Celebrating the Birthday of Allan Jaffe
John Dunlop
Jazz tubist and entrepreneur Allan Phillip Jaffe was born on April 24, 1935, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and is the person who developed Preservation Hall into a New Orleans jazz tradition, along with his wife Sandra. Jaffe's grandfather was a French hornist, his father was a mandolin player and teacher, and Jaffe learned piano and cornet before settling on tuba in junior high school. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania before joining the Army and being stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Following his discharge in 1961, Jaffe moved to New Orleans where he took over management of Preservation Hall. As owner, he played a major role in the New Orleans jazz revival of the 1960s, shepherding the latter-day careers of numerous musicians. He also played the tuba in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and took the group on tours worldwide, booking them into the finest music and performance halls and making appearances at cultural events of note even in small communities.
Sadly, Jaffe passed away in New Orleans on March 9, 1987. But, his legacy lives on as his son, Ben, now leads and performs with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Today we celebrate someone who helped preserve and promote the musical heritage of New Orleans.
Photo: Twitter