Stooges Brass Band

Biography

The Stooges Brass Band emerged from New Orleans in 1996 as a collective of high school students attending prestigious institutions including the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), John F. Kennedy High School, and St. Augustine High School. Founded by bandleader Walter "Whoadie" Ramsey, a tuba and trombone player, the group initially cut their musical teeth performing at weddings, funerals, and local parties. Their breakthrough came in 1998 when they were invited to perform at the Rebirth Brass Band's 15th Anniversary Parade, establishing themselves as one of New Orleans' premier brass bands and launching their trajectory into national and international prominence.

The Stooges Brass Band distinguished themselves by blending traditional New Orleans brass band aesthetics with contemporary influences, creating a distinctive sound that members described as "The Roots meets Earth, Wind, and Fire, meets The Dirty Dozen." This fusion incorporated hip-hop elements with classic jazz traditions, allowing them to appeal to both traditionalists and younger audiences. The band's versatility and innovative approach earned them performances with major artists including Jessica Simpson ("Angels"), Jadakiss ("Time's Up"), and appearances at high-profile events such as President Barack Obama's campaign for Illinois Senator. Their international touring expanded their reach across Asia, Europe, and South America, with plans to introduce their music to African and Australian audiences.

By the early 2010s, the Stooges Brass Band had solidified their status as elite practitioners of contemporary New Orleans brass music. In 2010, they won the Red Bull Street Kings competition, defeating rival brass bands and earning an all-expense paid recording and mentorship session at Red Bull Studios in California. Their discography includes albums such as "It's About Time" and "The Reunion," featuring original compositions like "One of Dem Girls" (featuring JumpShive), "I Gotta Eat," and "Oh No." The band continues to represent the evolution of New Orleans brass traditions, consistently delivering performances that honor their heritage while pushing the genre forward.

Fun Facts

• The Stooges Brass Band performed for Barack Obama during his campaign for Illinois Senator, demonstrating their reach beyond traditional music venues into political and cultural events.
• In 2010, the band won the Red Bull Street Kings competition, defeating rival New Orleans brass bands The Free Agents and To Be Continued, earning a prestigious three-day recording and mentorship session at Red Bull Studios in California.
• The band's founding inspiration came directly from witnessing the Rebirth Brass Band's 15th Anniversary Parade in 1998, which led to their first major performance opportunity and established them as instant hits in the New Orleans brass band scene.
• The Stooges Brass Band has performed internationally across Asia, Europe, and South America, with planned tours to Africa and Australia, making them one of the most globally-traveled contemporary New Orleans brass bands.

Members

• Dwayne Finnie
• Alfred Growe
• Erion Williams

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rebirth Brass Band - Inspirational influence; Walter Ramsey was inspired after witnessing their performance, leading to the formation of the Stooges Brass Band (Rebirth Brass Band's 15th Anniversary Parade performance) [1996-1998]
• New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) - Educational institution where several band members trained and developed their musical foundation (Music education and training) [1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Jessica Simpson - Featured artist collaboration on performance ("Angels") [2000s]
• Jadakiss - Featured artist collaboration on performance ("Time's Up") [2000s]
• JumpShive - Featured artist on studio recording ("One of Dem Girls") [2010s]
• Violator Management - Management representation; performed at executive Mona Scott's wedding (Special performance event) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Stooges Party (It's About Time)
2. Wind It Up (It's About Time)
3. Oh No (Thursday Night House Party)
4. Thursday Night House Party (Thursday Night House Party)
5. Where Ya From, Pt. 2 (Thursday Night House Party)
6. Don't Hate the Groove (Thursday Night House Party)
7. Doin' My Job (Thursday Night House Party)
8. Weed Drought (It's About Time)
9. Amazing Grace (Thursday Night House Party)
10. Spain (Thursday Night House Party)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz