Avery “Kid” Howard

Avery “Kid” Howard (1908-1966) was a New Orleans native and jazz trumpeter associated with the New Orleans jazz scene.

Howard started his musical study on the drums at the young age of 14. Moreover, he switched to the cornet and then the trumpet after playing with Chris Kelly. In the 1920s, he played in New Orleans with the Eureka Brass Band, Allen’s Brass Band, and the Tuxedo Brass Band. In the late 20s and early 30s, he led his own band to play in Buddy Petit’s funeral.

He also played in the Palace Theatre pit orchestra from 1938 to 1943. At this time, Howard played with George Lewiswhere some of his best recordings were made. In 1946, he led the Original Zenith Brass Band and only played locally for the next 5 years. In 1952, he returned to play with Lewis until 1961 but his playing is uneven as he battled alcoholism. In 1961, Howard fell in love, left Lewis’ band, and made it through recovery to record several times with high praise. He played in New Orleans at Preservation Hall and other venues until he died of a brain hemorrhage in 1966.