John "Johnny" De Droit (1892-1988) cornetist, and bandleader, lived there from 1929 until 1933. He was a cornet soloist at age 12 at the Winter Garden Theater on Baronne St.. and subsequently played in every new Orleans Theater Orchestra.
Listen to some YouTube clips by clicking here.
During the 1920s he led his own jazz band at Kolb's restaurant and the Grunewald Hotel Cave, and recorded for the Okeh Record company label at sessions in New Orleans and New York. He was president of musicians Union Local No. 174 at three different times, and had a successful dance orchestra for thirty years.
"The Cave", is considered by some to be the first nightclub in the United States. It featured waterfalls, stalactites, and chorus girls dancing to Dixieland jazz.
During the 1920s he led his own jazz band at Kolb's restaurant and the Grunewald Hotel Cave, and recorded for the Okeh Record company label at sessions in New Orleans and New York. He was president of musicians Union Local No. 174 at three different times, and had a successful dance orchestra for thirty years.
"The Cave", is considered by some to be the first nightclub in the United States. It featured waterfalls, stalactites, and chorus girls dancing to Dixieland jazz.
