Marsalis senior is killed by Coronavirus

Marsalis senior is killed by Coronavirus

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norman lebrecht

April 02, 2020

The family has announced the death of Ellis Marsalis, father of four musicians. He was 85 and had contracted Covid-19.

The mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, called him a legend and an icon.

His sons include trumpet Wynton (trumpet), Branford (sax), Delfeayo (trombone) and Jason (drums).

After service in the Marine Corps, Ellis Marsalis became a livewire of jazz activity and education in New Orleans. He had a weekly television slot and, after Hurricane Katrina in 2006, he founded the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, a performance and teaching hub.

Comments

  • Ruben Greenberg says:

    The father of four eminent musicians, an influential teacher, but also a fine artist in his own right. Rest in blessed peace.

  • Ms.Melody says:

    Sad,sad news.
    Condolences to the family.
    RIP

  • George Porter says:

    Honoring Ellis Marsalis:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uubd1HK2WWk

  • DeepSouthSenior says:

    Just a month ago, my wife and I were still planning to see Ellis Marsalis perform on the Jackson Square “big stage” during the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans this month. The Festival has been rescheduled for the first week in October, sadly now without one of its legendary headliners. We are privileged to hear Delfeayo and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at least once a year. The Marsalis family are superb musicians by any standard.

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