Ellis Marsalis Sr.

About

A farmer and civil rights activist who also raised a legendary jazz family.

Before Fame

He was a welder and built batteries on the home front in WWII.

Trivia

He ran The Marsalis Motel, which accepted guests turned away from whites-only establishments.

Family Life

His son Ellis Marsalis Jr. and his grandson Wynton Marsalis both became prominent jazz musicians.

Associated With

Among the most notable guests at his hotel was the future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.