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Joseph Marcel (Mike) Serpas (October 1, 1931 – April 23, 2009) was born and raised on the west bank of New Orleans in Algiers. As a well known musician in the early jazz scene of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast areas, Serpas played a major role in the underground jazz scene of post WWII, playing in strip clubs, at after hours sessions and even in private households. The be-bop style that he infamously interpreted was not acceptable to the general public at the time.
Serpas was apposed to the Louisiana segregation laws of the time and was very open in demonstrating his disapproval. This proved to jeopardize his safety as one night after playing a session with African American vocalist Blanche Thomas in an Algiers club, Serpas was beaten by police and his trumpet was crushed.
Serpas’ journey through the jazz scene brought him together with talents such as Manuel “Fess” Manetta (a veteran of Buddy Bolden’s band) who he studied with. Others include Al Belletto , Joseph (Mouse) Bonati, Benny Clement, Earl Palmer, Sam Butera , Don Suhor, Joe (Cheeks) Mandry, Ellis Marsalis, Louis Timken, Edward Blackwell, Ornette Coleman, Joe Pass, Brew Moore, and Reed Vaughan.
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