First Recording Studio of Cosimo Matassa
First Recording Studio of Cosimo Matassa
Built circa 1835
With galleries likely added in the 1850s.
In 1944, J&M Amusements acquired this building, and Cosimo Matassa soon opened J&M Recording Studio.
Oscar "Papa" Celestine, Danny Barker, and The Dukes of Dixieland recorded jazz here.
The "New Orleans Sound" developed from pioneering Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll recordings made here between 1947 and 1956 by Paul Gayten, Annie Laurie, Roy Brown, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Smiley Lewis, Joe Turner, Guitar Slim, Shirley & Lee, Lloyd Price, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and others.
Erected 1999 by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 29° 57.719′ N, 90° 4.014′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the French Quarter. It is on North Rampart Street east of St. Ann Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 840 North Rampart Street, New
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Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: J&M Recording Studio (here, next to this marker); Louis Satchmo Armstrong (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Orleans Marching Brass Band (about 400 feet away); Sidney Joseph Bechet (about 400 feet away); Charles "Buddy" Bolden (about 500 feet away); Congo Square (about 500 feet away); Calle de San Felipe (about 500 feet away); Allison "Big Chief Tootie" Montana (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
More about this marker. Known currently as the Ramp Art Gallery
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 762 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
