Alex Bigard facts for kids

Alexander Louis Bigard, Jr. (born September 25, 1899, in New Orleans; died June 27, 1978, in New Orleans) was an American jazz drummer. He was a very important part of the New Orleans jazz music scene for many years. Alexander was the brother of famous musician Barney Bigard and a cousin to other jazz artists like Natty Dominique and A.J. Piron.

Early Musical Journey

Alexander Bigard started learning to play the drums from a well-known teacher named Louis Cottrell, Sr.. In the 1910s, he began playing in A.J. Piron's band, sometimes even alongside his teacher, Cottrell.

Playing with Famous Bands

As a young musician, Alexander played with several popular groups. These included the Excelsior Brass Band and the Maple Leaf Orchestra. He also performed with other talented musicians like Peter DuConge, Buddy Petit, and Chris Kelly in the late 1910s and early 1920s.

Growing as a Drummer

In 1925, Alexander Bigard joined Sidney Desvigne's band. Soon after, he played with Kid Shots Madison. He spent a lot of the 1930s performing with John Robichaux's band, showing his skills as a jazz drummer.

Later Years and Legacy

By the mid-1940s, Alexander was playing with Kid Rena's band. In the 1950s, he decided to form his own musical group, which he called the Mighty Four.

The Dixieland Revival

The 1960s saw a big interest in old-style jazz, known as the Dixieland revival. During this time, Alexander Bigard was a regular performer at Preservation Hall, a famous place for traditional jazz in New Orleans. He played and recorded music with many other jazz legends, including Harold Dejan, Kid Howard, Punch Miller, De De Pierce, and Billie Pierce.

Around 1967, Alexander Bigard started to lose his hearing and became deaf. Because of this, he stopped performing actively. His contributions to New Orleans jazz music are still remembered and celebrated.