Papa Celestin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Papa Celestin
Papa Celestin (foreground) with Alphonse Picou. Photo by Stanley Kubrick, 1950
Background information
Birth name	Oscar Phillip Celestin
Born	(1884-01-01)January 1, 1884 Napoleonville, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	December 15, 1954(1954-12-15) (aged 70) New Orleans, Louisiana
Genres	Jazz, Dixieland
Occupation(s)	Musician, bandleader
Instruments	Trumpet
Years active	1910–1953
Labels	Okeh, Columbia, Southland
Associated acts	Tuxedo Brass Band Algiers Brass Band

Oscar Phillip Celestin (born January 1, 1884 – died December 15, 1954), known as Papa Celestin, was a famous American jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He was a very important musician who helped shape the early sounds of jazz music, especially in New Orleans.

Life and Music Career

Early Life and Musical Start

Papa Celestin was born in Napoleonville, Louisiana. He came from a Creole family. His father worked cutting sugar cane. When he was young, he worked on large farms called plantations in Louisiana.

He wanted a better life, so he worked as a cook for a railroad company. He saved his money and bought old musical instruments. He first played the guitar and trombone. But then he decided the cornet (which is like a small trumpet) would be his main instrument. He took music lessons from a teacher named Claiborne Williams.

Moving to New Orleans and the Tuxedo Band

In the early 1900s, Papa Celestin played with the Algiers Brass Band. He also played with other small town bands. In 1904, when he was 20 years old, he moved to New Orleans.

In New Orleans, he played with several bands. Around 1910, he became the leader of the house band at the Tuxedo Dance Hall. This hall was near Storyville, a famous entertainment area. When the dance hall closed, he kept the name "Tuxedo" for his band.

His band, the Tuxedo, became very popular. They dressed in tuxedos for their performances. They were often hired for important social events for both black and white communities. For many years, Celestin led the Tuxedo Band with a trombonist named William Ridgely.

Recordings and Famous Musicians

Papa Celestin and his band made their first recordings in 1925. This happened during a special trip by Okeh Records to New Orleans. Later, Celestin and Ridgely had a disagreement. For about five years, they each led their own "Tuxedo" bands.

Celestin's Original Tuxedo Orchestra made more recordings for Columbia Records in the late 1920s. Besides the orchestra, Celestin also led the Tuxedo Brass Band. This was one of the best brass bands in the city. Many famous musicians played with Celestin over the years. These included Joe Oliver, Mutt Carey, Alphonse Picou, and even Louis Armstrong.

Challenges and Comeback

In 1932, Papa Celestin had to stop playing music for a while. This was because of the Great Depression, which made it hard for musicians to find work. He worked in a shipyard until he could form a new band after World War II.

His new Tuxedo Brass Band became very popular. It was seen as a key attraction for tourists visiting New Orleans. In 1953, Papa Celestin and his band appeared in a travel movie called Cinerama Holiday.

His band became a regular feature at the Paddock Lounge on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. They also performed on radio and television. In 1953, Celestin even performed for President Eisenhower at the White House. His last recording was a song called "Marie LaVeau" in 1954, which he sang on.

Legacy and Passing

Papa Celestin made huge contributions to jazz music throughout his life. The Jazz Foundation of New Orleans honored him with a special statue. Near the end of his life, he was celebrated as one of the greatest musicians from New Orleans.

When he died in 1954, about 4,000 people marched in his funeral parade. After his death, the Tuxedo Brass Band was led by trombonist Eddie Pierson for a short time. Later, banjo player Albert "Papa" French took over the band's leadership.

Selective Recordings

Papa Celestin recorded for Okeh in 1925 and then for Columbia. He started recording again in his last decade. Some of his radio performances have also been released for people to buy.

See also

In Spanish: Papa Celestin para niños