Dede Pierce

Dede (1904-1973) was born Joseph De La Criox Pierce from a Creole African/French family in New Orleans. He was a self-taught vocalist, cornet and trumpet player. Dede met his wife, Billie, while performing in the French Quarter. They then performed together as the house band at Luthjens Dance Hall in the 7th Ward New Orleans during the 1930s through 1950s. Dede was blind by the 50s and had a hiatus from playing, but with the help of Billie returned to touring in 1959 with Ida Cox. Dede played with the Preservation Hall jazz band during the New Orleans jazz revival.