The Spirit of New Orleans
Down on the Bayou where the mighty Mississippi kisses Lake Pontchartrain and spills into the Gulf of Mexico. There sits that jewel of the Southland. What the French lost to the British who gave it to the Spanish who lost it back to the French who sold it to America for….. Well, some folks say Jefferson conned Napoleon in a card game and won it for some jambalaya and a chicory coffee.
New Orleans, N’Awlins, the Crescent City, the Big Easy, the northern capitol of the Caribbean, Groove City. Man, they have things down there you wouldn’t believe. A mythic place of Mardi-Gras and mumbo, Voodoo and the moss-covered, alligator-spiked pathways of back-country swamp drained and sprinkled with gris-gris dust to house a wild, unruly population. A city with they own cuisine, they own architecture, they own music..streets with names like Dorgenois and Tchoupitoulas.
People in crazy costumes parading talkin ’bout “throw me somethin’ mistah,” dressed like Indians chanting ’bout “Madi,Madi-Cudifiyo,” sittin in the young twilight on the ‘poach’ of they camelback shotgun house eatin po’ boys bout to ‘make’ groceries for the crawfish ‘burl’ they gon’ have on ‘Sadday.’ They sing through horns down there you know. Yeah Padnah! Something called Jazz, started by a cornet man named Bolden. They say Bolden could play so loud the sun was scared to set. Some folks say the air is so thick down here you can eat it with a spoon.
Drummers drag rhythms in dirgey solemnity down neighborhood streets as horns moan, mock and moo. Man, hot notes echo against the sky with such weight as to be objects. Objects of sorrow so passionately played that the dead begin to cry. Then that trumpet calls and everyone falls in behind the band for a second line parade and those musicians get to hollerin and shoutin and folks get to struttin and steppin and the living let go of the dead and sorrow soon becomes laughter. In New Orleans we bury our dead above ground. They always walk amongst us…. but that music… It always ends happy. So when a strong rain brings angry winds howlin’ down the Mississippi or up from the Gulf, those misty winds carry the dreams of ghosts, yes, but not just the goblins of Marie Laveau the Voodoo queen, or the tortured spirits of the legendary, lascivious lovelies of Storyville sporting houses, or even the undead demons of corrupt politicians who have steeled our idealism over three colorful centuries. They also bring the spirits of Saints, of those who have lived here in quiet dignity and sanctified religiosity, of those who have raised kids in the shadow of the St. Louis Cathedral and Sundayed in Jackson Square or of the River Walk lovers holding hands… of many who have fallen in love here, proposed here, honeymooned here. Not just the howling ghouls of the frat-boy drunks on Bourbon Street, but they also bring the angels of all who have romanced in and with this beautiful land on the Delta.
Yes, the ‘haints become more famous but the Saints endure. Where were you when 85,000 people gathered in the last open seated stadium in professional football to witness John Gilliam run our very first kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown? When Tom Dempsey kicked that 63 yard field goal with half-a-right foot? When Tom Fears, Hank Stram, and Jim Mora prowled the sidelines? Were you there when Howard Stevens, Danny Abromowicz, Rickey Jackson, and Archie Manning donned the black and gold? Ahhh..those New Orleans Saints! Confined to a purgatory of their own making, looking for the fast track to hell. Maybe a brand new dome would appease the gods of football—a Superdome.
Fathers bounced kids on their knees while explaining how we would certainly blow our 30 point halftime lead by game’s end…..and the Saints did not disappoint. Were you there when the Dome Patrol brought us to the upper chambers of purgatory in search of playoffs, playoffs..playoffs? Yes, ‘haints become famous but Saints endure. Just ask Deuce. If 4 years is a long time: (your high school years, your college days, the length of the Civil War..WWII)…then 43 years is an eternity. You ever wait for something so long that waiting for it becomes the something? You ever see grown folks put bags over their heads in public, covering up to hide from themselves like an old alcoholic who won’t admit? We can’t help it. We’re with our Saints even when we ‘aint. New Orleans people are stubborn and hate to leave home. Down here, people like to brag about how they handle tragedy. Epochal hurricanes like Betsy and Camille are discussed as if they’re people. “Betsy was bad but Camille, ‘Lawd Have Mercy,’ the water was up here to my neck.” Nobody brags on Katrina. She swept through here like death on a high horse. Those flood waters seemed to run all the demons, goblins, AND saints away forever. There goes old Jean Lafitte, the pirate, relocated to Houston; there goes old Jelly Roll Morton off somewhere in Memphis with that diamond still sparklin in his front tooth.
