Kermit Ruffins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kermit Ruffins
Ruffins at the 2007 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Background information
Birth name	Kermit Ruffins
Born	(1964-12-19) December 19, 1964 (age 60)
Origin	New Orleans, Louisiana U.S.
Died	Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day
Genres	Jazz Rhythm and blues
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Trumpet vocals
Years active	1973–present
Labels	Basin Street, Putumayo, Justice
Associated acts	Rebirth Brass Band Danny Barker Dr. Michael White Irvin Mayfield

Kermit Ruffins, born on December 19, 1964, is a talented American jazz trumpeter, singer, and composer. He comes from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Kermit was inspired by famous musicians like Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan. He can play a very high C note on his trumpet! He often sings along with his trumpet playing. Most of his bands perform classic New Orleans jazz songs. He also writes many of his own musical pieces. A writer from The New York Times once said that Mr. Ruffins is a great entertainer. He plays the trumpet with a bright, clear sound and sings with a natural charm.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Kermit Ruffins started playing the trumpet when he was in 8th grade. He attended Lawless Junior High School in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Later, he went to Joseph S. Clark High School in the 6th Ward. He also spent time at St Peter Claver Church in the Tremé neighborhood. In high school, he even played some classical music for a short time.

Kermit also learned to love cooking from his grandmother. He would watch her carefully as she prepared meals in the kitchen.

Music Career Highlights

Kermit Ruffins has had an exciting career in music. He has been part of famous bands and even appeared on TV.

The Rebirth Brass Band

In 1983, while still in high school, Kermit helped start the Rebirth Brass Band. This happened in the Tremé neighborhood. He made his first recordings with the band in 1984. The group was inspired by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. That band was known for mixing funk and modern jazz into the New Orleans brass band style.

Before they became famous, the Rebirth Brass Band often played music on the streets. They would perform in the French Quarter for tips. Soon, they became a regular band at the Glass House, a popular music spot. The Rebirth Brass Band once had a show in New York City. However, they faced trouble from the police for marching outdoors without a permit. This kind of street performance is very common in New Orleans.

Other Projects and Appearances

Kermit Ruffins has been featured in several films and TV shows.

• In 2005, he was interviewed and performed in the documentary film Make It Funky!. This movie explores the history of New Orleans music. In the film, he performs a song called "Skokiaan" with other trumpeters.
• He appeared as himself in the HBO TV series Treme. He was a recurring character on the show.
• In 2016, Kermit Ruffins performed a version of The Bare Necessities. This song was for Disney's remake of The Jungle Book. He sang it alongside actor Bill Murray.

Discography

Film and TV Appearances

• Make It Funky! (2005), a documentary film
• New Orleans Music in Exile (2006), a documentary film
• After the Catch (2007)
• Treme (2010)
• The Real World New Orleans (2010)
• The Jungle Book (2016)

Images for kids

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  Kermit Ruffins (left) with the late Danny Barker at French Quarter Festival, around 1990

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  Kermit Ruffins at Tipitina's, February 2006

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  Kermit Ruffins at Old Mint, before a set at the Satchmo SummerFest, August 2007

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  Kermit Ruffins playing at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans, November 2007