New Orleans jazz trumpeter Lionel Ferbos dies a few days after his birthday at age 103
7/19/2014NEW ORLEANS — Centenarian jazz musician Lionel Ferbos has died at his home in New Orleans. He was 103.
Family friend Regina Dillings says the trumpeter died Saturday morning surrounded by friends and family.
Ferbos performed all over New Orleans and its suburbs for decades. His ability to read music made him an in-demand musician for gigs that took him to parks, schools, churches, dance halls and even prisons. He also performed at his 102nd birthday party and at every New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival until this past year.
Ferbos was believed to be the oldest working jazz musician who performed regularly until last year. His death Saturday came just days after his 103rd birthday on July 17.