New Orleans is a city deeply embedded in musical history, especially known for its rich jazz roots and contributions to genres such as blues, R&B, funk, and soul. Here’s a look at some of the most legendary NOLA-style artists who have shaped music both locally and internationally.
Legendary New Orleans Artists:
- Louis Armstrong – Often regarded as the “King of Jazz,” Armstrong revolutionized jazz with his distinctive trumpet playing and scat singing. His influence spans globally, making him one of the most important figures in 20th-century music.
- Fats Domino – A pioneer of rock and roll, Fats Domino is celebrated for his piano skills and hits like “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame.” His music helped shape the early days of rock and roll.
- Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) – Known for blending blues, R&B, jazz, and rock, Dr. John became a New Orleans legend with his unique style and hits such as “Right Place, Wrong Time.” His performances and albums remain influential.
- Irma Thomas – The “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” Thomas made her mark with powerful R&B and soul vocals. Songs like “Time Is On My Side” solidified her as a key figure in the New Orleans soul scene.
- Professor Longhair (Henry Roeland Byrd) – Known as the “Bach of Rock,” Longhair’s piano skills and distinctive style blended jazz, blues, and Caribbean influences. He is considered a foundational figure in New Orleans rhythm and blues.
- Allen Toussaint – A highly influential composer, producer, and pianist, Toussaint contributed to the sound of New Orleans R&B with songs like “Southern Nights.” He worked with artists such as Irma Thomas and The Meters.
- The Neville Brothers – Comprised of four brothers, the Neville Brothers blended jazz, funk, soul, and R&B, becoming one of the most celebrated family acts in the music world.
- Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews) – A modern ambassador for New Orleans music, Trombone Shorty fuses jazz, funk, and hip-hop into a unique sound that has won him widespread acclaim.
- Wynton Marsalis – A renowned trumpeter and educator, Marsalis is a leading figure in the preservation of jazz, earning multiple Grammy Awards and shaping the genre’s modern landscape.
- Jelly Roll Morton – A jazz pioneer and composer, Morton was among the first to write down his jazz compositions, establishing a foundation for the genre in the early 20th century.
These artists represent just a small sample of New Orleans’ musical legacy, with each contributing to the city’s vibrant soundscape and helping to define various genres, from jazz to soul and beyond. Their influence can still be heard in contemporary music, keeping the NOLA spirit alive across generations.
Tonight’s What is Hip?! radio show on JamFest will showcase a rich mix of New Orleans (NOLA) music that captures the heart and soul of the Crescent City. Airing each Friday night, What is Hip?! offers a diverse selection of tunes from legendary NOLA artists, featuring the jazz, blues, funk, and soul that New Orleans is famous for. Tonight, expect to hear artists like Dr. John, Galactic, Professor Longhair, and The Radiators, whose sounds have helped shape the vibrant musical culture of the city
If you’re in the mood for more soulful tunes on Sunday, don’t miss the Gospel Lunch show from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. This weekly celebration of NOLA’s gospel-infused music brings you a mix of traditional gospel, jazz, blues, and more, capturing the spirit of New Orleans. Some of the most iconic NOLA artists from both the gospel and broader music scenes will make appearances, including Alan Toussaint and the soulful brass bands that are such a signature of the city’s culture
Both shows are a fantastic way to explore the legacy of legendary New Orleans musicians and experience the lively, heartfelt energy of the city’s iconic soundscape.