Jimmy Maxwell

Who is Jimmy Maxwell?

Jimmy Maxwell is a musician and band leader who has gained recognition on the national music scene. In the grand tradition of Lester Lanin and Meyer David, his sleek "society sound" has been in demand from coast to coast. Dubbed alternately the "King of Mardi Gras Swing!" and "The Musical King of Carnival Balls" by the New Orleans Times Picayune, Jimmy has been the band for top social functions in New Orleans since 1981. From 1985 to 1989, Jimmy was partners with Peter Duchin, the famed society band leader from New York City and together they produced events involving sound, lighting, staging and even decor. His father Edward Maxwell, was born in New York City but moved to New Orleans at a very early age. Edward played with the Rene Louapre Society Orchestra from 1950 up until joining Jimmy in 1981. Hence, the Maxwell family has been in the service of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewes for over 50 years.

Maxwell's climb to big band stardom began in a haphazard fashion rather typical of New Orleans musicians. His father made part of his living playing drums and his mother was a professional singer when she met his dad in a talent show put on by the local telephone operators of the time. Early on, Maxwell remembers being taken as a youngster to hear all the good jazz, pop and classical artist at local clubs and concert halls.