Trumpeter Terry Gibson Jr. unexpectedly passed away last week at his home in New Orleans at the young age of 29.

Gibson was considered by many to be an authentic representation of the spirit and legacy of Louis Armstrong. A joyful, resilient, and ubiquitous musical presence on the streets of New Orleans and around the world, New Orleans trumpeter Terry Steve Gibson, Jr. definitely knew how to make people smile.

Terry Gibson, Jr., performing with “Seeking Satch,” Bundeskunsthalle, Germany, 2010. Photo: Courtesy Robin Ligon-Williams

He was raised under the musical traditions and tutelage of his father, Terry Gibson, Sr. in a loving family who supported his desire to cultivate his musical talent. Coming out of his marching band days as a senior at Warren Easton High School, his family cheered him on as a finalist in the first New Orleans international trumpet competition, “Seeking Satch,” a competition created by the French Market Corporation and the New Orleans Jazz Institute at the University of New Orleans “to keep the legend of New Orleans Icon Louis Armstrong alive at his birthplace and to inspire young trumpeters to follow his image.”

The award included a full scholarship to study Jazz at UNO, as well as trip to make a professional debut in Germany, accompanied by the “Prince of New Orleans Piano,” impresario Thomas Gerdiken.

In 2010 Gibson not only won the first “Seeking Satch” award, but he also won the hearts of his audiences in Europe and at home, his charm becoming the indelible trademark of his trumpet career.

Gerdiken recalls Gibson’s premiere: “His first stop was the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn, the official Museum of the Federal Republic of Germany, where Terry performed in front more of more than 3,000 people. He convinced the audience with his empathetic humorous way, and by the end, he taught them to dance the second line in perhaps the largest parade of its kind in Germany.”

Terry’s Germany trip signaled the opening of a path, paved with effervescent joy and a spirit of possibility that he carried with him throughout his career.

When he came home to New Orleans, with a new purpose and new trumpet in hand, his sole mission was to make people happy with his music. Whether he was at school playing in an ensemble, second lining on a typical Sunday or blowing his horn behind Beyoncé and her mama on their New Orleans visit, his smile and good vibes were contagious.

Gibson’s sister Charisse, one of his biggest supporters, now back home in New Orleans as lead anchor for WWL-TV, agrees that her brother had an inimitable charm: “My brother embodied what New Orleans was about. He was fun, loud, and his heart was filled with music. He brought an energy with him, wherever he went… whether you were in the mood or not. In some of the most tragic situations he found joy and a way to make us all laugh.”

After spreading his own unique brand of joy in Germany, Gibson forged ahead with his music education at UNO. Like many young musicians who study music in New Orleans, he got that “double education” in the classroom during the day and on Frenchmen Street at night.

His experiences playing on Frenchmen gave him the inspiration and impetus to start his own One Mind Brass Band, and he eventually he participated in the inaugural version of New Creations Brass Band. He performed with All for One Brass Band, Free Spirit Brass Band, TBC Brass Band, Water Seed, was part of HONK-FEST in Harlem and performed countless gigs with a plethora of New Orleans bands at festivals and parades during his short career.

New Orleans Avengers leader and long-time bandmate Kyle Gancayco spoke from the heart about Gibson’s soulfulness. “He really could tap into life and the voice of his heart in a way that few people in the world can. [He had] the true New Orleans approach to life and, he had love and support to share,” he said. “I truly believe he was Satchmo reincarnated, but had his own character that’s one-of-a-kind. Nobody sounded like he did on that trumpet, or really any instrument he’d play… I really wish he had had more time with us.”

Gibson never failed to deliver the spirit of Armstrong, and always recognized his mentors. During the finale of Satchmo SummerFest, performing on-stage with Kermit Ruffins, Shamarr Allen and others, Gibson took the mic and gave due tribute to his influencers, “When I was a kid, I heard this older guy playing trumpet and when up to him and said, ‘I want to play that trumpet like you.’ The man said, “Call me up.” Gibson turned and pointed to Kermit next to him on-stage. “That man was you.”

“In New Orleans he was a musician beloved by the community who thrilled the audience every night on the Frenchmen Street with his friends,” Gerdiken reflects. “Here in Germany his visit made him really famous and he was loved by his audience. When I think about his sudden death, it brings tears to my eyes. The time he was allowed to experience on this globe was perhaps only short, but we all felt his warmth, his humor, his generosity and his helpfulness. Terry, we are eternally grateful to you. You will always be in our hearts.”

Sister Charisse summed up her brother’s essence and impact on her family and the whole city of New Orleans, “Terry Gibson, Jr. was New Orleans, and he couldn’t see himself any place else. My family and I are broken to know he won’t walk through our door randomly any second, forcing you to listen to a new song or telling you he can’t stay long because he’s got a gig tonight,” she said. “I will carry his spirit with me wherever I go, and I know those he’s touched through his music and his spirit will carry him with them as well.”

Gibson’s “Going Home Celebration” will take place on Saturday, April 24 at Charbonnet Funeral home, located at 1615 St. Philip St. in New Orleans. A viewing will commence at 9 a.m., with a private funeral at 10 a.m. and public second line to follow at 12 noon. Donations for funeral expenses are being accepted here.