But quick to return is the unbending will and irrepressible spirit, sin-dipped in Tabasco sauce and spiced with file’ in possession of an unshakable, unbreakable soul that Louis Armstrong first announced to the entire world through a red hot trumpet, that Danny Barker broadcasted on a burnished banjo, and Sidney Bechet shouted and screamed through a scorching horn said to be a soprano saxophone. And here comes that chastened Noah’s arc of a dome rising from ignominy to become again a beacon of community. And, oh yes, they are still down here marching in those funny-named streets blowing history AND the present moment through singing horns. And people still dance with abandon, exuberance, and unbridled human feeling because that music tells ‘em “what has been may be what is, but what will be cannot possibly be known.”
We live the moment. Laissez les bon temps rouler! — Let the Good Times Roll. I think I hear that trumpet calling the children of the Who Dat Nation home–not Gabriel’s or the horns that blew down the walls of Jericho–that jazz trumpet conjuring up the spirit world with a Congo Square drum cadence. Ghosts, goblins, and ‘haints aggravate. Saints congregate. I hear them now bringing that 43 year second line to a glorious crescendo. “Who Dat Say What Dat When Us Do Dat?” It’s like waiting 43 years to hear somebody say ‘I Love You’ back. And they do. Let the tale be told ’bout the black and gold won the Super Bowl.
And those jazzmen still play sad songs, but they always end happy…they always do.
Wynton Marsalis
Barbara Theriot DeJean said
on February 7, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Dear Wynton,
I am a 69 year old widow, grandma, and great grandma. You made me cry. I loved everything you said and it means so much to me. I am a resident and native of Louisiana. I grew up with everything Louisiana including for the last 44 years —The Saints. They have brought us together and given Louisiana so much to be proud of. Win or lose, we have been given the ride of our lives. Geaux Saints.. and thanks again for the “The Spirit of Louisiana” Let us all carry that spirit on after football.
Bobbie
Jan Douglas said
on February 7, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
I am so proud to be a Louisianan! Thank you Wynton for putting why we love this state, New Orleans, and the Saints so beautifully!
Mark said
on February 7, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Amazing. What a great explanation of a GREAT city. Thank you.
James Wooten said
on February 7, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
Mr. Marsalis,
I’m from Louisiana and have been a fan of the Saints for as long as I’ve known what football is. My dad has been a Saints fan ever since they came into existence. I live in Seattle now and my dad flew up here so that we could spend this Super Bowl together and the both of us thank you for those words. I have never heard anybody describe what it means to be from Louisiana or a Saints fan as beautiful as what you did. Again thank you for these words, their inspiration and heart-felt feelings have touched these two old Saints fans.
Natalie Dungey said
on February 7, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
Hi Mr. Marsalis!
I just watched your spot on the Superbowl pre-game show with my dad. We loved it — what a thrill to hear you play and your tribute to New Orleans. Is there a way we can get a copy of the video?
I love your trumpet playing
You are soooo AWESOME!!!
Timothy Deal said
on February 7, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
Beautiful, Wynton. Thank you for sharing the The Spirit of New Orleans with us. It is a blessing to have the Saints marching today. Representing to the world what the city and people are all about; heart.
Tre' Jackson said
on February 7, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
just saw your video version of this on the CBS pregame show, and it was incredibly moving…
Came here looking for it to send a link to all my friends.
walt said
on February 7, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
this is absolute greatness.
Beverly said
on February 7, 2010 @ 5:58 pm
What a beautiful tribute..thank you, Wynton.
careba said
on February 7, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Soulful and passionated master description of a Nola´s proud son telling others…. “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans”…..
WYNTON, BEAUTIFUL WORDS!!!!!!!!!!
All the best!
Take care.
C.
Robin said
on February 7, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
Amazing! Great job composing an excellent piece of writing that really tells a story! Always loved your music! Now love your writing. Thanks for doing this!
Rachel said
on February 7, 2010 @ 8:06 pm
Beautifully said.
Thank you.
