Home > Ellis Marsalis, Sr.

Mr. Marsalis was the patriarch of a renowned musical family that includes his son, Ellis Marsalis, Jr. and his grandsons Wynton, Branford and Delfeyo .

In 1943, Ellis Marsalis converted a barn on the shore of the Mississippi River into the Marsalis Motel. It catered to African Americans, who were not allowed to stay at "whites only" New Orleans establishments under Jim Crow -- the South’s segregation laws. The hotel and restaurant quickly became famous, attracting prominent musicians and some of the most influential civil rights leaders of the day, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Thurgood MarshallThurgood Marshall ( July 2, 1908 January 24, 1993) was the first African-American justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was known for his liberal and pro- Civil rights positions. He served on the court from 1967 until 1991, when he retired.

Ironically, the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement led to a decline in trade at the Marsalis Motel, when all establishments were opened to all persons regardless of colour. The motel was closed in 19861986 is a common year starting on Wednesday. Events January January 1 Spain and Portugal enter the European Community January 1 Aruba gains increased autonomy from the Netherlands and is separated from the Netherlands Antilles. January 9 After losing a pa.

He died in 2004 at the age of 96.