Paul Barbarin, one of New Orleans’ top drummers, was also a significant bandleader (his bands almost always had high musicianship), and a composer (he wrote “Bourbon Street Parade”, and “The Second Line”. Paul was part of a musical family. His father Isadore was a brass instrument player. Three of his brothers, including Louis, were musicians and Danny Barker, his nephew, was a banjoist. Paul began his career on clarinet, before he saved enough money to purchase a set drums. He was a member of many New Orleans bands, such as the Silver Leaf Orchestra, the Young Olympia Band, etc. His simple style was perfect for parades and dances. The press roll was his speciality. Barbarin made his way to Chicago in 1917 and played with local bands (including one he managed), as well as with Jimmie Noone and Freddie Keppard. He returned to New Orleans in 1923-1924 and performed with the Excelsior and Onward bands. Then he moved back to Chicago in 1924 to rejoin King Oliver (1925-1927). Barbarin returned to New Orleans in 1928 and joined Luis Russell’s band. He stayed until 1932, anchoring one the most prominent jazz groups of that era. Barbarin left Russell to freelance in New York and New Orleans, and then he returned to Russell in 1935. He stayed with Russell when the orchestra was named Louis Armstrong’s backup. After a brief stint with Armstrong in 1941, Barbarin left Russell to start his own New Orleans group. He then joined Red Allen’s Sextet (1942-1943). Except for a brief period in 1944 with Sidney Bechet and some work in Chicago with Art Hodes (1953), Barbarin was primarily responsible for his own bands, including the Onward Brass Band which he established in 1955. He remained based in his hometown. It was fitting that he died while participating in a New Orleans street parade. Paul Barbarin recorded many times over the years with King Oliver and Luis Russell. He also performed with Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong. Allmusic
