Billie Pierce

Billie Pierce was a powerhouse pianist and blues vocalist who lit up the New Orleans jazz scene alongside her husband, trumpeter De De (or Dede) Pierce. Active from the 1930s through the 1960s, the duo became fixtures at iconic spots like Luthjen’s Dance Hall, where their raw, spirited performances of traditional jazz and gutbucket blues earned them a loyal following. Billie’s gritty, soulful voice and rollicking piano style perfectly complemented De De’s fiery trumpet, creating a sound that felt both timeless and deeply rooted in the Crescent City’s musical soil.

Together, they recorded lively sessions (like the raucous *Live at Luthjen’s 1953*) and teamed up with fellow New Orleans legends like drummer Paul Barbarin and clarinetist Raymond Burke, blending parade-band energy with intimate club vibes. Even as jazz evolved around them, Billie and De De stayed true to the unfiltered, foot-stomping spirit of early New Orleans jazz, keeping the flame alive for generations of fans. Their partnership—both onstage and off—remains a testament to the city’s collaborative, joyful musical legacy.

Latest Release

Billie & Dede Pierce 'Live' at Luthjen's 1953

Billie Pierce

Album - 17 Tracks - Released January 1, 2009