Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band, New Orleans, 1897
This is an 1897 photograph of an early New Orleans band comprised of a group of “street urchins,” led by Emile “Stalebread Charlie” Lacoume (he is seated second from the far left). Other members of the group were Harry Gregson, Emile “Whiskey” Benrod, Willie “Cajun” Bussey, Frank “Monk” Bussey and a boy known only as “Warm Gravy.” They also had another member who was known as “Chinee” and a singer known as “Family Haircut.” This band performed in the streets of Storyville in the 1890’s and early 1900’s. This is a scan from an old book, “Storyville, New Orleans” by Al Rose.
Storyville was also known as “The District” that is, the district for John’s looking for Jane’s. (Prostitution) You should definitely do more research into Storyville. The history is fascinating and the pictures are haunting.
