The Preservation Hall Jazz Band was officially formed in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, who managed Preservation Hall, a venue in the French Quarter of New Orleans dedicated to keeping traditional jazz alive. The hall itself was established as a performance space where older jazz musicians—some of whom had played with pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton—could showcase their talents.
PHJB has served as a living embodiment of the New Orleans jazz tradition, with a rotating lineup of musicians over the decades. Members often include seasoned veterans and younger players who carry the torch for future generations.
Today, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band continues to tour extensively, sharing the spirit of New Orleans jazz with audiences worldwide. They remain a prominent fixture at music festivals and cultural events, including appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The band is also committed to music education and community engagement, with programs designed to pass on the New Orleans jazz tradition to younger generations. In recent years, they've collaborated with artists from other genres, such as My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, and the Foo Fighters, broadening their appeal while honoring their roots.