Sandy Duke said
on February 7, 2010 @ 8:33 pm
I came here looking for a video of your beautiful piece shown on the Super Bowl pre-game show and was double-blessed today when I read “The Spirit of New Orleans.” There’s defnitely more than one way to make music. You sir, have been gifted with the ability to touch souls with words that sing, and music that speaks. Carry on, dear brother, carry on!
Brian Mattix said
on February 7, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
Hear hear! The video of this needs to get out there! I can’t find it anywhere.
Carol said
on February 7, 2010 @ 10:57 pm
I was blessed to visit the great city of New Orleans 8 months before Katrina. I fell in love and my heart has ached with all of you. Your performance of this piece today brought me to tears. Like others, is there someplace where we can get the video. It was awesome! Thank you!
Mike said
on February 7, 2010 @ 11:06 pm
So well said, Wynton; Your pen is as lyrical as your music.
All the best,
Mike
Jennifer said
on February 8, 2010 @ 2:19 am
I was surprised when I felt a tear slip down my cheek as I listened to you today - I moved down here in 2006, everyone thought I was crazy (still do!) and I fell in love with it. Thank you for finding the words I could not to express what I love about this city!
ilea said
on February 8, 2010 @ 3:51 am
This made me cry.
It is beautiful.
Thank you.
Evert-Jan Hielema said
on February 8, 2010 @ 4:22 am
The man has spoken
The city, it’s people and
their music has been honoured
And I’m touched…
John Porter said
on February 8, 2010 @ 4:44 am
Wynton: Your pregame musical monologue at the Super Bowl was magnificent. New Orleans, and all of your fans should get a chance to see it again
Paul Klutes said
on February 8, 2010 @ 7:25 am
Wynton, preach on, my brother - you got it right.
Jim Dantin said
on February 8, 2010 @ 8:29 am
Your piece should be used as the permanent introduction to Super Bowl replys! Incresible! Thank you. Please get the video posted where it can be seen by everyone.
Eddy Curtis said
on February 8, 2010 @ 9:36 am
Wynton - The special on CBS with ‘The Spirit of New Orleans’ was very touching for many of us who have lived, played, and immersed themseles in the culture and epic history of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the gulf region. Thank you for reaching out to us and touching us with your art and helping us identify and keep those dreams alive. I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to understand and truly get those messages and a taste of what it really means to miss NO and LA. As you know, it’s much more than a game isn’t it? It’s about life’s changes and how well we play them. Speaking for many of us, I hope this segment recording will be posted for all to remember and cherish. Bless you. I’m sure Buddy and Louis are proud.
Ann Cuiellette-Walter Marr said
on February 8, 2010 @ 9:50 am
Wynton -
You are amazing!!! I saw your spot at yesterday’s pre-game show and it captured the essence of New Orleans. I was born and raised in New Orleans but now I live in Chicago. My family have been Saints fans all our lives and although my Mother didn’t live to see this day, I know she is smiling to see the team she loved achieve this success. As a decendent of the famous Marie Laveau (my great-grandmother was a Glapion) I think it was “destiny” for us to win this year. Thanks so much for your passion and continued support of this great city. We cherish your gifts and talent and we all appreciate how you represent the City of New Orleans
Alan said
on February 8, 2010 @ 10:07 am
Great art makes us appreciate the beauty and magnificence in our common struggles and loves. Thank you so much for the beauty that you give us all. I had an extra tear in my eye when I called my 83-year-old Dad after the game in stunned and joyous disbelief, remembering the days on his knee at half-time. I was also so happy to watch this with my son, to help him understand where we’re coming from. The wait is over!
ron bocian said
on February 8, 2010 @ 11:07 am
Oh my! …your words are as elegant as your music!
Love you Wynton!
Marcel said
on February 8, 2010 @ 11:37 am
Mr. Wynton,
From us Louisiana boys and gals who have been away from home for so long, thank you for sharing the essence of our love with our New Orleans and our Saints.
cindy lashley said
on February 8, 2010 @ 11:38 am
Please post the video from yesterday, I have been telling everyone what an amazing piece it is!
Cay said
on February 8, 2010 @ 12:35 pm
Mr Marsalis,
We would LOVE to have a copy of your monologue. It was absolutely beautiful. We have been trying to explain why we love New Orleans so dearly- Thank you for showing them.
