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Percy Humphrey | |
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![]() Percy Humphrey, trumpeter and leader of New Orleans jazz bands | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Percy Gaston Humphrey |
Born | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | January 13, 1905
Died | July 22, 1995 New Orleans | (aged 90)
Genres | Jazz, dixieland |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument | Trumpet |
Formerly of | Eureka Brass Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band |
Percy Gaston Humphrey (January 13, 1905 – July 22, 1995[1]) was an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In addition to his band, Percy Humphrey and His Crescent City Joymakers, for more than thirty years he was leader of the Eureka Brass Band. He also played in the band of the pianist Sweet Emma Barrett. From its opening in the early 1960s until shortly before his death, Humphrey played often at Preservation Hall, traveling internationally for performances with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and his own bands.
Percy Humphrey was the younger brother of clarinetist Willie Humphrey and trombonist Earl Humphrey. His father was clarinetist Willie Eli Humphrey. His grandfather was "Professor" Jim Humphrey, who took the train from New Orleans to sugar cane plantations during the 1890s to teach music to children of plantation workers.