Louis Nelson

About

Jazz trombonist who rose to fame in New Orleans. His many collaborations included Buddy Petit, Kid Rena, Kid Punch Miller, Chris Kelly, and Papa Celestin.

Before Fame

He began playing the valve trombone at the age of fifteen and shortly thereafter studied the slide trombone with Professor Claiborne Williams.

Trivia

He served as Chair of the Works Progress Administration's band during The Great Depression.

Family Life

His father was a physician who had served in the Spanish-American War and had been an organizer of the 9th Louisiana Volunteers. He married Julia Kissack, with whom he had two children.

Associated With

He and fellow jazz musician Harry Connick, Jr. were both born in Louisiana.