Madonna said
on February 8, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
I am not from Louisiana but have visited and think of it as a “city of the world” that all should visit at least once. This poem and its accompanying music was elegant and heartfelt through and through. I would love to be able to send it out to others. It captures the essence of a vibrant, beautiful, crazy city that is like no other. Laissez les bontemp rouler pour les Saints!
Bob Laroussini said
on February 8, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
Wynton,
Thank you! Your words nailed Dat!
Colleen said
on February 8, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
What a wordsmith. This so captures the spirit, the mystery, the imagination of the city. Nearly 20 years have passed since my tenure there as a student, but I still know what it means to miss New Orleans. I’m surprised there’s no video of this available; soon, we can hope…?
DanOregon said
on February 8, 2010 @ 3:25 pm
Holy crap Mr. Marsalis. It isn’t enough that you play the horn like you invented it, or helped people rediscover jazz, no you have to go write one of the best pieces on a city I’ve ever read.
In a pre-game show chock full of manipulation, synergy, product-placement, bombast, cynicism, and fakery, it was nice to find a few minutes of purity, grace and heartfelt love.
clare potter said
on February 8, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
Thank you Wynton Marsalis. I was so moved by your words as I have always been by your music. I am Welsh and live back in Wales, though I lived in Da Parish for 8 years. When I left in 2003,I wrote this poem:
Last Night in New Orleans
After leading the second line through Julia Street,
feeling pied piper power, crunching heels
on left over Mardi Gras beads,
I danced to the Preservation Hall Band
with my feathered parasol
––undulating bird with diamonds,
took tired feet to the Carousel Bar,
drank juleps while it revolved
so slow I thought
I caught sight of Capote. Born in there he claimed.
Course, everyone wants to be born in New Orrlins
born/reborn in da quarter, that’s why they all migrate
there to hide, blend with thick air, jazz air, blues tappin air
coz no-one asks you where you from, you just is.
You someone new there.
I went by the bistro where the piano plays itself,
though I never believed that until I met Bogie’s girl
one night, wearing a hat with a real flower trapped
in a burgundy net, smelled red fish couvillion, crab boil,
étouffée, beignets, bagass from the suga plant, passed
Carondolet, Terpsichore, Decatur, Piety, Bud Rip’s,
feelin like Prufrock, feelin like a smoke tendril, like
an old ghost wandering, clingin like mist on da bayou,
feelin like anythin cept myself.
4 a.m.
when Marsalis played for me, broke me,
as I sucked down the last chicory coffee, bitter
to shed this humid skin I’d learned to live in.
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?
I knew before I left.
clare e. potter
Long live the spirit of N’awlins x
Terri Days said
on February 8, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
I’m so glad I found you. Your clip on the pregame show was….. ingenious. I felt so connected to New Orleans. I’ve grown up a Saints fan. I’m from Mobile and NO is our big sister. We go there to really celebrate the big events in our lives and feel close to our roots. The Saints are our team too. Thank you for putting it in words. It was a spiritual experience listening to you lay it out like that. Again, thank you!
David Noble said
on February 8, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
Loved your piece. Truly wonderful and man what a tone on that horn!!
Brian W said
on February 8, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Dear Mr. Marsalis,
Thank you. I live half a country away and as the news desensitizes us every night, your meaningful words delivered over perhaps more meaningful music connected me to your message. It is amazing what thoughtful, heartfelt truth can convey.
Please post the video piece, it deserves to be seen by more than just the football fans who care to endure hours of pre-game. Thank you again.
Frank said
on February 8, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
please… please… please… produce this into a video on youtube…. this is more than just amazing art and great writing… it is a part of history of the city and the state of LA. These words, with your magical music help to document the feelings of so many people who cannot come up with these words on their own. Please produce this further and share it on the internet.
Absolutely amazing stuff.
Mike Stano said
on February 8, 2010 @ 11:06 pm
Thanks Wynton. This is a classic. The riffs and rhythm of “The Spirit of New Orleans” bop like jazz in words.
Your piece conveys optimism amid great challenge, and echoes Langston Hughes’ “Trumpet Player’:
“But softly
As the tune comes from his throat
Trouble
Mellows to a golden note.”
Please make the video available. It’s a masterpiece! It should be in the New Orleans Jazz Museum!
