Trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Nicholas Payton was born in New Orleans on September 26, 1973, to bassist and sousaphonist Walter Payton. He started playing trumpet at 4, and was sitting in with his dad and the Young Tuxedo Brass Band by 9. His first professional job was at 10 with James Andrews’ All-Star Brass, and he got his first steady gig with Danny Barker! Payton’s musical journey is impressive and storied, including a Grammy at age 25 for his collaboration with Doc Cheatham, as well as composing, arranging, performing and recording with his own groups, as well as his full orchestral work The Black American Symphony in 2012. He has also collaborated with notable artists including Ray Charles, Dr John, Herbie Hancock, Zigaboo Modeliste, Jill Scott, Allen Toussaint, Nancy Wilson, and Dr. Michael White. Payton formed his own record label, BMF Records, in 2013, and has written on a multitude of provocative subjects that have sparked great interest and debate. Happy birthday to a true virtuoso!