The Paulin Brothers' Brass Band

The “Paulin” name is synonymous with Traditional Jazz in and outside of New Orleans. “Doc” Paulin is one of the last pioneers still alive that has seen the old style Jazz develop from its beginning.

Ernest “Doc” Paulin was born June 22, 1907. “Doc” Paulin grew up in Wallace, Louisiana in a Creole-French speaking family. He began playing music at the age of seven years old for dances, balls and other events.

Like many New Orleans Jazz artists, he grew up in a family of musicians. Doc’s father placed the French accordion and his uncle, Edgar Peters, a Trombonist led a brass band in which “Doc” played. Playing in his uncle’s band left a lasting impression on him. In the early 1920s, “Doc” Paulin organized his own band, The “Doc” Paulin Dixieland Jazz Band. For seven decades, “Doc” has performed New Orleans Traditional Jazz with vibrant energy, style and musicianship.

“Doc” Paulin has played with such greats as Kid Ory, Danny Barker, Papa Celestine and Harold Dejean, to name a few. Playing with these caliber of musicians, “Doc” realized that this new art form called Jazz would be his life’s passion.

“Doc” Paulin’s greatest contribution to New Orleans music was his unashamed drafting of young musicians into his band. There were many who came under “Doc’s” tutelage—some whom have retired and some who are now at eternal rest. Several talented musicians that are now well-known had their first official “gig” with “Doc” Paulin. These young musicians included: Dr. Michael White, Big Al Carson, Donald Harrison, the late Anthony Lacen, also known as “Tuba Fats”, Greg Stafford, Freddie Lonzo and Leroy Jones. These musicians and many others experienced the true meaning of professionalism and respect for the music and culture from “Doc” Paulin. Our Dad was more than a musician. He was a great mentor to the aspiring neophyte.

Our Father is retired now. His last performance was at the 2004 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. “Doc” Paulin was 97 years of age at that time. Today, “Doc” is 99 years old, in relative good health and surrounded by his loving wife, Betty White Paulin of 57 years and thirteen (13) children. Praise God!

“Doc” Paulin is regarded as a significant contributor to traditional music in the New Orleans community. “Doc” may be retired but his energy, musicianship and love for New Orleans Jazz is evident in his six (6) sons, Aaron, Rickey, Dwayne, Scott, Philip and Roderick – The Paulin Brothers Brass Band.