana. Morgan grew up immersed in the vibrant brass band tradition of Plaquemines Parish, eventually taking up the cornet like his brother Ike and many other local musicians. By the 1920s, Sam Morgan had established his own group, which became known as the "Young Morgan Band" and was one of the most popular territory bands touring the Gulf Coast circuit, performing from Galveston, Texas to Pensacola, Florida.[1][6]

The band's musical style was rooted in early jazz and ragtime, characterized by lively ensemble playing, strong rhythmic drive, and a repertoire that blended original compositions with traditional tunes. In 1927, Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recorded eight influential sides for Columbia Records in New Orleans, including "Steppin' on the Gas," "Mobile Stomp," and "Bogalusa Strut." These recordings are considered classics of New Orleans jazz and represent the entirety of the band's recorded legacy.[1][2][3]

Sam Morgan's Jazz Band left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of jazz musicians and ensembles. Their recordings have been reissued and studied extensively, and their music continues to be performed by groups such as the Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble. Sam Morgan passed away in New Orleans on February 25, 1936, but his band's contributions remain a touchstone for traditional jazz enthusiasts.[1][5]

Fun Facts

• Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recorded only eight sides, all in 1927, which make up their entire recorded legacy.[1][3]
• The band was known locally as the 'Young Morgan Band' and was a favorite on the Gulf Coast territory circuit.[1]
• Jim Robinson, the band's trombonist, later became a notable figure in New Orleans jazz history.
• Morgan's music was recorded at Werlein's in New Orleans, a historic location for early jazz recordings.[5]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Local Brass Band Musicians of Plaquemines Parish - Morgan grew up playing in local brass bands, which shaped his musical foundation and style. (Early performances with regional brass bands) [Early 1900s]

Key Collaborators

• Isaiah Morgan - Sam's brother and fellow trumpeter in the band. (Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recordings (1927)) [1920s]
• Andrew Morgan - Sam's brother, played clarinet and tenor saxophone. (Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recordings (1927)) [1920s]
• Earl Fouché - Alto saxophonist in the band. (Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recordings (1927)) [1920s]
• Jim Robinson - Trombonist in the band. (Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recordings (1927)) [1920s]
• Sidney Brown (aka Little Jim or Jim Little) - Bassist, Robinson's cousin. (Sam Morgan's Jazz Band recordings (1927)) [1920s]
• George Guesnon - Banjoist from 1930 to 1935. (Live performances with Sam Morgan's Jazz Band) [1930-1935]

Artists Influenced

• Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble - Performs and records Sam Morgan's music, preserving his legacy. (Recorded and performed Sam Morgan's repertoire (2020s)) [Modern era]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Boogalousa Strut (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
2. Everybody's Talking About Sammy (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
3. Boogalousa Strut (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
4. Over In the Gloryland (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
5. Steppin' On the Gas (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
6. Everybody's Talking About Sammy (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
7. Over In The Gloryland (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
8. Steppin' On The Gas (1920s: The Jazz Age In New Orleans)
9. Steppin' on the Gas (New Orleans Jazz Of The 1920s)
10. Steppin' on the Gas (Introducing Their Famed New Orleans Struts)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia