Marsalis talks about how Danny Barker encouraged young musicians – 2023
Wynton Marsalis
A humorous bit of reminiscing about an inspiring teacher
Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube
Danny Barker (1909-94) was a banjoist, guitarist, educator, and quite a character.
The New Orleans native worked up North with the big bands of Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter and Cab Calloway, recorded hit records with his wife singer Blue Lu Barker, and played with Bunk Johnson and Albert Nicholas.
In 1965 Barker moved back to New Orleans where he was an inspiring educator who led a kid’s brass band called the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band.
That band launched the careers of many young New Orleans musicians.
In 2023, Wynton Marsalis talked colorfully about that memorable experience.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald