Friends of the Cabildo will be debuting The History of New Orleans R&B, a new virtual class taught by Louisiana historian Dr. Charles Chamberlain starting Mar. 10, 2021.

The History of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues will cover the early beginnings of Cosimo Matassa’s studio on Rampart Street with the recording likes of Fats Domino and Little Richard to Allen Toussaint’s Seasaint Studio on Earhardt Boulevard. The class will breakdown the rise and fall of the recording industry in New Orleans and its impact around the world.

Professor, musician, and tour guide Dr. Charles Chamberlain will host this engaging three-part class on the long and storied history of Rhythm and Blues in New Orleans (R&B). New Orleans was one of the most successful cities in putting out R&B hits starting in the 1950s. By the 1970s though, the city and the studios had a major downturn in hits, but the legacies of Fats Domino, Dave Bartholomew, and Lloyd Price still looms large on the New Orleans music scene. Dr. Chamberlain will analyze over 6 hours of class time the rise, fall, and legacy of R&B in New Orleans.

The History of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues will be presented on Zoom every Wednesday night from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Ticket holders will be able to receive a recording of each lecture the next day if they can’t attend the live zoom and will have 60 days after the recording to watch the classes.

The classes will be held on March 10, March 17, and March 24 (Every Wednesday in March from 4 – 6 pm via Zoom). Tuition is $45 for members of the Friends of the Cabildo and $60 for general admission. For tickets and more information, click here.