W. Humphrey; Jazz Clarinetist

Willie Humphrey, a patriarch of traditional New Orleans jazz musicians, died at home Tuesday. He was 93.

Humphrey, a clarinetist and teacher, last performed May 27 at Preservation Hall, a home of old-time New Orleans jazz. After the show, he suffered a mild heart attack but was expected to recover and return to the bandstand.

Family members said he apparently died in his sleep.

Humphrey, the oldest regularly performing musician on the New Orleans traditional jazz scene, toured worldwide with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and appeared on the public radio program “Prairie Home Companion.”

Despite his age, he always stood for his solos, dancing small shuffle steps and engaging audiences with his charm.

Born Dec. 29, 1900, into a musically gifted family, he was a grandson of James B. Humphrey, a music teacher important in the early years of jazz. A brother, trombonist Earl Humphrey, died in 1971. Another brother, Percy, a trumpeter, still performs in New Orleans.

Jazz historian Dick Allen called Humphrey’s death a great loss.

“One should never forget how much he loved performing and how much people loved hearing him,” Allen said. “Even though he was in his 90s, he would get up and dance and sing and entertain.

“If other band members left the stage, he’d sit there and play little solos. He loved to play.”

Survivors include his wife, Ora, four children, 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.