The New Orleans Jazz Museum is proud to announce the opening of a new exhibit: “New Orleans Stomp”: The Centennial of King Oliver’s Groundbreaking 1923 Recordings,” focusing on the legacy of the legendary New Orleans trumpet and cornet player.

Joe “King” Oliver was one of the New Orleans trumpet and cornet kings who took the instrument to a whole new level. His skills as a musician, composer, and bandleader altered the course of jazz and showcased the genre’s excellence. “New Orleans Stomp: The Centennial of King Oliver’s Groundbreaking 1923 Recordings” celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Creole Jazz Band recordings.  These masterpieces continue to amaze listeners and set the template for how to play early 20th century jazz that still astounds the world.  Oliver and his band of transplanted New Orleanians including Johnny Dodds on clarinet, Warren “Baby” Dodds on drums, Lil Armstrong (from Memphis) on piano, Honore Dutrey on trombone, Bill Johnson on bass, and Louis Armstrong on cornet recorded these while they had their celebrated stint at the Lincoln Gardens in Chicago.  The songs include “Dippermouth Blues,” “Canal Street Blues,” “Tears,” “Weather Bird Rag,” and many others.  The exhibit consists of rare photos of Oliver and the band, several of the original 78s from 1923, and Baby Dodds’ slide whistle and Johnny Dodds’ clarinet from the session.  This could be the first time those instruments have been in the same room in 100 years.  “New Orleans Stomp”: The Centennial of King Oliver’s Groundbreaking 1923 Recordings” celebrates and illuminates one of the cultural and artistic milestones in United States history.

The opening reception will take place 6pm-8:00pm on August 3rd, 2023 in the Esplanade Courtyard of the Jazz Museum. The event will feature a full bar and a performance by an All-Star band led by Detroit Brooks with Gregg Stafford, Mitchell Player and Dr Michael White.