Lawrence Marrero

Who was Lawrence Marrero?

Lawrence Marrero was an American jazz banjoist.

Marrero was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in a musical family. His brothers were Eddie, John and Simon while their father Billy was a bass player too. His cousin was Cie Frazier.

In 1919 he got his first regular job on banjo with Wooden Joe Nicholas's Camelia Brass Band and from 1920 he joined on bass drum the Young Tuxedo Brass Band.

In 1942 made the recordings with Bunk Johnson that started the New Orleans Jazz Revival and soon became a legend among the Jazz fans. He was featured on many recordings and was a regular member of the George Lewis band until ill health caused him to quit music in late 1955.

He was not considered by most to be a banjo virtuoso and very seldom took a solo, but his steady and swinging banjo was the keystone of any rhythm section of which he was a part. Marrero died in New Orleans, Louisiana.