Kermit Ruffins was born in New Orleans in 1964 and began his musical career as a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band in the early 1980s. As the band's trumpeter, he helped shape the modern brass band sound that would come to define a generation of New Orleans music.
After leaving Rebirth, Ruffins formed his own band, the Barbecue Swingers, and developed a persona that perfectly encapsulated the joyful, communal spirit of New Orleans music. Playing swing, traditional jazz, and original compositions, the band became one of the most popular live acts in the city.
"I just want to make people happy. Play good music, cook good food, have a good time. That's New Orleans."
— Kermit Ruffins
Ruffins became nationally known through his portrayal of himself in the HBO series Treme, where his character's relationship to music, BBQ, and the city's pleasures was central to the show's portrait of post-Katrina New Orleans. The show introduced his music to a vast new audience.
He remains one of the most active performers in New Orleans, playing multiple nights a week at various clubs around the city. His dedication to performing live in New Orleans — even as he tours — speaks to his deep connection to the community that made him. He is, in many ways, the spirit of the city made musical.
