Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Bicentennial Jazz Plaza
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 31, 2015
1. Bicentennial Jazz Plaza Marker
Jazz developed at the turn of the 20th century in south Louisiana and was born from a combination of musical traditions: work songs, spirituals, blues, and ragtime. From the early days of vaudeville and minstrel shows to the formidable first years of jazz, Donaldsonville was a hotbed of musical activity. Many of the early musicians developed an interest and talent while living on or near the plantations in the rural communities of Ascension Parish. This bicentennial monument serves as a site of enduring significance that documents, preserves and celebrates the rural musicians, famous and unsung, from this region. It also stands as a monument in recognition of the people and neighborhoods that nourished these musicians and laid the foundation for jazz that carved a uniquely prominent position on the world stage. Donaldsonville and Ascension Parish are fortunate to have these notable musicians as native sons: Claiborne Williams, Joseph "King" Oliver, Willie Foster, Richard Myknee Jones, George "Pops" Foster, Davidson C. Nelson and Emanuel Sayles.
Erected 2007 by City Of Donaldsonville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 30° 6.085′ N, 90°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. All Roads Lead to Donaldsonville (a few steps from this marker); African American Life (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); City Recreation Center (about 500 feet away); The Culture (about 600 feet away); Down The River (about 600 feet away); Louisiana's Underground Railroad (about 600 feet away); The Swamp (about 600 feet away); Freedom Seekers (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Donaldsonville.
Also see . . . River Road African American Museum. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 8, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 31, 2015
2. Bicentennial Jazz Plaza and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2015. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 7, 2015. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
