Photo by Dino Perrucci

Trombonist Lucien Barbarin, a staple of the New Orleans jazz scene, passed away from prostate cancer on January 30. He was 63.

Barbarin was best known his work with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Harry Connick, Jr. He has also played with jazz luminaries Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves and many more.

Music fans perhaps know Barbarin best from his work with Connick, which began as early as Connick’s 1991 album Blue Light, Red Light. The singer began to feature Barbarin more and more heavily in his shows as their relationship grew; Connick later designated Barbarin as a “featured” member of the band who would take the stage for theatrical trombone solos and charismatic interactions with the singer.

Barbarin first learned of his cancer in March 2018. Many in the New Orleans jazz community rallied to support his medical care, raising over twenty thousand dollars (via GoFundMe), more than doubling the fundraiser’s stated goal of ten thousand dollars.

“Lucien Barbarin is the embodiment of New Orleans tradition,” said Barbarin’s longtime bandmate, trumpeter Mark Braud, at the time. “He is a master of his craft and one of the most unique stylists of New Orleans trombone playing. He has been a mentor and inspiration to so many musicians, myself included. Lucien has brought joy all over the world.” (Quote accessed via Nola.com’s obituary for Barbarin.)

On his death, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, an integral part of the New Orleans jazz scene in his own right, had this to say (via Instagram): “A piece of the trombone just went on home. He was a legacy unto himself. From the first note, you’d know it was him. A New Orleans original. The very definition of charisma, this guy.” He continued, “Though I know he’s not really gone, he took something with him that will never be heard on this side, that way again. So long for now, Lu. Tailgate here won’t be the same without you.” (Read Payton’s full post below.)

Connick himself shared a statement on Barbarin’s his Facebook page. “It is with profound sadness that i share the news of the passing of Lucien Barbarin,” he wrote. “His battle with cancer has concluded, but his life with God has just begun, just as he always wanted. We will all have more to share as we try to process this, but, for now, please keep his wife, Sheryl, his children and grandchildren in your prayers.” Connick also included two photos of Barbarin, taken at the last recording session the two did together in January of 2019. See his full post below.

There is no doubt that Barbarin had a profound impact on those he played with, those who saw him play and the entire New Orleans music community. May he rest in peace.

Below, watch Barbarin play multiple instruments and sing on a clip of “Sheik of Araby.”