Jimmy maxwell orchestra
Encyclopedia
Jimmy Maxwell is a musician and band leader who has gained recognition on the national music scene. In the grand tradition of Lester Lanin
and Meyer David, his sleek "society sound" has been in demand from coast to coast. Dubbed alternately the "King of Mardi Gras Swing!" and "The Musical King of Carnival Balls" by the New Orleans Times Picayune, Jimmy has been the band for top social functions in New Orleans since 1981. From 1985 to 1989, Jimmy was partners with Peter Duchin
, the famed society band leader from New York City and together they produced events involving sound, lighting, staging and even decor. His father Edward Maxwell, was born in New York City but moved to New Orleans at a very early age. Edward played with the Rene Louapre Society Orchestra from 1950 up until joining Jimmy in 1981. Hence, the Maxwell family has been in the service of the New Orleans Mardi Gras
Krewes for over 50 years.
Maxwell's climb to big band stardom began in a haphazard fashion rather typical of New Orleans musicians. His father made part of his living playing drums and his mother was a professional singer when she met his dad in a talent show put on by the local telephone operators of the time. Early on, Maxwell remembers being taken as a youngster to hear all the good jazz, pop and classical artist at local clubs and concert halls.
He began by studying drums and percussion at the age of 8 in the school band trying to be like his dad. By the age 12 Maxwell was studying piano with Guy Bernard, Loyola University New Orleans
' distinguished music professor. Later in his teenage years he was "band boy" for Rene' Louapre's Society Orchestra and would set the music stands, lights, and arrangements for the orchestra on a nightly basis. Additional duties included being bartender for the band and occasionally subbing on drums or piano to relieve fellow musicians. By his late 20s he had learned the business side of the music business and was leading his own band.
From 1985 to 1989 Maxwell was partners with Peter Duchin
, the famed society band leader from New York City and together they produced events involving sound, lighting, staging and even decor. His appearance at the 1988 Republican National Convention
landed him on the front page of the New York Times along with Nancy and Ronald Reagan
. President George H. W. Bush
later invited him to play for the first anniversary inaugural ball at the Kennedy Center along with Harry Connick, Jr.
, Tony Bennett
and Chubby Checker
.
Maxwell incorporates elements of New Orleans jazz in his orchestra, but also includes other styles of his home town influences including R&B, "stride piano", New Orleans funk and the essence of the New Orleans groove. The style is crafted to include popular dance music from the 1900s into the 21st century. Maxwell combines the choice of song and tempo in a style that keeps people moving on the dane floor for enjoyable but not-too-strenuous footwork. The combination has led to the musical gumbo known as "The Maxwell Mystique".
He has performed with or for Rita Moreno
, Joel Grey
, The 5th Dimension, The Neville Brothers
, Harry Connick, Sr.
, Hanson
, Peter Duchin
, Rich Little
, Lou Rawls
, Reba McIntire, Al Hirt
, The Drifters
, Pete Fountain
, Diane Schuur
, The Vienna Boys' Choir
, Alex Donner, Presidents Ronald Reagan
, George H. W. Bush
, and Bill Clinton
, members of Great Britain’s Royal Family (Prince & Princess Michael of York; Princess Margaret
, and Prince Andrew
), Bill Gates
, Major Ronald Ferguson
, Henry Kissinger
, Colin Powell
, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
, Anne Rice
, two-time Heavyweight Boxing Champion George Foreman
and the Chicago Bulls
.
Lester Lanin
Lester Lanin was an American jazz and pop music bandleader....
and Meyer David, his sleek "society sound" has been in demand from coast to coast. Dubbed alternately the "King of Mardi Gras Swing!" and "The Musical King of Carnival Balls" by the New Orleans Times Picayune, Jimmy has been the band for top social functions in New Orleans since 1981. From 1985 to 1989, Jimmy was partners with Peter Duchin
Peter Duchin
-Life and career:Duchin was born in New York City, the son of pianist and band leader Eddy Duchin. His mother was Marjorie Oelrichs, a Newport, Rhode Island and New York City socialite who died unexpectedly when he was just five days old. He was raised by close family friends, statesman W...
