Living Legends of Jazz - Wendell Eugene

Wendell Eugene credit: Donn Young

wendell eugene took up the trombone at an early age, first inspired by seeing his uncle and brother playing in parades and jazz funerals. He was taught by his older brother, Homer, and his cousin Clem Tervalon, both accomplished trombonists. At age ten he had the memorable experience of hearing the great Louis Armstrong belting out a solo rendition of “Peanut Vendor” at a neighbor’s house shortly after the jazz legend made a classic recording of the song. At seventeen he started playing dances with trumpeter Kid Howard’s traditional jazz band, and then played in local big bands until serving in the Navy, where he had the honor of performing with Louis Armstrong.

After a brief stay in Lucky Millender’s famous big band, he returned to New Orleans to raise a family.

He taught music and played on Bourbon Street before becoming a letter carrier, a position he held for more than thirty years. Though he never stopped performing, Eugene was only able to start traveling overseas after retiring from the post office. He made several recordings, including the rousing tailgate trombone work on Paul Simon’s 1970s hit “Take Me to the Mardi Gras.” In recent years he has continued to play in small traditional jazz groups and brass bands.

Eugene evacuated just before the arrival of Katrina and spent a year and a half in Mississippi and Louisiana before returning. His house in the heavily flooded Gentilly section was badly damaged — he lost most of his possessions, including valuable instruments — but he is now back and active on the music scene and foresees a gradual revival of the New Orleans music community.