Bands & Musicians in Louisiana

New Orleans invented jazz, from Buddy Bolden's cornet through Louis Armstrong, then kept reinventing itself with Fats Domino's rhythm and blues, the Meters' funk, brass band second lines, and the Cash Money and No Limit hip-hop empires. Acadiana produced Cajun fiddle music and Clifton Chenier's zydeco, the Baton Rouge wetlands bred swamp blues, and Shreveport's Louisiana Hayride radio show launched national country careers.

New Orleans offers Preservation Hall for traditional jazz, Tipitina's and the Maple Leaf Bar for funk and brass, and Frenchmen Street rooms like the Spotted Cat and Snug Harbor. Lafayette's Blue Moon Saloon keeps Cajun and zydeco dancing alive, and Shreveport's Municipal Auditorium preserves the Louisiana Hayride stage.

Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Mahalia Jackson were New Orleans born, joined later by Fats Domino, Dr. John, the Meters, and Trombone Shorty. Lafayette claims zydeco king Clifton Chenier, Lettsworth gave the blues Buddy Guy, and New Orleans produced Lil Wayne.

New Orleans musicians work constantly, from Frenchmen Street clubs to second-line parades and festival stages, and sitting in is the fastest way in. Lafayette suits Cajun, zydeco, and roots players, while Baton Rouge and Shreveport hold smaller club scenes. BandMate lists players statewide for anyone building a band beyond the tourist corridor.