My first assignment ever in New Orleans was to cover Jazz Fest 1991 for USA Today.  I knew nothing about the city and I still chuckle that my first meal was a lucky dog on the corner of Bourbon and St. Peter Street. Jazz Fest will always be my number one event.

Photo by: John Glenn

I was lucky to be on stage when Terrance Simien jumped off and went into the crowd in 1996. I thought I was in a bad positionand lost him, but in no time he was in theair and surfing through the crowd.

Photo by: John Glenn

Ladies Love Cool James and especially when he stuck his hand in his pants in 2003.

Photo by: John Glenn

In 1993, I saw the subdudes perform the night before and noticed they gathered around the percussionist during one song.

Photo by: John Glenn

I could not take my eyes off Gatemouth Brown’s hands or his guitar.  His unique way of playing, the worn leather on his guitar and his weathered hands screamed the blues.

Photo by: John Glenn

Miles Davis opened for B.B. King in 1991 and never spoke a word to the audience during his performance. When he introduced the band, he pointed at each one and held up a big, white card with their name while they soloed.

Photo by: John Glenn

Not everybody can say, in between frames, they helped Carlos Santana choose sunglasses, were serenaded by Aaron Neville (at Aaron’s home), teamed with Francis Ford Coppola and Dean Tavalouris to hitch a ride, almost backed an SUV over one of the Five Blind Boys, chased Al Green around a photo pit, hip-checked Annie Leibowitz, met Keith Richards (without understanding a word he said) and noshed with Big Joe Williams in Miss McKay’s backyard.”

—John Glenn