Wikipedia:Tom Albert

Tom "Papa" Albert also known as "Kid Albert" (December 23, 1877 - December 12, 1969) was a guitarist, violinist, and Jazz trumpeter from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his musical career working with the jazz band of violinist Johnny Gould, with Louis "Big Eye" Nelson Delisle playing clarinet. Albert played with several bands including Manuel Manetta's famous String Band in the 1890s. Tom also lead his own band and was one of the original founding members of the Eureka Brass Band. In later years Albert played with Kid Howard and Papa Celestin before retiring in 1949 after more than four decades of musical activity. He died in 1969 at the age of 91 years old.

Life and career
Thomas Albert was born in Orleans Parish, Louisiana on the 23rd day of December, 1877. He grew up in a poor run-down section in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. Ton's first instrument was a guitar but he never took any lesson on it. He took lessons on the violin from the old professor at the French Opera. Jimmy Palao would take lessons and then Tom would go to Jimmy, who would give him the same lesson. He soon mastered the violin and learned how to play the cornet. By 17 he taught himself how to play the guitar. The first band Tom played in was his own, called "Albert Band." Ralph Collins had a card he got from "Fess" Manuel Manetta, who was interested in Tom, offered him a position in his String Band.Tom Joined  and played with Manetta String Band while also leading his own band throughout the late 19th century. In 1905 Peter Bocage joined Albert's Band. Bocage's would make his first public performance on violin with Tom Albert's band in 1906. In his 30s he moved from Algiers to Downtown on Burgundy Street. After moving he got with a new gang, and they named the band "Kid Albert Band." The band performed in halls all over New Orleans in including saloons in Storyville. Before his retire, Tom played with Kid Howard, Papa Celestin and the Olympia Brass Bands. In 1969 he died at the age of 91 and was laid to rest at Merrit Cemetery in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.