The Original Dixieland Jazz Band dates to 1916 when DJ "Nick" LaRocca, cornetist from New Orleans, founded a band of all New Orleans musicians while in Chicago. The 1917 Original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded the very first ever Jazz recording. Prior to this recording, the popular music recorded at this time was known as "slang". The Original Dixieland Jass Band was changed to The Original Dixeland Jazz Band and from that point forward the name was secured as we know it today. They were the first ever jazz band to perform for American service men in WWI. In 1919 they were the first jazz band to perform in Europe. Jazz is a term that describes an incredibly diverse amount of musical styles spanning eight-one years, from Dixieland,Swing, Big Band, Be Bop, Contemporary,Progressive,Afro-Cuban, Classic, Modern, Acid and more that have all evolved, progressed and grown from the very first Original Dixieland Jazz Band recording. Their music has grown to be embraced by virtually every country and millions of musicians and listeners worldwide. This band is truly a unique part of America's Jazz Heritage. The sounds of that first extraordinary group are not only preserved in record history, but today progresses with Nick's eldest son Jimmy performing on trumpet and leading the present day Original Dixieland Jazz Band. The Origianal Dixieland Jazz Band loves to play at the Jazz Fest!