Most people think of Congo Square when they think of the first Jazz Fest. But the first event of the first Jazz Fest was actually somewhere else— on the last sidewheel steamboat in America, on the Mississippi, the night of April 22, 1970. Read more

The first French Quarter Fest lasted three days and took place on six stages on Bourbon Street and near Jackson Square. Performers included Allen Toussaint, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Luther Kent, Connie Jones, and Chris Owens. Read more

From the Lower 9th Ward, Fats conquered the world and changed the future, with a fresh new rhythm and sound from New Orleans that became rock'n'roll. Read more

Like so many New Orleans musicians, the legendary clarinet and sax player Sidney Bechet followed a family member into a life in music. But Sidney’s musical debut started out at a surprise party -- with more than one surprise. Read more

Louis Prima in a nutshell. Enjoy life, act like you’re up to no good, throw in a little innuendo, and turn something serious into a barrel of laughs. His style came from growing up in New Orleans and it was the secret of his success. Read more

In 1959, Irma Thomas was working as a waitress at the Pimlico Club in Central City, where they called her "the waitress who could sing." Read more

Early on Mardi Gras Day, the very first thing you may hear is drumming and chanting. In the dimness of the light you may see skeletons walking down your street. It’s the Skull & Bone Gang, reminding you just how short your time may be. Read more

"I have traveled all over the world and no place I've ever been could remove the thought in my head that someday I will be the King of the Zulus," Louis Armstrong said. Read more

Joe and Cleoma Falcon were considered among the greatest Cajun accordion players ever. Cleoma’s guitar and singing, combined with Joe’s accordion playing, set a standard for Cajun music that still stands today. Read more

Pete moved to Los Angeles to appear on "The Lawrence Welk Television Show" from 1957 to 1959. And because 25% of the country watched Lawrence Welk every Saturday night, Pete Fountain was suddenly a star. Read more