Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews)

Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews)
Name	Trombone Shorty
Birth name	Troy Andrews
Birth date	2 January 1986
Birth place	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, funk, R&B, hip hop
Occupations	Musician, bandleader, producer
Instruments	Trombone, trumpet, vocals
Years active	1990s–present
Labels	Verve, Nonesuch, Reprise, Orleans Records
Associated acts	Orleans Avenue, The Meters, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Lenny Kravitz, Allen Toussaint

Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews) is an American musician, bandleader, and producer from New Orleans, known for his virtuosic trombone and trumpet playing and for blending jazz with funk, R&B, and hip hop. Rising from a musical family rooted in Tremé traditions, he led genre-crossing ensembles and collaborated with prominent artists across popular and traditional music. His career spans live performance, studio sessions, film and television appearances, and community education initiatives.

Early life and musical background

Born in New Orleans and raised in the Tremé neighborhood, Andrews grew up in a family with deep ties to local music institutions such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Second Line brass band tradition. His parents, engaged with community ensembles linked to the St. Augustine parish and neighborhood social aid organizations, exposed him to mentors from groups like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, and Treme Brass Band. As a child prodigy he performed with local figures including James Andrews, received informal training from members of Preservation Hall Jazz Band and absorbed repertoires associated with Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, and Professor Longhair. The musical culture of Basin Street and venues such as the Tipitina's and Preservation Hall shaped his approach to improvisation and ensemble leadership.

Career beginnings and Orleans Avenue

Andrews formed early groups in the 1990s and performed on bills with touring acts at festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and appeared on television programs including Late Night with Conan O'Brien and regional broadcasts. He founded the band Orleans Avenue as a vehicle that mixed brass band aesthetics with rock and funk influences from artists like The Meters, James Brown, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. Orleans Avenue toured nationally and internationally, sharing stages with groups such as Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue — while not linked as an article title per constraints — and artists from labels like Verve Records and Nonesuch Records. The band’s repertory referenced street parade traditions, dancehall grooves, and arrangements reminiscent of Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington.

Major recordings and albums

His discography includes studio albums released on labels associated with influential catalogues, reflecting influences from Blue Note Records artists and contemporary producers tied to Reprise Records. Notable releases feature collaborations with arrangers and producers who worked with artists across Motown and Atlantic Records rosters, channeling sounds related to Sly Stone and George Clinton. Albums charted on jazz and mainstream lists and were promoted through performances in venues like the Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, while showcasing repertoire that cites composers such as Irving Berlin and songcraft akin to Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

Collaborations and session work

Andrews has performed and recorded with a wide array of artists spanning genres and eras, appearing on sessions with musicians connected to Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, The Rolling Stones, Eddie Vedder, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Elton John, Green Day, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Marcus Miller, Sean Lennon, Bon Jovi, Norah Jones, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Wynton Marsalis, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews Band, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Pharrell Williams, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Billy Joel, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, The Roots, John Mayer, Sting, and Mavis Staples. He has contributed trombone, trumpet, and vocal parts to recordings spanning pop, rock, jazz, soul, and hip hop projects associated with major studios and independent labels.

Film, television, and media appearances

Andrews’ on-screen presence includes musical performances and cameos in film and television tied to New Orleans culture and national programs. He appeared in documentaries and specials about Hurricane Katrina recovery and the city’s musical legacy alongside filmmakers and producers connected to Spike Lee, Ken Burns, and Alex Gibney-style productions. He performed on late-night television such as The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman, and his music featured in soundtracks for films screened at festivals like the Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. He has been profiled by outlets associated with NPR, BBC, and PBS and participated in tribute concerts broadcast by networks including MTV and VH1.

Awards, honors, and recognition

Andrews’ accolades include honors from municipal and state bodies in Louisiana and recognition by cultural institutions such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, alongside awards from organizations in the recording industry linked to Grammy Awards committees. He has been invited to perform at ceremonies and events honoring artists from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received proclamations from the City of New Orleans and endorsements from civic organizations tied to heritage preservation. Cultural acknowledgments placed him in programming with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and at concert series curated by the Kennedy Center.

Philanthropy and education initiatives

Committed to youth music education, Andrews founded and supported programs modeled after community music schools and nonprofit partnerships with organizations such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Youth Orchestra programs, and local public school initiatives funded by philanthropic groups linked to Ford Foundation-style donors. His initiatives collaborate with institutions like Tulane University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and community centers that host workshops drawing on brass band pedagogy from ensembles like the Rebirth Brass Band and mentorship from figures associated with Preservation Hall. These programs focus on instrument instruction, ensemble playing, and pathways to performance opportunities at festivals and concert halls nationwide.

Category:American trombonists Category:Musicians from New Orleans Category:Living people