Lu Watters

Lu Watters, a pioneering figure in the jazz world, was a trumpeter and bandleader whose passion for New Orleans-style jazz left an indelible mark on the music scene. Born in Santa Cruz, California, in 1911, Watters became a prominent force in San Francisco's jazz community, known for his exceptional trumpet skills and his leadership of the Yerba Buena Jazz Band. Formed in the late 1930s, this band was instrumental in the West Coast's New Orleans jazz revival of the 1940s. Watters' deep admiration for King Oliver's Original Creole Jazz Band influenced his playing and bandleading, making him a key figure in preserving and popularizing traditional jazz. His work spans genres like swing and ragtime, offering a rich, nostalgic journey through America's musical heritage. Watters' legacy endures, celebrated by jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike.