TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Before New Orleans became the center of jazz, Charleston, South Carolina, had already planted deep musical roots—thanks in large part to the Jenkins Orphanage Band.
Founded in 1891 by Reverend Daniel Jenkins, the orphanage provided African American children with instruments, uniforms, and musical training. These young musicians became ambassadors of early jazz, performing in parades, on the streets, and even internationally.
The Jenkins Band trained future legends like Cat Anderson, who later played with Duke Ellington. Their sound blended military precision with hot brass and swing—a style that helped lay the foundation for big band jazz.
They performed at world fairs, presidential inaugurations, and major cities across the U.S.—spreading the sound of Charleston far and wide.
They weren’t just a band—they were a movement.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.