Find-A-Grave: Freddie Keppard

Freddie Keppard

Born: February 27, 1890

Died: July 15, 1933 (aged 43)

Freddie Keppard (1889–1933) was a pioneering American jazz cornetist and one of the key figures in the early development of New Orleans jazz. Born in New Orleans, Keppard was influenced by the city’s rich musical culture, including brass bands, blues, and ragtime. Known for his powerful tone, innovative improvisation, and charismatic stage presence, Keppard was celebrated as one of the greatest cornetists of his era.

He began his career in local bands, including the Olympia Orchestra, before forming his own ensemble, the Original Creole Orchestra, which toured extensively across the United States in the 1910s. This group introduced New Orleans-style jazz to a wider audience, helping to lay the groundwork for the genre's national popularity.

Keppard was famously offered an opportunity to make one of the first jazz recordings in 1916 but declined, reportedly fearing that his style would be imitated by others. While he did eventually record in the 1920s, by then his prominence had been eclipsed by other jazz stars such as Louis Armstrong.

Despite a quieter later career, Keppard's contributions to jazz were significant, particularly in preserving the rich traditions of New Orleans and influencing subsequent generations of musicians. He is remembered as a key transitional figure between early brass band music and the more modern forms of jazz.