Jazz and funk drummer and vibraphonist Jason Marsalis was born in New Orleans on March 4, 1977, into the Marsalis family of musical royalty. He is the youngest son of the late pianist and music professor Ellis Marsalis, Jr., and brother to jazz musicians Branford, Wynton and Delfeayo, as well as Ellis Marsalis III and Mboya Kinyatta. Marsalis started playing drums at age three when his parents purchased a toy set of drums. By age six, he had a real drum kit, at seven he sat in with his father’s group, and by nine he was a consistent performer at his father’s engagements. Jason had also taken up violin at age five, but drums and percussion were his primary focus. In 1991, he was accepted to the acclaimed New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts High School (NOCCA), and he continued playing gigs with his father and brothers. In 1995, Marsalis joined the Marcus Roberts Trio, while still attending Loyola University in New Orleans. He made appearances with international jazz luminaries and remained on the New Orleans music scene, working with a diverse cross section of bands. In 1998, he co-founded the Latin-jazz group Los Hombres Calientes, recording two albums with the group, and also producing two albums under his own name. He also produced reissues and current recordings of his father on their self-owned label, ELM Records. Marsalis and his brothers and their father were named NEA Jazz Masters, and he is one of the artists featured in Tradition Is a Temple, a 2013 documentary film about New Orleans. Marsalis continues to grow and develop as both a composer and performer, and all who are fortunate to hear his music and see him perform become loyal fans. Happy Birthday to an amazing musician!