International Jazz Banjo Newsletter

Narvin Kimball, last original member of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, passed away 17 March, 2006 at the age of 97. He was committed to passing on the music to today’s young musicians. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band started in 1966 as a collection of 120 New Orleans old-time musicians playing in a French Quarter art gallery. When Narvin Kimball (at age 57) joined the original Band, he was its youngest member at the nightly performances while delivering U.S. mail during the day.As a mail carrier for thirty-five years, he never missed a single day without pay and was late only three times. The pride of his tenure with the Post Office and his professionalism with the PHJB showed as he was immaculately attired in his appropriate mail or musician uniform with shoes shined and shirts cleaned and pressed.
Playing professionally since the 1920’s and making his recording debut in 1928 on Columbia Records, he was told to "wait his turn" to be the PHJB leader, as senior band members preceded him in that role. These included Willie and Percy Humphrey, Dede and Billie Pierce, Jim Robinson, Cie Frasier, Kid Thomas and George Lewis. They, and others, have all passed on, Narvin Kimball was its sole original practitioner.
Born in New Orleans in 1909 and the son of Henry Kimball, a well-respected New Orleans bass player who performed in the Crescent City at the turn of this century, Narvin quickly earned a reputation as a dynamic left-handed banjo player. During the 1920’s while playing with the highly regarded Fate Marable Band on Mississippi River boats, he established musical relationships with musicians he would perform with for decades. One was Willie Humphrey, another original member of the PHJB and with whom Narvin would play for over 60 years before Willie's passing in 1996.
From 1935-1960, he played the string bass with popular swing groups including the Sidney Desvigne orchestra. Today we are seeing a resurgence of swing music, of which he was an original member.In 1960, he returned to his banjo playing. Narvin’s playing and singing quickly became a favorite of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which started a few years later. With the PHJB he performed throughout the world and with the country’s major symphony orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony. His vocal rendition of Georgia, a crowd pleaser, was guaranteed to bring a tear to one’s eye.
Whatever Narvin did, he was eloquent. Whether it is his singing, banjo playing, or dressing – it was always impeccable. He was the consummate professional. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.