Happy Birthday, Germaine Bazzle!

Jazz vocalist Germaine Potter Bazzle was born in New Orleans on March 28, 1932, and grew up in a musical family, playing the piano by ear at a young age. Raised in the Seventh Ward, at 12 she started her formal musical education at the Xavier Junior School of Music. After graduating from the Xavier University of Louisiana Bazzle worked as a teacher, instructing mostly young girls in choir and music appreciation at Xavier Prep. In addition to teaching, she has been a sought after musician, performing in New Orleans night clubs for over 20 years. Influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billy Ecksteine, her voice has been described as sweet, soulful and distinctive. She retired from teaching in 2008, and she is a supporter and faculty member of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp. Today let’s celebrate in honor of this talented singer and educator! Happy Birthday, Germaine!

Photo: Derek Bridges