, the famed society band leader from New York City and together they produced events involving sound, lighting, staging and even decor. His father Edward Maxwell, was born in New York City but moved to New Orleans at a very early age. Edward played with the Rene Louapre Society Orchestra from 1950 up until joining Jimmy in 1981. Hence, the Maxwell family has been in the service of the New Orleans Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras
The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday...
Krewes for over 50 years.
Maxwell's climb to big band stardom began in a haphazard fashion rather typical of New Orleans musicians. His father made part of his living playing drums and his mother was a professional singer when she met his dad in a talent show put on by the local telephone operators of the time. Early on, Maxwell remembers being taken as a youngster to hear all the good jazz, pop and classical artist at local clubs and concert halls.
He began by studying drums and percussion at the age of 8 in the school band trying to be like his dad. By the age 12 Maxwell was studying piano with Guy Bernard, Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans is a private, co-educational and Jesuit university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Originally established as Loyola College in 1904, the institution was chartered as a university in 1912. It bears the name of the Jesuit patron, Saint Ignatius of Loyola...
' distinguished music professor. Later in his teenage years he was "band boy" for Rene' Louapre's Society Orchestra and would set the music stands, lights, and arrangements for the orchestra on a nightly basis. Additional duties included being bartender for the band and occasionally subbing on drums or piano to relieve fellow musicians. By his late 20s he had learned the business side of the music business and was leading his own band.
From 1985 to 1989 Maxwell was partners with Peter Duchin
Peter Duchin
-Life and career:Duchin was born in New York City, the son of pianist and band leader Eddy Duchin. His mother was Marjorie Oelrichs, a Newport, Rhode Island and New York City socialite who died unexpectedly when he was just five days old. He was raised by close family friends, statesman W...
, the famed society band leader from New York City and together they produced events involving sound, lighting, staging and even decor. His appearance at the 1988 Republican National Convention
1988 Republican National Convention
The 1988 National Convention of the Republican Party of the United States was held in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana from August 15 to August 18, 1988. It was the second time that a major party held its conclave in one of the five states known as the Deep South, coming on the...
landed him on the front page of the New York Times along with Nancy and Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
. President George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States . He had previously served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States , a congressman, an ambassador, and Director of Central Intelligence.Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to...
later invited him to play for the first anniversary inaugural ball at the Kennedy Center along with Harry Connick, Jr.
Harry Connick, Jr.
Joseph Harry Fowler Connick, Jr. is an American singer, big-band leader/conductor, pianist, actor, and composer. He has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Connick is ranked among the top 60 best-selling male artists in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with...
, Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett is an American singer of popular music, standards, show tunes, and jazz....
and Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker is an American singer-songwriter. He is widely known for popularizing the twist dance style, with his 1960 hit cover of Hank Ballard's R&B hit "The Twist"...
.
Maxwell incorporates elements of New Orleans jazz in his orchestra, but also includes other styles of his home town influences including R&B, "stride piano", New Orleans funk and the essence of the New Orleans groove. The style is crafted to include popular dance music from the 1900s into the 21st century. Maxwell combines the choice of song and tempo in a style that keeps people moving on the dane floor for enjoyable but not-too-strenuous footwork. The combination has led to the musical gumbo known as "The Maxwell Mystique".
He has performed with or for Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress. She is the only Hispanic and one of the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, and was the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award....
, Joel Grey
Joel Grey
Joel Grey is an American stage and screen actor, singer, and dancer, best known for his role as the Master of Ceremonies in both the stage and film adaptation of the Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret. He has won the Academy Award, Tony Award and Golden Globe Award...
, The 5th Dimension, The Neville Brothers
The Neville Brothers
The Neville Brothers, an American R&B and soul group, was formed in 1977 in New Orleans, Louisiana.-History:The group notion started in 1976, when the four brothers of the Neville family, Art , Charles , Aaron , and Cyril The Neville Brothers, an American R&B and soul group, was formed in 1977 in...
