Kid Ory: The Tailgate Trombonist of New Orleans Jazz
/Kid Ory: The Sound of Brass in Early New Orleans Jazz
When jazz was still in its early stages in New Orleans, Kid Ory was one of the key musicians helping define its sound. Born Edward Ory in 1886 just outside the city, he switched from banjo to trombone in his teens and never looked back. His bold style helped establish what we now recognize as traditional New Orleans jazz—a sound that still echoes through parades, clubs, and street corners today.
The Life and Legacy of Kid Ory
Ory’s story begins on a Creole plantation in LaPlace, Louisiana. He got his start on the banjo, but the trombone soon became his primary instrument. By his twenties, he was leading one of the top bands in New Orleans. Musicians like Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, and Sidney Bechet came through his group, drawn by its hot, dynamic rhythm and signature energy.
In the 1910s and '20s, Ory became one of the first Black New Orleans bandleaders to record music. His approach—melodic, rhythmically driven, and expressive—defined the “tailgate” trombone style that became a hallmark of traditional jazz. His playing gave the music its depth and momentum, anchoring the band while adding personality with every slide.
As he moved to Los Angeles and then Chicago, Ory remained a champion of the New Orleans sound. He continued to record and perform with many of the jazz greats, and during the 1940s jazz revival, his band—Kid Ory’s Creole Orchestra—helped reintroduce early jazz to a new audience.
Beyond performance, Ory also served as a mentor and advocate for the music’s roots. Even late in his life, he emphasized the importance of preserving the original character of New Orleans jazz.
Kid Ory’s Influence on New Orleans Music Today
Kid Ory’s presence is still felt throughout New Orleans. His trombone style helped set the standard for traditional brass bands. You can hear echoes of his influence in second line parades, jazz funerals, and street performances throughout the city.
The tailgate style he made famous—those wide, sweeping trombone lines originally played from the back of wagons—remains a central part of New Orleans brass band music. His sound continues to inspire musicians who carry forward that tradition.
Today, bands like The Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band, available through Magnolia Entertainment, perform with the same spirit and authenticity that defined Ory’s music. Their performances reflect the deep cultural roots of this music and its lasting impact on New Orleans.
Listen to Kid Ory’s Creole Trombone, one of Ory’s most enduring pieces:
Bring the Spirit of Kid Ory to Your Event
Kid Ory helped shape the sound of New Orleans, and at Magnolia Entertainment, we proudly keep that tradition alive. Our musicians understand not just the notes, but the culture, stories, and rhythm that make New Orleans jazz so distinctive.
Whether you're planning a wedding, private party, or corporate event, our bands can bring that unmistakable energy and warmth. The Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band specializes in the kind of vibrant, brass-driven music that makes any gathering feel like a party.
Let us help you create an unforgettable experience—rooted in tradition and full of life.
Sources:
Rose, Al. I Remember Jazz: Six Decades Among the Great Jazzmen. LSU Press, 1987.
Shipton, Alyn. A New History of Jazz. Continuum, 2007.
The Red Hot Jazz Archive: Kid Ory
National Park Service, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Kid Ory Biography