Letters From Our Readers

First “Jazz House” Under Restoration

Mayor Marc Morial joins PRC’s African American Heritage Preservation Program To Kick off the Restoration of the Central City Home of Jazz Great Edward “Kid” Ory

For More Information, contact: Annie Avery, Director, AAHP at (504) 636-3049 or (504) 581-7032.

In a high-profile acquisition of a Central City property, PRC’s African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHP) has embarked on the renovation of the Central City home of jazz great Edward ‘Kid’ Ory. Now, Mayor Marc Morial will join in announcing this significant renovation in this National Register neighborhood. This undertaking will be the first renovation by AAHP, made possible by a grant from the Wisner Foundation and financing from the Whitney Bank.

With the support of politicians, jazz historians, music buffs and preservationists, AAHP will hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 7th at the home of Kid Ory. The house is located at 2135 Jackson Avenue.

Kid Ory (1886-1973) was the greatest trombone player in the early years of Jazz. He originally played banjo, but then switched to trombone. From 1912 to 1919 he led one of the most popular bands in New Orleans. Ory’s Band featured many of the great musicians who would go on to define the Hot Jazz style. A various times, King Oliver, a young Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, Sidney Bechet and Jimmie Noone all played in Ory’s band. His best known works are from his time with the Kid Ory Creole Orchestra.

The African-American Heritage Preservation Council of the PRC was founded in 1997 with support from Dillard University. The Council promotes the preservation of African American heritage through education, community awareness and advocacy, and the recognition of the many important contributions of African-Americans to the development of New Orleans’ culture, heritage and neighborhoods. Lectures, tours and other events spotlight the contributions of many unsung heroes.

Affiliated with the national African American Heritage Preservation Council, the PRC’s chapter is currently focusing efforts on developing a comprehensive map of sites important in local jazz culture and African-American history designating them with informational markers and on saving and marketing endangered jazz sites.

For More Information, contact: Annie Avery, Director, AAHP at (504) 636-3049 or (504) 581-7032.