In the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where the rhythm of jazz reverberates through the streets, there’s a musician whose trumpet echoes both joy and a poignant reminder of the city’s challenges.
Kermit Ruffins: A Legendary Trumpeter with a Heart of Gold
Kermit Ruffins, the 59-year-old jazz virtuoso, has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages. His trumpet, a constant companion since childhood, has carried him on an extraordinary musical journey.
“I remember, when I was a child, my uncle Percy Williams, a renowned trumpet player, would visit me. He’d hand me his trumpet, and the shine and the smell of that brass were magical. It was an incredible feeling.”
By high school, Ruffins had co-founded the legendary Rebirth Brass Band, which went on to worldwide acclaim. As a New Orleans native, Ruffins is revered as musical royalty, but behind the dazzling stage presence lies a deep concern for his beloved city.
Gun Violence Casts a Shadow on the Crescent City
In the past weekend’s somber wake of a shooting at a nightclub following a festival in New Orleans, one life was lost, and 11 others were wounded. These statistics are a stark reminder of the scourge of gun violence that plagues the city.
The recent shooting has shaken Ruffins to his core. He reflects on his own brush with tragedy when his car was hit by gunfire while his daughter, Blossom, was inside.
“I could have lost her that night. It was heartbreaking to imagine.”
Music as a Unifying Force
Amidst the grief and anger, Ruffins and his wife, Deidre Pleasant, find solace in their shared mission to raise awareness about gun violence.
“We have to talk about this. It’s a real thing, and it affects our community in such a devastating way.”
Ruffins believes that music has the power to bridge divides and inspire hope. “Our music can’t erase the pain, but it can help us grieve and heal together.”
