Those words put tears in my eyes. You expressed every feeling I have ever had about my City. New York, L.A., Chicago and anywhere else ain’t got nothing on us!!!!!
Deonne Thomas on Dec 17th, 2010 at 2:48pm
This is the same video broadcast on CBS
Luigi Beverelli on Mar 2nd, 2010 at 1:00pm
Was the original video longer than the one posted now? I know the written version here is a lot longer and even more impressive. If I am not mistaken, when I first saw it on Superbowl Sunday, it was the complete version that is writtn here. Please clearify this for me and if so, is there a version available in its entirety? Thanks again for this Spot On tribute the Saints and our beloved city.
Rick Sauvage on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:06pm
If that don’t bring a tear to your eye, then you ain’t got no soul.
Peter C on Feb 27th, 2010 at 3:29pm
oops! (Inspiration)
Debbie Apple on Feb 19th, 2010 at 7:50pm
Thank you Wynton! Thank you for the link Francis, Mike, and Luigi! My students were totally impressed by this poem and the video! They wrote responses to this poem and it really touched them! I didn’t have the video when I showed them the poem, and the following day I played the video… HUGE difference between the word in print and when it is spoken by Wynton Marsalis along with the visuals and music! Thank you for your inpiration!
Debbie Apple on Feb 19th, 2010 at 7:47pm
Whereyat Lil Daddy!
Say Bruh…you make PidgeonTown proud!
You been gone from the “country” for a minute ot two but dig this…that Uptown New Orleans spirit runs as deep in your soul as the muddy Mississippi runs the breadth of this Nation!
Your words capture practically everything that New Orleans is, was, and ever will be! I say practically, not as a slight to your copious rhetorical skills, but rather as a paean to that part of New Orleans that no grandoliquence can ever effectively capture. And what that is, is the KNOWING of what this lil place on the river we call home is. No words come close, but the sentiments expressed when you hear Pops ask that age old question…do you know what it means…? well, Lil Falle’…when you know, you KNOW!
Keep representin us like you do Wynton! You are appreciated, my brother! Trust me!
Red Beans and Ricely Yours,
Gralen Bryant Banks
Proud Native Son of the 13th Ward! UPT for LIFE! Ya Herd Me?!
ps. you still have that denim jumpsuit that you wore with the Creators?
Gralen Bryant Banks on Feb 19th, 2010 at 3:16pm
WOW!I did not see/hear the pre-game tribute but as I read, I can hear your lyrical voice thick with New Orleans culture, passion, & understanding. I tell people, “it is NOT incorrect english; it is a different language.” You nailed it!!! Penny Simpson Ben Franklin HS grad 1972.
Penny Rahaim on Feb 18th, 2010 at 4:15pm
click the link Frances posted right above your comment.
mike on Feb 14th, 2010 at 9:07pm
I teach 8th grade English and want to share “The Spirit of New Orleans” with my class. Where can I get a copy of Marsalis reciting this poem? We are studying different forms of poetry, and I know this will inpire my students. Can you please help me to get a copy of this? Sincerely, Debbie Apple
Debbie Apple on Feb 14th, 2010 at 6:30pm
Dear All,
the video will be streamed live on Facebook and USTREAM.
Luigi on Feb 12th, 2010 at 6:47am
Dear all,
the video will be online very soon.
We’ll give you notice ASAP
Luigi on Feb 11th, 2010 at 6:33am
the first time i went to new orleans was to visit the family of my high school sweet heart. decades later it was the destination of my first cross country road trip with a friend returning home after katrina. i was surprised to see all the beads in the trees. i love this city. the intensity and the give of it. i missed the superbowl and how you represented during the game but am blessed to have just read what you wrote.
mst from california on Feb 11th, 2010 at 4:16am
Wynton, I am a liflong resident of New Orleans/Slidell. Your monolouge moved me to tears of joy, sadness and pride all within a matter of minutes. Thank you for crafting such a telling piece about our great city, culture and heritage.
Please post a video on this site so it can be shared with all those who missed it. I have told everyone I know and many missed it. I too almost missed it when they went to commercial break after saying you were coming up. I am so greatful I didn’t – it was Epic!
Rick Sauvage on Feb 10th, 2010 at 9:34pm
Absolutely gorgeous! Had tears running down my face when I saw this before the Superbowl.
Milana Perducci on Feb 10th, 2010 at 2:59pm
I loved this, but I loved the video that aired on CBS even more. Where can I find it? Is it on YouTube?
