Jumbo (Al Hirt)

Alois Maxwell "Al" Hirt was born November 7, 1922 and died at 76 years old on April 27, 1999. He was an American trumpeter and bandleader and is best remembered for his million-selling recordings of "Java" and the accompanying album "Honey in the Horn" (1963), and for the theme song to “The Green Hornet”. Hirt, also known as “Jumbo” was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009. Hirt was born in New Orleans and at the age of six, he was given his first trumpet, which had been purchased at a local pawnshop. He would play in the Junior Police Band and by the age of 16, Hirt was playing professionally, often with his friend Pete Fountain. During this time, he was hired to play at the local horse racing track, beginning a six-decade connection to the sport.

“The Gospel According to New Orleans” my collection of iconic New Orleans musicians commemorates their role in the evolution of the eccentric culture and music traditions of New Orleans. All depicted in this series are musical and cultural icons who make or live on through their significant contributions to the uniqueness of what composes the spirit of New Orleans.They exemplify the joie de vivre that runs through all aspects of life here in all of its diversity.

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