Joe Watkins

Joe Watkins was a drummer from New Orleans. He first studied piano and after expressing interest improvising percussive rhythms, he began on drums in 1923 under Henry Martin. Joe was also the nephew of guitarist/banjoist Johnny St. Cyr, and inspired by drummer Baby Dodds. He began playing his first gigs with the Foster Lewis band. He had to sell his drums during the Depression, but later started playing again with George Lewis in the 1940s on Bourbon Street at El Moracco Club and Mannie’s Tavern. By 1955, Joe was a well known drummer and was invited to play at the Montery Pop Festival. He also played with Earl Hines and made recordings with Lizzie Miles in the 50s. In the 1960s, Joe played with other great jazz musicians such as Punch Miller and was a regular performer at Preservation Hall.

Songs
Ice Cream
Down by the Riverside