Stephen Moore on Feb 10th, 2010 at 11:17am
Thank you for putting into words how so many of us feel about our beloved New Orleans. Those of us who have moved away know that what makes NOLA special is the spirit of all those soulful folks back home. Bless you, Wynton, for spreading the New Orleans gospel.
Elizabeth English on Feb 10th, 2010 at 3:37am
where can we see the video of this that aired before the superbowl? i LOVE it!
erika on Feb 10th, 2010 at 2:32am
I was moved beyond words when I watched this on CBS Sunday afternoon. I can’t wait until the video is released so that everyone who missed it will be able to experience what I did…
Frances Dick on Feb 9th, 2010 at 10:23pm
Thank you very much for providing the transcript to your pre-Superbowl video. I moved away from the city 7 years ago and man I just got to say your video tugged at my heart strings, brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I can’t thank you enough Mr. Marsalis for you were able to put into words how all New Orleanians feel about their beloved city.
May God bless you and all the good people of New Orleans.
I know God answers prayers cause the Saints done won the Superbowl.
mike on Feb 9th, 2010 at 9:29pm
Thank you for putting into words how we feel!
This was the spirit of New Orleans when the Saints won!
Rebecca on Feb 9th, 2010 at 4:52pm
What a masterpiece. I’m not from there, don’t live like that, just don’t relate. But I got it. Your words just slid along and took me on the ride, looking at life from the mouth of the Mississippi.
A truly epic football game followed … and nothing within it was half as majestic. Well done, sir.
Gene on Feb 9th, 2010 at 3:35pm
The video will be published soon. Stay tuned…
Wynton Marsalis on Feb 9th, 2010 at 1:23pm
Mr. Marsalis,
I was born and raised in Louisiana, and recently moved away a year ago. I try to explain to people the beauty of New Orleans to people, but can never do it justice. Thank you for expressing the way I feel about the city, the people, the culture, and the Saints.
I cried twice on Sunday. Once was while watching your piece on CBS, and once when the Saints won the superbowl.
Ali Pourian
PS – I cannot find the video clip anywhere on the internet? Can you post it on your website? Or is there a link?
Ali Pourian on Feb 9th, 2010 at 12:38pm
Please, please, post this video online. It is an amazing video and needs to be shared with everyone.
Saints Fan on Feb 9th, 2010 at 11:50am
BRILLIANT… lyrical GENIUS… a true masterpiece. If you love New Orleans, lived in New Orleans, or have any remote feeling or connection to New Orleans, you MUST read this and share. I was profoundly touched by this piece. Desparately would also like to find the video.
Paul Mire on Feb 9th, 2010 at 3:32am
Mr. Marsalis,
I love this poem. It is as if you looked in my soul and put into words all the emotions and love I feel for my state and my favorite city. I moved away when my husband was in the military and I was overwhelmed by how much I missed home. I guess the swamp water is thick in my veins.
Your poem is such a great description of the love we have for our state and our city.
I wish the video of your reading would be posted on youtube. I would love my husband to hear your reading of it, because I just can’t imagine being able to do it justice. And because the piece shown before the Super Bowl was just beautiful.
Thank you for this amazing piece.
Denise Holladay
Denise Holladay on Feb 9th, 2010 at 1:44am
Please put the video online. The Video was so heartfelt and captivating
John on Feb 9th, 2010 at 12:18am
Thanks Wynton. This is a classic. The riffs and rhythm of “The Spirit of New Orleans” bop like jazz in words.
“But softly
As the tune comes from his throat
Trouble
Mellows to a golden note.”
Please make the video available. It’s a masterpiece! It should be in the New Orleans Jazz Museum!
Mike Stano on Feb 9th, 2010 at 12:06am
please… please… please… produce this into a video on youtube…. this is more than just amazing art and great writing… it is a part of history of the city and the state of LA. These words, with your magical music help to document the feelings of so many people who cannot come up with these words on their own. Please produce this further and share it on the internet.
Absolutely amazing stuff.
Frank on Feb 8th, 2010 at 11:25pm
Dear Mr. Marsalis,
Thank you. I live half a country away and as the news desensitizes us every night, your meaningful words delivered over perhaps more meaningful music connected me to your message. It is amazing what thoughtful, heartfelt truth can convey.
Please post the video piece, it deserves to be seen by more than just the football fans who care to endure hours of pre-game. Thank you again.
Brian W on Feb 8th, 2010 at 9:31pm
Loved your piece. Truly wonderful and man what a tone on that horn!!