John said
on February 8, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
Please put the video online. The Video was so heartfelt and captivating
Denise Holladay said
on February 9, 2010 @ 12:44 am
Mr. Marsalis,
I love this poem. It is as if you looked in my soul and put into words all the emotions and love I feel for my state and my favorite city. I moved away when my husband was in the military and I was overwhelmed by how much I missed home. I guess the swamp water is thick in my veins.
Your poem is such a great description of the love we have for our state and our city.
I wish the video of your reading would be posted on youtube. I would love my husband to hear your reading of it, because I just can’t imagine being able to do it justice. And because the piece shown before the Super Bowl was just beautiful.
Thank you for this amazing piece.
Denise Holladay
Paul Mire said
on February 9, 2010 @ 2:32 am
BRILLIANT… lyrical GENIUS… a true masterpiece. If you love New Orleans, lived in New Orleans, or have any remote feeling or connection to New Orleans, you MUST read this and share. I was profoundly touched by this piece. Desparately would also like to find the video.
patrick stephens at psjs.net » Superbowl said
on February 9, 2010 @ 9:26 am
[…] Marsalis wrote a tribute to the City and the Saints, played during the pregame show. The text is here. If anyone know where the video is, I’d love to find it. New Orleans, N’Awlins, the […]
Saints Fan said
on February 9, 2010 @ 10:50 am
Please, please, post this video online. It is an amazing video and needs to be shared with everyone.
Ali Pourian said
on February 9, 2010 @ 11:38 am
Mr. Marsalis,
I was born and raised in Louisiana, and recently moved away a year ago. I try to explain to people the beauty of New Orleans to people, but can never do it justice. Thank you for expressing the way I feel about the city, the people, the culture, and the Saints.
I cried twice on Sunday. Once was while watching your piece on CBS, and once when the Saints won the superbowl.
Ali Pourian
PS — I cannot find the video clip anywhere on the internet? Can you post it on your website? Or is there a link?
Wynton Marsalis said
on February 9, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
The video will be published soon. Stay tuned…
Gene said
on February 9, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
What a masterpiece. I’m not from there, don’t live like that, just don’t relate. But I got it. Your words just slid along and took me on the ride, looking at life from the mouth of the Mississippi.
A truly epic football game followed … and nothing within it was half as majestic. Well done, sir.
Rebecca said
on February 9, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
Thank you for putting into words how we feel!
This was the spirit of New Orleans when the Saints won!
http://www.vimeo.com/9287905
mike said
on February 9, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Thank you very much for providing the transcript to your pre-Superbowl video. I moved away from the city 7 years ago and man I just got to say your video tugged at my heart strings, brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I can’t thank you enough Mr. Marsalis for you were able to put into words how all New Orleanians feel about their beloved city.
May God bless you and all the good people of New Orleans.
I know God answers prayers cause the Saints done won the Superbowl.
Frances Dick said
on February 9, 2010 @ 9:23 pm
I was moved beyond words when I watched this on CBS Sunday afternoon. I can’t wait until the video is released so that everyone who missed it will be able to experience what I did…
erika said
on February 10, 2010 @ 1:32 am
where can we see the video of this that aired before the superbowl? i LOVE it!
Elizabeth English said
on February 10, 2010 @ 2:37 am
Thank you for putting into words how so many of us feel about our beloved New Orleans. Those of us who have moved away know that what makes NOLA special is the spirit of all those soulful folks back home. Bless you, Wynton, for spreading the New Orleans gospel.
Art and the Superbowl « Semblance or Substance said
on February 10, 2010 @ 9:29 am
[…] The Spirit of New Orleans. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)AddictionAlternative Superbowl FunTwo Art Museums Bet on the Superbowl […]
Stephen Moore said
on February 10, 2010 @ 10:17 am
I loved this, but I loved the video that aired on CBS even more. Where can I find it? Is it on YouTube?
Milana Perducci said
on February 10, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
Absolutely gorgeous! Had tears running down my face when I saw this before the Superbowl.
Rick Sauvage said
on February 10, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
Wynton, I am a liflong resident of New Orleans/Slidell. Your monolouge moved me to tears of joy, sadness and pride all within a matter of minutes. Thank you for crafting such a telling piece about our great city, culture and heritage.
