Kermit Ruffins: A Jazz Journey
From his early days holding a trumpet handed down by his uncle Percy Williams, Kermit Ruffins has been on a musical journey unlike any other. The 59-year-old jazz legend has graced some of the most prestigious stages around the world, captivating audiences with his soulful trumpet melodies.
Ruffins' musical roots trace back to his childhood, where the sight and sound of his uncle's trumpet sparked a lifelong passion for music. "My uncle Percy Williams, he's a trumpet player, and I can remember being 8, 9, 10-years-old, and he would come to the house almost every weekend and just put the trumpet in my hand," Ruffins reminisced. "That shine, that smell of that brass, it was so freaking exciting."
During high school, Ruffins co-founded the Rebirth Brass Band with classmates, a decision that would unknowingly propel them to international fame. Hailing from New Orleans, Ruffins is hailed as music royalty in his hometown.
Despite a successful decade of touring globally, Ruffins felt the pull of his roots back home in the early 90s. It was then that he formed his next musical venture, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers. Describing their sound as "dancing music," Ruffins emphasized the significance of performing in the birthplace of jazz.
However, amidst his musical triumphs, Ruffins faced the harsh reality of gun violence impacting his family.
Tragic Consequences of Gun Violence
Two years ago, Ruffins' pregnant girlfriend, Harmonese Pleasant, was shot by a stray bullet outside of their home. It prompted an emergency delivery and left their daughter, Blossom, with a spinal cord injury. Doctors are unsure if she'll ever be able to walk.
"It's just unbelievable, you know. It's, it's like, it's not really happening. Cause now my baby probably won't walk," Ruffins said. "And then Harmonese has this big scar, most beautiful girl in the world. So, it's a lot when I look at Blossom and knowing what's gonna happen as far as going to school and everything she's gonna go through."
Louisiana ranked second for gun-related deaths in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationwide, homicide rates and violent crime overall decreased in 2023, according to data released by the FBI.
But this past weekend, one person was killed and 11 were wounded in New Orleans after a shooting in front of a nightclub after a festival, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Meanwhile, Ruffins and Pleasant hope their story brings more awareness to gun violence.
"Because it's a — it's a real thing. It's a big thing," Pleasant said. "And it affects people in a real major way."
"I could have been doing two funerals," Ruffins added.
David Begnaud recently shared on CBS Mornings about Tulane University students who are constructing specially designed wheelchairs for children with disabilities. The students presented one to Ruffins' daughter to aid her in moving around more comfortably.
Having gained a fresh outlook on life, Ruffins' music now resonates with a different melody, one that is more centered on hope and peace within the community.
For Ruffins, there is no role he values more than that of a father. Despite all the challenges his family has faced, he remains thankful for the overwhelming love and support they have received.
"They love me to death and everybody loves Blossom," Ruffins expressed. "She's the absolute joy, and when I look into her eyes, I see her excitement for life."