David Noble on Feb 8th, 2010 at 8:29pm
I’m so glad I found you. Your clip on the pregame show was….. ingenious. I felt so connected to New Orleans. I’ve grown up a Saints fan. I’m from Mobile and NO is our big sister. We go there to really celebrate the big events in our lives and feel close to our roots. The Saints are our team too. Thank you for putting it in words. It was a spiritual experience listening to you lay it out like that. Again, thank you!
Terri Days on Feb 8th, 2010 at 4:54pm
Last Night in New Orleans
After leading the second line through Julia Street,
feeling pied piper power, crunching heels
on left over Mardi Gras beads,
I danced to the Preservation Hall Band
with my feathered parasol
––undulating bird with diamonds,
took tired feet to the Carousel Bar,
drank juleps while it revolved
so slow I thought
I caught sight of Capote. Born in there he claimed.
Course, everyone wants to be born in New Orrlins
born/reborn in da quarter, that’s why they all migrate
there to hide, blend with thick air, jazz air, blues tappin air
coz no-one asks you where you from, you just is.
You someone new there.
I went by the bistro where the piano plays itself,
though I never believed that until I met Bogie’s girl
one night, wearing a hat with a real flower trapped
in a burgundy net, smelled red fish couvillion, crab boil,
étouffée, beignets, bagass from the suga plant, passed
Carondolet, Terpsichore, Decatur, Piety, Bud Rip’s,
feelin like Prufrock, feelin like a smoke tendril, like
an old ghost wandering, clingin like mist on da bayou,
feelin like anythin cept myself.
4 a.m.
when Marsalis played for me, broke me,
as I sucked down the last chicory coffee, bitter
to shed this humid skin I’d learned to live in.
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?
I knewbefore I left.
clare e. potter
Long live the spirit of N’awlins x
clare potter on Feb 8th, 2010 at 4:26pm
Holy crap Mr. Marsalis. It isn’t enough that you play the horn like you invented it, or helped people rediscover jazz, no you have to go write one of the best pieces on a city I’ve ever read.
In a pre-game show chock full of manipulation, synergy, product-placement, bombast, cynicism, and fakery, it was nice to find a few minutes of purity, grace and heartfelt love.
DanOregon on Feb 8th, 2010 at 4:25pm
What a wordsmith. This so captures the spirit, the mystery, the imagination of the city. Nearly 20 years have passed since my tenure there as a student, but I still know what it means to miss New Orleans. I’m surprised there’s no video of this available; soon, we can hope…?
Colleen on Feb 8th, 2010 at 2:15pm
Wynton,
Thank you! Your words nailed Dat!
Bob Laroussini on Feb 8th, 2010 at 2:08pm
I am not from Louisiana but have visited and think of it as a “city of the world” that all should visit at least once. This poem and its accompanying music was elegant and heartfelt through and through. I would love to be able to send it out to others. It captures the essence of a vibrant, beautiful, crazy city that is like no other. Laissez les bontemp rouler pour les Saints!
Madonna on Feb 8th, 2010 at 2:08pm
Mr Marsalis,
We would LOVE to have a copy of your monologue. It was absolutely beautiful. We have been trying to explain why we love New Orleans so dearly- Thank you for showing them.
Cay on Feb 8th, 2010 at 1:35pm
Please post the video from yesterday, I have been telling everyone what an amazing piece it is!
cindy lashley on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:38pm
Mr. Wynton,
From us Louisiana boys and gals who have been away from home for so long, thank you for sharing the essence of our love with our New Orleans and our Saints.
Marcel on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:37pm
Oh my! …your words are as elegant as your music!
Love you Wynton!
ron bocian on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:07pm
Great art makes us appreciate the beauty and magnificence in our common struggles and loves. Thank you so much for the beauty that you give us all. I had an extra tear in my eye when I called my 83-year-old Dad after the game in stunned and joyous disbelief, remembering the days on his knee at half-time. I was also so happy to watch this with my son, to help him understand where we’re coming from. The wait is over!
Alan on Feb 8th, 2010 at 11:07am
Wynton –
Ann Cuiellette-Walter Marr on Feb 8th, 2010 at 10:50am
Wynton – The special on CBS with ‘The Spirit of New Orleans’ was very touching for many of us who have lived, played, and immersed themseles in the culture and epic history of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the gulf region. Thank you for reaching out to us and touching us with your art and helping us identify and keep those dreams alive. I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to understand and truly get those messages and a taste of what it really means to miss NO and LA. As you know, it’s much more than a game isn’t it? It’s about life’s changes and how well we play them. Speaking for many of us, I hope this segment recording will be posted for all to remember and cherish. Bless you. I’m sure Buddy and Louis are proud.
