Kermit Ruffins

Kermit Ruffins, born on December 19, 1964, in New Orleans, Louisiana, began playing the trumpet in junior high school in the city’s Ninth Ward. His early musical education continued at Joseph S. Clark High School in Tremé. Ruffins developed an appreciation for cooking from his grandmother, a passion he later integrated into his public performances. In 1983, he co-founded the Rebirth Brass Band, an influential group modeled after the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The Rebirth Brass Band gained recognition through regular gigs at The Glass House and tours across the nation and internationally. Ruffins contributed to the band’s repertoire with compositions such as “Do Whatcha Wanna” and “Put Your Right Foot Forward.” His time with the Rebirth Brass Band spanned ten years, during which he honed his skills as a performer and composer, and expanded his musical role to include vocals, inspired by figures like Louis Armstrong.

In 1992, Ruffins established his own group, the Barbecue Swingers, a traditional jazz quintet that has performed for over 25 years. This ensemble became known for its lively performances, often featuring Ruffins cooking barbecue for the audience during his sets, merging his love for music and culinary arts. The Barbecue Swingers held popular weekly gigs at Vaughan’s Bar in Bywater, where his 2007 album, ‘Live at Vaughan’s,’ was recorded. Throughout his career, Ruffins has released 17 albums, primarily with the New Orleans-based Basin Street Records. His solo debut, ‘World on a String,’ was released in 1992 on the Justice label, featuring collaborations with musicians like Ellis Marsalis. His subsequent albums, including ‘The Big Butter and Egg Man’ (1994) and ‘Hold on Tight’ (1996), further showcased his songwriting and distinctive style.

Beyond his musical recordings, Ruffins has been recognized for his contributions to the New Orleans music scene. He received a nomination at the 2003 Big Easy Entertainment Awards and multiple Best of the Beat Awards from OffBeat magazine for Best Traditional Jazz Band or Performer with the Barbecue Swingers. Ruffins has also engaged in club ownership, operating Kermit’s Treme Speakeasy and briefly Ernie K-Doe’s Mother-in-Law Lounge. His presence extends to television, appearing as himself in several episodes of HBO’s ‘Treme.’ In 2016, he collaborated with Bill Murray on a rendition of ‘The Bare Necessities’ for Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book.’ Ruffins continues to perform regularly in New Orleans and on tour, frequently participating in local ceremonies such as funerals and weddings.