From the lively streets of the French Quarter to intimate clubs and historic venues, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the home of Dixieland. It's a uniquely American style that influences musicians around the world today. 

So, grab your dancing shoes and get ready to swing to the syncopated beats of the Big Easy. New Orleans and the timeless rhythms shaping not only a genre but a city and its people await.

What is New Orleans Jazz? A very brief overview

Emerging in the early twentieth century, jazz is a genre that blends African American musical traditions with European harmonic structures, creating an innovative and expressive sound that remains deeply rooted in the blues, ragtime and gospel. Known for its emphasis on improvisation, syncopation and the use of "blue notes", jazz has a fluidity that lets it continuously evolve while staying true to its origins.

Dixieland is one of the earliest styles of jazz music. Emerging in the 1910s, Dixieland is characterised by its use of collective improvisation, where multiple instruments (such as trumpets, clarinets and trombones) weave melodies and harmonies. This style laid the groundwork for modern jazz, influencing countless musicians and becoming a cornerstone of American culture. 

New Orleans became the cradle of jazz for several reasons. The city's unique mix of African, Caribbean, French and Spanish influences created a fertile ground for musical experimentation. Storyville, the city's historic red-light district, also played a crucial role in nurturing jazz, offering a space where musicians performed, experimented and honed their craft. The local brass band tradition further contributed to the development of jazz, with street parades and funerals serving as early incubators for this quintessential American sound.

New Orleans' Legends of Jazz and Dixieland

If you're ready to immerse yourself in jazz history, then New Orleans is the place to be. It's the perfect spot for American RV holidays, producing some of the most legendary figures in jazz as well as fantastic food, festivals, architecture and more. 

Here are seven iconic jazz artists with careers closely tied to New Orleans, along with must-visit spots to explore their legacies.

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Louis Armstrong

No discussion of New Orleans jazz is complete without mentioning Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as "Satchmo". His innovative trumpet playing and gravelly voice helped shape jazz as a genre, bringing it from the streets of New Orleans to a global stage. 

A native of the city, Armstrong left an indelible mark on New Orleans. The international airport proudly bears his name, and just outside the vibrant French Quarter lies Louis Armstrong Park, adorned with a striking large bronze statue of the legendary musician. 

It's less widely known, but Armstrong also spoke out against racial injustice in America (for instance, regarding events in Little Rock), bravely putting his career on the line. Discover more about America's civil rights era by following the Civil Rights Trail, featuring 100 historical sites.

Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton, a self-proclaimed originator of jazz, was a pivotal figure in the genre's early development. A talented pianist and composer, Morton blended ragtime, blues and other influences to create his own sophisticated, syncopated style. His contributions to jazz are immortalised in his recordings with the Red Hot Peppers. 

At The New Orleans Jazz Museum (located in the Old U.S. Mint), you'll find exhibits on Morton and other jazz pioneers – giving a comprehensive look at the history of jazz and its roots in New Orleans.

Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was a clarinettist and saxophonist known for his virtuosic playing and role in the development of jazz soloing. Unlike many contemporaries who favoured the ensemble style of Dixieland, Bechet's focus on solo performance paved the way for following bebop and modern jazz movements. 

To experience Bechet's impact first-hand, head to Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, where nightly live traditional jazz concerts (featuring plenty of virtuosic solos!) honour the legends of New Orleans jazz.

King Oliver

Joe "King" Oliver was a cornet player and bandleader who played a crucial role in the early development of jazz, especially through his mentoring of Louis Armstrong. Oliver's Creole Jazz Band was one of the first to bring New Orleans jazz to the broader United States, making strides in popularising the genre. 

The historic Congo Square, located in Louis Armstrong Park, is a key site in the story of New Orleans jazz. It's where enslaved Africans and free people of colour gathered on Sundays to play music, dance and preserve African musical traditions that would eventually influence jazz.

Bessie Smith

Though primarily known as a blues singer, Bessie Smith's powerful voice and emotional performances were deeply intertwined with the jazz world. Her recordings featured some of the greatest jazz musicians of her time, blending blues and jazz into a captivating hybrid. Smith's music was also a subtle form of protest, giving a voice to the African American experience during a period of racial discrimination. 

