American trumpeter Lionel Ferbos is world’s oldest active jazz musician. He was born in 1911 in New Orleans, since he left his own town only on rare occasions, his career is mostly connected to the birthplace of jazz.
Ferbos marked his second century on 17 July with a special performance celebrating his 102nd birthday. The gig was held at the Palm Court Jazz Club in New Orleans where Ferbos is performing every Saturday leading the house band.
He made his first steps as a musician at New Orleans’ legendary clubs like Pythian Roof Garden, Pelican Club, San Jacinto Hall, Autocrat Club, Southern Yacht Club and New Orleans Country Club. During his long career he has collaborated with grates like Captain John Handy, Mamie Smith and Fats Pichon Band. He was also a member of the well known One Mo’ Time musical ensemble until the 70’s when the musical moved to Broadway.
Ferbos’ music career grew at late evening hours even though he was one of few New Orleans musicians during the 30’s who could read and write notes. During the day he worked at first at Haspel’s Clothing Factory and later at his father’s sheet-metal business. Some of his works are featured in the acclaimed exhibition on Creole building arts at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
He is the winner of the 2003 Big Easy Lifetime Achievement Award, a frequent speaker at lectures about the Depression, tinsmithing and history. His portrait by photographer Skip Bolen was recently won the Jazz Journalists Association’s photo of the year award.