Papa French

Albert "Papa" French was a New Orleans Jazz musician, banjo player, and band leader. He died in 1977.

He was a banjo player in the Original Tuxedo Brass Band of New Orleans. This band was founded in 1910 and led for 44 years by Papa Celestin. After the death of Papa Celestin in 1954, leadership was briefly taken over by trombonest Eddie Pierson until his death in 1958. The leadership of the band fell to Banjo player Albert French, who was called "Papa" French as a token of endearment of the Late Papa Celestin. Papa French led the band until his death in 1977.

He released the highly regarded traditional jazz LP "A Night At Heritage Hall", recorded live in 1965. Released on the Nobility label as Nobility 702, this set was recorded at Dixieland Hall, 522 Bourbon Street, NY. It featured Jeanette Kimball on Piano, Louis Barbarin on drums (incorrectly spelled "Louise" on the LP liner notes), Steward Davis on Bass Fiddle, Joseph "Cornbread" Thomas on Clarinet and Vocals, Waldren "Frog" Joseph on Trombone, Wendell Eugene on Trombone, and the well known Alvin Alcorn on Trumpet.

Albert's son, Bob French is a successful New Orleans musician and radio host. He has led the Tuxedo Jazz Band since the death of his father in 1977.