freddie keppard

Freddie Keppard (sometimes rendered as Freddy Keppard; February 27, 1890 – July 15, 1933) was an American jazz cornetist who once held the title of “King” in the New Orleans jazz scene. This title was previously held by Buddy Bolden and succeeded by Joe Oliver.

Early life and career in New Orleans
Keppard (pronounced in the French fashion, with relatively even accentuation and a silent d) was born in the Creole of Color community of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana.

Born in 1890, Keppard was Buddy Bolden’s junior by thirteen years and Louis Armstrong’s senior by eleven years. Keppard’s father, Louis Keppard Sr., had been a New Orleans man and had worked as a cook in the Vieux Café until his early death. His mother, Emily (Peterson) Keppard, was from St. James parish. His older brother, Louis, was his elder by one year and also became a professional musician later in life. The first tune they learned to play together was called “Just Because She Made Dem Goo-Goo Eyes”, a tune by Hughie Cannon and popular New Orleans minstrel show star John Queen, published in 1900.