Freddie Keppard and Original Creole Orchestra Tour Nationally

Cornetist Freddie Keppard led the Original Creole Orchestra on vaudeville tours across the United States starting around 1914, bringing New Orleans jazz to national audiences years before recordings captured the genre. Keppard reportedly declined an early offer to record, supposedly fearing others would steal his style. His touring is credited with spreading New Orleans jazz to cities across America.