Results for "Oscar 'Papa' Celestin"

Oscar 'Papa' Celestin

Born: January 1, 1884

Oscar “Papa” Celestin - trumpet, bandleader (1884 - 1954) Papa Celestin was one of the most popular of New Orleans cornet players, and considered a major player in the development of jazz. Most of the great New Orleans players up to 1950 played for Papa one time or another. Celestin was born in Napoleonville, Louisiana, and was inspired at an early age to become a musician. He played guitar and trombone before deciding on cornet as his main instrument. He played with various small town bands before moving to New Orleans in 1906. Arriving in New Orleans, Celestin became a member of Henry Allen Sr.’s Excelsior band in 1908