You can explore the wider impact of artists like Bessie Smith at New Orleans' Backstreet Cultural Museum, highlighting the city's rich African American cultural heritage – including jazz funerals, brass bands and Mardi Gras Indian traditions.

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Buddy Bolden

Buddy Bolden is often credited as the first musician to play jazz, although he left no recordings behind. Known for his loud, innovative cornet playing and charismatic presence, Bolden's band was one of the most popular in New Orleans at the turn of the twentieth century. 

To honour Bolden's legacy, visit the Bolden Bar in the Jazz Market, where his spirit is kept alive through nightly performances echoing the early days of jazz.

Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, while primarily known as the "Queen of Gospel", had profound ties to the jazz community in New Orleans. Her powerful voice and emotional depth captivated audiences and influenced many jazz musicians. Jackson's performances at rallies and association with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. further cemented her place in both the musical and social history of the United States. 

To explore her legacy, visit the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts on Basin Street. Here, you can take in a range of performances from jazz to opera, orchestras, ballet and child-friendly events.

The vibrant evolution of New Orleans' contemporary jazz scene

While New Orleans is steeped in the history of jazz, it's a city that pushes the genre forward. The local music scene is vibrant, with artists exploring new sounds while paying homage to the greats. 

Take Trombone Shorty, for example, a modern jazz musician whose work is deeply rooted in New Orleans traditions but infused with elements of funk, rock and hip-hop. His performances at the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (a must-visit for any jazz enthusiast) play testament to the city's living musical heritage.

Similarly, ensembles like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band continue honouring the city's rich musical history while embracing a modern sensibility. Their collaborations and musical experimentation show how New Orleans jazz remains a dynamic and evolving art form. 

And, of course, the influence of New Orleans jazz extends beyond the city's borders. International jazz festivals often proudly feature New Orleans artists, and the genre continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Top spots to experience New Orleans jazz today

To soak up the best of today's New Orleans jazz, here are the top concert venues, bars and museums for experiencing the city's vibrant music scene and energy first-hand. 

Louisiana State Museum: The museum's jazz collection is a treasure trove of New Orleans music history, including Louis Armstrong's first cornet, with its distinctive grooves filed into the mouthpiece by Armstrong himself. 

The Spotted Cat Music Club: Located on Frenchmen Street, it is a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its lively mix of jazz, swing and blues. It's an intimate spot where you can enjoy live performances up close and personal, capturing the spirit of New Orleans' contemporary jazz scene.

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Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: Another gem on Frenchmen Street, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro features nightly jazz shows in a cosy supper club setting. Known for showcasing some of the city's most talented musicians, it's the perfect place to experience New Orleans jazz in an inviting atmosphere. The Maple Leaf Bar: A classic New Orleans venue famed for late-night shows and regular appearances by local jazz legends. 

The Maple Leaf Bar offers an authentic New Orleans music experience, combining a welcoming atmosphere with a storied history of the best names in jazz. 

The Cabildo: Home to a world-famous jazz collection, The Cabildo is a great place to explore the history and evolution of New Orleans jazz. The museum's exhibits provide a deep dive into the musical culture that has shaped the city for generations.

The Little Gem Saloon: Located on South Rampart Street, The Little Gem Saloon oozes jazz history. With early 1900s-inspired décor and live music performances, it pays homage to the days when the club was a favourite hangout for jazz legends like Buddy Bolden and Jelly Roll Morton. 

Steamboat Natchez: To get a sense of the early days of jazz on the Mississippi River, take a dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. This paddle steamer offers live jazz performances that evoke the era when Louis Armstrong and other greats first made their mark, playing on riverboats up and down the Mississippi.

In summary...

Ready to explore more of the South's rich musical traditions? Then take a look at our Rhythms of the South tour, offering an unforgettable journey through Nashville's country music scene, Memphis blues, New Orleans jazz and much more. 

If you're planning your own road trip adventure, check out our motorhome blog for tips, inspiration and everything you need to hit the road in style.

Peter Stannett

Content Writer

Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.

His content covers all four corners of the globe, across topics like activities, advice, food, culture and history.

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