John Robichaux (1866–1939) was an American jazz bandleader, drummer, and violinist. He was the uncle of Joseph Robichaux.[1]

John Robichaux
Background information
Born(1866-01-16)January 16, 1866
Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States
Died1939(1939-00-00) (aged 72–73)
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Bandleader, drummer, and violinist

Career edit

He was born in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States, on January 16, 1866.[1] John Robichaux moved to New Orleans in 1891, where he was the bass drummer for the Excelsior Brass Band from 1892 to 1903. During this time he also worked as a bandleader, playing violin in his own ensembles from 1893 until the time of his death.[1]

Among the ensembles he led was a 36-piece orchestra in 1913. Robichaux's bands were highly respected in his day and included many of the city's best musicians, such as Bud Scott, Lorenzo Tio, and Manuel Perez.[1] He wrote over 350 songs and wrote many orchestral arrangements, which are now kept at the William Ransom Hogan Jazz Archive located at Tulane University.

Personal life edit

Robichaux was raised Catholic.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 2106. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  2. ^ Koenig, Karl. Trinity of Early Jazz Leaders (PDF). Retrieved November 5, 2022. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
 
The John Robichaux Orchestra, 1896. Seated, left to right: Dee Dee Chandler, drums; Charles McCurdy, clarinets; John Robichaux, violin & leader, Wendell MacNeil, violin. Standing, left to right: Batiste DeLisle, trombone; James Wilson, cornet; James MacNeil, cornet; Octave Gaspard, string bass.

Further reading edit

External links edit

  Media related to John Robichaux at Wikimedia Commons