Kid Thomas Valentine

Kid Thomas Valentine (1896-1987) was known for his dance hall trumpet playing. He started on cornet at 10 and later joined the Pickwick Brass Band which his father was a member of. In 1922, he moved to Algiers and freelanced in brass and dance hall bands, then forming his own Algiers Stompers in 1926. They became the house band for Specks Moulin Rouge in Marerro which included Joe James and Louis Nelson.

Kid Thomas played in tours organized by Big Bill Bissonnette. and defined early New Orleans trumpet style. He recorded frequently in 1951 for many labels.

In 1962, he played with George Lewis in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and after this performance, it became a frequent stop for jazz musicians. Kid Thomas recorded and played in England with jazz drummer Barry Martyn and Japan with the George Lewis Band. He was a founding member of Preservation Hall and continued to play music into his 90s.