Instruments Drums Name Bob French Years active 1960s - 2010s Role Drummer | Labels Rounder Record label Rounder Records Genres Jazz, Rhythm and blues | |
 | ||
Origin New Orleans, Louisiana
United States Occupation(s) Musician, songwriter, bandleader Died November 12, 2012, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Albums Marsalis Music Honors Bob French, Marsalis Music Honors Series, Remembering Bob French, Second Line Similar People Little Sonny, Harry Connick - Jr, Papa Celestin, Leroy Jones, Alvin Batiste | ||
Associated acts The Tuxedo Jazz Band | ||
Robert "Bob" French (c. 1938 – November 12, 2012) was an American jazz drummer and radio show host at WWOZ, from New Orleans, Louisiana. French led The Tuxedo Jazz Band from 1977 until his death in 2012. (The Tuxedo Jazz Band was formerly led by Oscar "Papa" Celestin and later by French's father, Albert "Papa" French from 1958 to 1977).
Contents
Bob french and the original storyville jazz band just a closer walk with thee
Career
As a child French took drumming lessons from Louis Barbarin. He organized an R&B band in high school that included James Booker, Art Neville, Charles Neville (of The Neville Brothers), and Kidd Jordan, and Alvin Batiste. In the 1960s he recorded with Earl King, Snooks Eaglin and Fats Domino. He has also played and recorded with Dave Bartholomew, who is a relative on his mother's side). Bob French & Friends played often on Frenchmen Street at the D.B.A. nightclub. French's best-known gig was the long-running Monday night jam session at Donna's, across from Louis Armstrong Park.
Death
French died on November 12, 2012, after a long illness. He was 74 years old.