, Harry Connick, Sr.
Harry Connick, Sr.
Joseph Harry Fowler Connick, Sr. is a New Orleans attorney who is best known for serving as the district attorney of the Parish of Orleans, which contains the City of New Orleans, from 1973 to 2003....
, Hanson
Hanson (band)
Hanson are an American pop rock band formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by brothers Isaac , Taylor , and Zac Hanson . They are best known for the 1997 hit song "MMMBop" from their major label debut album Middle of Nowhere, which earned three Grammy nominations...
, Peter Duchin
Peter Duchin
-Life and career:Duchin was born in New York City, the son of pianist and band leader Eddy Duchin. His mother was Marjorie Oelrichs, a Newport, Rhode Island and New York City socialite who died unexpectedly when he was just five days old. He was raised by close family friends, statesman W...
, Rich Little
Rich Little
Richard Caruthers "Rich" Little is a Canadian-American impressionist and voice actor. He has long been known throughout the world as a top impersonator of famous people, resulting in his nickname, "The Man of a Thousand Voices"....
, Lou Rawls
Lou Rawls
Louis Allen "Lou" Rawls was an American soul, jazz, and blues singer. He was known for his smooth vocal style: Frank Sinatra once said that Rawls had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game"...
, Reba McIntire, Al Hirt
Al Hirt
Al Hirt was an American trumpeter and bandleader. He is best remembered for his million selling recordings of "Java", and the accompanying album, Honey in the Horn . His nicknames included 'Jumbo' and 'The Round Mound of Sound'...
, The Drifters
The Drifters
The Drifters are a long-lived American doo-wop and R&B/soul vocal group with a peak in popularity from 1953 to 1963, though several splinter Drifters continue to perform today. They were originally formed to serve as Clyde McPhatter's backing group in 1953...
, Pete Fountain
Pete Fountain
Pete Fountain , is an American clarinetist based in New Orleans. He has played jazz, Dixieland and Creole music.-Early life and education:...
, Diane Schuur
Diane Schuur
Diane Schuur is an American jazz singer and pianist. Nicknamed "Deedles", she has won two Grammy Awards, headlined many of the world's most prestigious music venues, including Carnegie Hall and The White House and has toured the world performing with such greats as Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, B. B...
, The Vienna Boys' Choir
Vienna Boys' Choir
The Vienna Boys' Choir is a choir of trebles and altos based in Vienna. It is one of the best known boys' choirs in the world. The boys are selected mainly from Austria, but also from many other countries....
, Alex Donner, Presidents Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
, George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States . He had previously served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States , a congressman, an ambassador, and Director of Central Intelligence.Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to...
, and Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, members of Great Britain’s Royal Family (Prince & Princess Michael of York; Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II and the younger daughter of King George VI....
, and Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew, Duke of York
Prince Andrew, Duke of York KG GCVO , is the second son, and third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh...
), Bill Gates
Bill Gates
William Henry "Bill" Gates III is an American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and author. Gates is the former CEO and current chairman of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen...
, Major Ronald Ferguson
Ronald Ferguson
Major Ronald Ivor Ferguson was the father of Sarah, Duchess of York, former wife to The Duke of York. He is the maternal grandfather of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York...
, Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger
Heinz Alfred "Henry" Kissinger is a German-born American academic, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and...
, Colin Powell
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...
, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor is an American jurist who was the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States. She served as an Associate Justice from 1981 until her retirement from the Court in 2006. O'Connor was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981...
, Anne Rice
Anne Rice
Anne Rice is a best-selling Southern American author of metaphysical gothic fiction, Christian literature and erotica from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, making her one of the most widely read authors in modern history...
, two-time Heavyweight Boxing Champion George Foreman
George Foreman
George Edward Foreman is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained Baptist minister, author and successful entrepreneur...
and the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
.
External links
- http://www.JimmyMaxwell.com