Singer-songwriter, pianist, guitarist and French horn player John “Papa” Gros was born in New Orleans on September 9, 1966, began playing gigs when he was just fifteen years old, and graduated from Loyola in 1989 with a degree in French Horn performance. For years he performed solo on Bourbon Street and developed a reputation as a talented sideman, backing up New Orleans legends. But it was as an organist and pianist for George Porter Jr.’s Runnin’ Pardners in the 1990s that he really kicked off his career. In 2000, after a series of impromptu jam sessions with friends, Gros formed Papa Grows Funk with guitarist June Yamagishi, sax player Jason Mingledorf, bassist Marc Pero and drummer Russell Batiste, Jr., who was later replaced by Jeffery "Jellybean" Alexander. For 13 years, the legendary band performed weekly at the famous Maple Leaf Bar, mixing the smooth sophistication of a jazz quintet with the wild, anything-goes spirit of Mardi Gras. Papa Grows Funk performances became a staple for locals and tourists alike, and eventually led to six albums and an international tour. In 2004, he kicked off his solo career with the album Day's End, while continuing to perform with PGF. The band called it quits in 2013, but subsequent years they frequently reunited for performances on the Monday following the second weekend of Jazz Fest.
After PGF’s run ended, Gros continued working as sideman for New Orleans artists, as well as and playing organ during a pair of all-star tributes to Dr. John and the Neville Brothers. The 2014 Dr. John tribute, The Music Mojo of Dr. John, was later released as a critically-acclaimed live album that featured Gros playing with Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, and John Fogerty. The tribute concerts allowed him to play alongside his two biggest influences, Doctor John and Art Neville, both of whom passed in 2019. After the tribute concerts, Gros focused again on his solo career and released his second solo album River’s On Fire in 2016. And in 2020, he released his third solo album Central City, which is a collection of Gros’ feel good originals alongside his takes on beloved classic songs, and featuring numerous New Orleans luminaries including Ivan Neville, Don Vappie, Brian Stoltz, Mark Mullins, and George Porter Jr.
Gros has brought his city’s celebratory culture to listeners around the world, and today we all celebrate this amazing artist’s birthday with him!
