Branford Marsalis

Biography

Branford Marsalis, born in New Orleans, is an American composer, bandleader, and saxophonist. He studied at Southern University with Alvin Batiste, then moved to Berklee College of Music, where he toured Europe in a large ensemble led by Art Blakey. He joined Blakey's Jazz Messengers on alto saxophone and worked in a quintet led by Wynton Marsalis until 1985, releasing his first recording, Scenes in the City. He later played with Sting and formed the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 1986. He led The Tonight Show Band from 1992 to 1995, started Buckshot LeFonque, and founded Marsalis Music. His album I Heard You Twice the First Time (1992) won a Grammy for best instrumental jazz album, and he wrote music for the Broadway revival of Fences. He appeared in Throw Momma from the Train (1987) and Spike Lee's School Daze (1988).

66years old

Turns 67 on August 26in 288 days

Born August 26, 1960New Orleans
Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22

Movie Career

Films: 4
Career span: 23 years1987 to 2010

Every film, newest first

2010Everyday Sunshine: The Story of FishboneIMDb rating 7.6
1997Eve's BayouIMDb rating 7.2
1988School DazeIMDb rating 6.1
1987Throw Momma from the TrainIMDb rating 6.3

Genres

Did you know?!

A role that slipped away
Branford Marsalis initially turned down the offer to lead The Tonight Show Band in 1992, but later reconsidered and accepted the position after Jay Leno took over from Johnny Carson.
Early training
Marsalis studied under jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste at Southern University, who encouraged him to transfer to Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Behind the camera
Marsalis set up Marsalis Music in 2002. The label's catalog features Miguel Zenón, Doug Wamble, Harry Connick Jr. and Claudia Acuña, along with albums from members of the Marsalis family.
Behind the camera
For the 2010 Broadway revival of Fences, the play by August Wilson, Marsalis composed the music. The production brought the August Wilson work back to Broadway that year.
Behind the camera
In 1994, Marsalis formed Buckshot LeFonque, a jazz group with rock and hip-hop elements. Its name came from a pseudonym Cannonball Adderley had used, and that year the group released its first album.