Louis Cottrell, Sr.
American musician

Louis Cottrell, Sr.

The basics
Quick facts
Intro
American musician
Gender:
Male
Work field:
Birth:
25 December 1878
Death:
17 October 1927
The details
Biography

Louis Cottrell (December 25, 1878 - October 17, 1927) was an influential American jazz drummer. "Old Man" Cottrell was the father of Louis Cottrell, Jr. and great-grandfather of New Orleans jazz drummer Louis Cottrell.
Cottrell was born and died in New Orleans. He played with John Robichaux's orchestra in 1909 and with the Olympia Orchestra in New Orleans from 1900 to 1915. From 1916 to 1918 he played in Chicago with Manuel Perez, then played with A.J. Piron until the time of his death.
"Old Man" Cottrell has been credited as the innovator of the press roll in jazz drumming, and was a significant influence on most New Orleans drummers, having taught Baby Dodds, Paul Barbarin, Louis Barbarin, Freddie Kohlman, Cie Frazier and Alfred Williams.