Please post a video on this site so it can be shared with all those who missed it. I have told everyone I know and many missed it. I too almost missed it when they went to commercial break after saying you were coming up. I am so greatful I didn’t - it was Epic!
mst from california said
on February 11, 2010 @ 3:16 am
the first time i went to new orleans was to visit the family of my high school sweet heart. decades later it was the destination of my first cross country road trip with a friend returning home after katrina. i was surprised to see all the beads in the trees. i love this city. the intensity and the give of it. i missed the superbowl and how you represented during the game but am blessed to have just read what you wrote.
Luigi said
on February 11, 2010 @ 5:33 am
Dear all,
the video will be online very soon.
We’ll give you notice ASAP
Luigi said
on February 12, 2010 @ 5:47 am
Dear All,
the video will be streamed live on Facebook and USTREAM.
Please read this:
http://www.wyntonmarsalis.org/2010/02/11/tribute-to-new-orleans/
John Porter said
on February 12, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
Will there be a re-brodcast for those of us who did not have a chance to see it ate 1:00 p.m.?
Frances said
on February 14, 2010 @ 2:16 pm
I just found the video at http://vimeo.com/9435132!
Debbie Apple said
on February 14, 2010 @ 5:30 pm
I teach 8th grade English and want to share “The Spirit of New Orleans” with my class. Where can I get a copy of Marsalis reciting this poem? We are studying different forms of poetry, and I know this will inpire my students. Can you please help me to get a copy of this? Sincerely, Debbie Apple
mike said
on February 14, 2010 @ 8:07 pm
@ Debbie Apple:
click the link Frances posted right above your comment.
Luigi Beverelli said
on February 15, 2010 @ 11:40 am
The video is now available through:
http://www.facebook.com/wyntonmarsalis
http://www.youtube.com/wyntonmarsalis
http://www.vimeo.com/wyntonmarsalis
Penny Rahaim said
on February 18, 2010 @ 3:15 pm
WOW!I did not see/hear the pre-game tribute but as I read, I can hear your lyrical voice thick with New Orleans culture, passion, & understanding. I tell people, “it is NOT incorrect english; it is a different language.” You nailed it!!! Penny Simpson Ben Franklin HS grad 1972.
Gralen Bryant Banks said
on February 19, 2010 @ 2:16 pm
Whereyat Lil Daddy!
Say Bruh…you make PidgeonTown proud!
You been gone from the “country” for a minute ot two but dig this…that Uptown New Orleans spirit runs as deep in your soul as the muddy Mississippi runs the breadth of this Nation!
Your words capture practically everything that New Orleans is, was, and ever will be! I say practically, not as a slight to your copious rhetorical skills, but rather as a paean to that part of New Orleans that no grandoliquence can ever effectively capture. And what that is, is the KNOWING of what this lil place on the river we call home is. No words come close, but the sentiments expressed when you hear Pops ask that age old question…do you know what it means…? well, Lil Falle’…when you know, you KNOW!
Keep representin us like you do Wynton! You are appreciated, my brother! Trust me!
Red Beans and Ricely Yours,
Gralen Bryant Banks
Proud Native Son of the 13th Ward! UPT for LIFE! Ya Herd Me?!
ps. you still have that denim jumpsuit that you wore with the Creators?
Debbie Apple said
on February 19, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
Thank you Wynton! Thank you for the link Francis, Mike, and Luigi! My students were totally impressed by this poem and the video! They wrote responses to this poem and it really touched them! I didn’t have the video when I showed them the poem, and the following day I played the video… HUGE difference between the word in print and when it is spoken by Wynton Marsalis along with the visuals and music! Thank you for your inpiration!
Debbie Apple said
on February 19, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
oops! (Inspiration)
Peter C said
on February 27, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
If that don’t bring a tear to your eye, then you ain’t got no soul.
Rick Sauvage said
on March 1, 2010 @ 7:06 pm
Was the original video longer than the one posted now? I know the written version here is a lot longer and even more impressive. If I am not mistaken, when I first saw it on Superbowl Sunday, it was the complete version that is writtn here. Please clearify this for me and if so, is there a version available in its entirety? Thanks again for this Spot On tribute the Saints and our beloved city.
Luigi Beverelli said
on March 2, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
This is the same video broadcast on CBS