PRESS RELEASE
- FEBRUARY 14, 2008 -

JOHN BRUNIOUS:
October 12, 1940 – February 12, 2008

HONORING A LEGEND

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that Preservation Hall announces the passing of one of our cherished band members, trumpeter, Mr. John Brunious.  An accomplished musician both on trumpet and piano, John Brunious served as the bandleader for The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.  Growing up in a family of gifted musicians, Mr. Brunious was introduced to New Orleans Jazz at a young age, by his father, John “Picky” Brunious and others such as drumming legend Paul Barbarin.  He began taking lessons from his father at age ten but mostly taught himself to play by listening to records and emulating what he heard; inspired by Dizzy Gillespie and Maynard Ferguson, he developed a flair for flashy, high-note solos that earned him work at gigs and on record sessions in a variety of styles.

Dedicating his life to music, Mr. Brunious had a flourishing career, spanning decades, multiple continents and some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.  His talent took him far and wide, landing him into the halls of royalty and world leaders.  Performing for British Royalty, The King of Thailand, U.S. presidents and everyone in between, he loved to share his passion for music.

A pioneering member of the PHJB, John Brunious was with the band for over 20 years as bandleader. He was an inspiration to his fellow band members as well as his fans.  As Mr. Brunious carried on the grand tradition and musical culture of his forebears in the Crescent City, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will celebrate him in continuing this incredible American art form for years to come.  Creative Director of Preservation Hall, Ben Jaffe remarks, “John Brunious was living history.  One of the last things John told me was, ‘There’s another Louis Armstrong somewhere out there in New Orleans.  I’m going to find them and teach them all I got.’ It’s now in our hands to carry on his message and legacy the way he carried the torch for so many years.”

Mr. Brunious passed away in Casselbury, Florida with his family.  He is survived by his wife Terri Brunious, a son John, Jr., 2- stepdaughters, a granddaughter, 3-brothers, and 4-sisters.