The Jazz of the Jazzy Jags

Southern University, a historically black university, is known for some of its amazing programs, organizations and sports teams. The most notable aspect of the school is the music program, which includes The Human Jukebox and more recently, The Jazzy Jags. The Jazzy Jags consists of fifteen members in total, a horn section, a rhythm section, and a vocal section all promoting tremendous talent. The history of the Jazzy Jags is traced back to 89 years after the founding of the school.
According to Dr. Herman Jackson, the assistant director of the Jazzy Jags, the history of the group “…began in 1969 with Alvin Batiste, Henry Butler, Julius Farmer and myself.”
Alvin Batiste was born and raised in the New Orleans area and played the clarinet. He is one of the pioneers of Jazz, and he died in 2007.
Henry Butler was born and raised in the New Orleans area and studied under Alvin Batiste. He is known for playing the piano and for playing in last years New Orleans Jazz Festival with his group the Jambalaya Band. He died in 2017.
Julius Farmer was born in Baton Rouge but resided in New Orleans. He played the bass and was able to study under the great Ron Carter. Julius has many impressive achievements but is mostly known for serving as the first African American chairman on the Wage Scale Committee. He died in 2001.
Herman Jackson was born in Baton Rouge and is known for playing the drums. He has traveled all over the world and has performed with musical greats, such as B. B. King and Eartha Kitt. Today, he is the current co-leader of the present-day Jazzy Jags.
From the very first performance, this group has been entertaining crowds for 50 years. This jazz ensemble has not only incorporated itself into the hearts of millions but into the hearts of Southern University students. D’Aryn Thomas, a junior business management major, has called the music, “…relaxing and uplifting which eases the mind.” Overall, this group gives students the chance to express themselves, explore different types of music freely and to demonstrate their talents.
Lead by director Harry Anderson; this organization has traveled and played all over. They have performed at past events like the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, The West African State Department, and many other locations. Each year, the Jazzy Jags have had the honor to show the legacy of the founders of this group. Through each generation of students who perform in this group, they have the experience of traveling to new places and showing the world the musical soul of the school when delivering classic jazz music.
Southern University students can expect to see the Jazzy Jags pay tribute to Alvin Batiste at the 2019 New Orleans Jazz Festival. This year’s jazz festival will be held in New Orleans from April 26 to May 5, 2019.
For additional information, students can go to Dr. Harry Anderson’s and Dr. Herman Jackson’s offices in DeBose Annex or contact them at [email protected] or [email protected].