Approximately two hundred musicians have been identified as having performed in Storyville, the majority in brass bands and dance orchestras. Female musicians (including Lizzie Miles, Ann Cook, Rosalind Johnson, and Mamie Desdunes) were among those performing regularly. The District’s musical offerings contributed to the neighborhood’s allure as an entertainment mecca. Visitors could choose nightly from a range of establishments based on the sounds, dances, prices, and clientele they preferred. Many of the clubs operated as “black and tans”—some run by African Americans—where integrated audiences were tolerated by law enforcement and many whites eagerly consumed black culture. These establishments served as the unofficial hangouts for prostitutes and pimps.
Superior Orchestra
standing, from left: Buddy Johnson, Bunk Johnson, “Big Eye” Louis Nelson, Billy Marrero
seated, from left: Walter Brundy, Peter Bocage, Richard Payne
negative, between 1908 and 1913; digital pigment print, 2017
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 511, 92-48-L.243
Imperial Orchestra
from left: John MacMurray, George Filhe, James A. Palao, “Big Eye” Louis Nelson, Rene Baptiste, Manuel Perez, Jimmy Brown
negative, ca. 1908 (printed later); gelatin silver print
by Bud Weil, photographic printer
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.317
Tuxedo Brass Band
standing, from left: Yank Johnson, Manuel Perez, Oscar “Papa” Celestin, Ernest Trepagnier, Charlie Love
front: George Hooker
ca. 1920; gelatin silver print
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.282
Williams-Piron Band
standing, from left: Jimmie Noone, William “Bebe” Ridgley, Oscar “Papa” Celestin, John Lindsay
seated, from left: Ernest Trepagnier, Armand J. Piron, Thomas Benton, Johnny St. Cyr
front: Clarence Williams
ca. 1916; gelatin silver print
by Arthur P. Bedou, photographer
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.205
Pete Lala’s
1943; gelatin silver print
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.267
The Entertainers, formerly 101 and 102 Ranch
1938; gelatin silver print
by William Russell, photographer
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.285
The Big 25
July 1949; gelatin silver print
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.277
Frank Early’s Saloon
negative, ca. 1943; inkjet print, 2017
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.268
Funky Butt Hall
1943; gelatin silver print
The Historic New Orleans Collection, The William Russell Jazz Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520, 92-48-L.284