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Creole Trombone and the 1811/Kid Ory Historic House

 


Last week, I visited the outstanding 1811/Kid Ory Historic House in LaPlace, Louisiana. I could not give a review of this book without also reviewing the museum because they are both entwined in my mind. 

I was slightly disappointed in myself for not having read John McCusker’s Creole Trombone: Kid Ory and the Early Years of Jazz (University Press of Mississippi, 2012) before the trip. Yet, after that magical day at the museum, I was delighted to have my mind travel back to the experience as I read the book. McCusker has written the definitive biography on Edward “Kid” Ory. Even Ory’s autobiography (passages do appear throughout McCusker’s book) is not as reliable due to it being dictated by Ory to his second wife, who exercised her unwarranted omissions. McCusker’s tenacious research has brought much light to an early jazz pioneer.

The 1811/Kid Ory Historic House is the site of the largest slave rebellion in the U.S. and the plantation where Ory was born. McCusker uses his years of journalistic detective skills to uncover facts about the slave revolt and reveal a fresh perspective on the bloody aftermath. His presentation is both earnest and respectful. As in the book, Creole Trombone, the museum houses many photographs of Ory and his bandmates, and also includes his original valve trombone and a bass drum from his Creole Dixieland Band. There are cigar box guitars on the walls, working victrolas, videos, and of course, music. McCusker’s passion for storytelling is evident on the page and in person during his tours. The gift shop offers 78s and vinyl records, books, antique phonographs, and cigar box guitars built by McCusker. 

Sadly, the 1811/Kid Ory Historic House is slated to close on October 1, 2022. Visit the museum, read the book, and ideally do both before it’s too late. If you can make it there, seek out the enchanting cat, Toucoutou!

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