Kermit Ruffins is a quintessential New Orleans musician, known for his distinctive blend of jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues, symbolizing the vibrant culture of the city he calls home. Born on December 19, 1964, Ruffins found his passion for music in the brass band scene of New Orleans, co-founding the Rebirth Brass Band in 1983 while still a teenager. With the Rebirth Brass Band, Ruffins helped modernize and popularize traditional New Orleans brass band music. Equipped with his trumpet and warm, engaging vocal style, Ruffins embarked on a successful solo career in the early 1990s, drawing inspiration from the city's music legends, including Louis Armstrong, whose influence is deeply felt in Ruffins’s playing and singing.

Ruffins is not only a talented musician but also a charismatic performer and local personality. His discography is punctuated by releases that capture the spirit of New Orleans, such as "Livin' A Tremé Life" and "#imsoneworleans," which celebrate the unique character and resilience of the city he loves. With albums like "We Partyin' Traditional Style!" and "Happy Talk," Ruffins continues to showcase the joyous, life-affirming nature of the Crescent City's music. Aside from his music, Ruffins is known for his community involvement and for embodying the laid-back, jovial lifestyle associated with New Orleans, frequently performing at local venues and community events, making him not just a musician but a beloved figurehead of New Orleans culture.