Eddy Curtis on Feb 8th, 2010 at 10:36am
Your piece should be used as the permanent introduction to Super Bowl replys! Incresible! Thank you. Please get the video posted where it can be seen by everyone.
Jim Dantin on Feb 8th, 2010 at 9:29am
Wynton, preach on, my brother – you got it right.
Paul Klutes on Feb 8th, 2010 at 8:25am
The man has spoken
The city, it’s people and
their music has been honoured
And I’m touched…
Evert-Jan Hielema on Feb 8th, 2010 at 5:22am
This made me cry.
It is beautiful.
Thank you.
ilea on Feb 8th, 2010 at 4:51am
I was surprised when I felt a tear slip down my cheek as I listened to you today – I moved down here in 2006, everyone thought I was crazy (still do!) and I fell in love with it. Thank you for finding the words I could not to express what I love about this city!
Jennifer on Feb 8th, 2010 at 3:19am
So well said, Wynton; Your pen is as lyrical as your music.
All the best,
Mike
Mike on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:06am
I was blessed to visit the great city of New Orleans 8 months before Katrina. I fell in love and my heart has ached with all of you. Your performance of this piece today brought me to tears. Like others, is there someplace where we can get the video. It was awesome! Thank you!
Carol on Feb 7th, 2010 at 11:57pm
Hear hear! The video of this needs to get out there! I can’t find it anywhere.
Brian Mattix on Feb 7th, 2010 at 11:51pm
I came here looking for a video of your beautiful piece shown on the Super Bowl pre-game show and was double-blessed today when I read “The Spirit of New Orleans.” There’s defnitely more than one way to make music. You sir, have been gifted with the ability to touch souls with words that sing, and music that speaks. Carry on, dear brother, carry on!
Sandy Duke on Feb 7th, 2010 at 9:33pm
Beautifully said.
Thank you.
Rachel on Feb 7th, 2010 at 9:06pm
Amazing! Great job composing an excellent piece of writing that really tells a story! Always loved your music! Now love your writing. Thanks for doing this!
Robin on Feb 7th, 2010 at 8:30pm
Soulful and passionated master description of a Nola’s proud son telling others…. “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans”…..
WYNTON, BEAUTIFUL WORDS!!!!!!!!!!
All the best!
Take care.
C.
careba on Feb 7th, 2010 at 7:16pm
What a beautiful tribute..thank you, Wynton.
Beverly on Feb 7th, 2010 at 6:58pm
this is absolute greatness.
walt on Feb 7th, 2010 at 6:52pm
just saw your video version of this on the CBS pregame show, and it was incredibly moving…
Came here looking for it to send a link to all my friends.
Tre' Jackson on Feb 7th, 2010 at 6:45pm
Beautiful, Wynton. Thank you for sharing the The Spirit of New Orleans with us. It is a blessing to have the Saints marching today. Representing to the world what the city and people are all about; heart.
Timothy Deal on Feb 7th, 2010 at 6:33pm
Hi Mr. Marsalis!
I just watched your spot on the Superbowl pre-game show with my dad. We loved it – what a thrill to hear you play and your tribute to New Orleans. Is there a way we can get a copy of the video?
I love your trumpet playing
You are soooo AWESOME!!!
Natalie Dungey on Feb 7th, 2010 at 6:33pm
Mr. Marsalis,
I’m from Louisiana and have been a fan of the Saints for as long as I’ve known what football is. My dad has been a Saints fan ever since they came into existence. I live in Seattle now and my dad flew up here so that we could spend this Super Bowl together and the both of us thank you for those words. I have never heard anybody describe what it means to be from Louisiana or a Saints fan as beautiful as what you did. Again thank you for these words, their inspiration and heart-felt feelings have touched these two old Saints fans.
James Wooten on Feb 7th, 2010 at 5:34pm
Amazing. What a great explanation of a GREAT city. Thank you.
Mark on Feb 7th, 2010 at 5:28pm
I am so proud to be a Louisianan! Thank you Wynton for putting why we love this state, New Orleans, and the Saints so beautifully!
Jan Douglas on Feb 7th, 2010 at 5:28pm
Dear Wynton,
I am a 69 year old widow, grandma, and great grandma. You made me cry. I loved everything you said and it means so much to me. I am a resident and native of Louisiana. I grew up with everything Louisiana including for the last 44 years —The Saints. They have brought us together and given Louisiana so much to be proud of. Win or lose, we have been given the ride of our lives. Geaux Saints.. and thanks again for the “The Spirit of Louisiana” Let us all carry that spirit on after football.
Bobbie
Barbara Theriot DeJean on Feb 7th, 2010 at 5:25pm
