"Ellis Marsalis is regarded by many as the premier modern jazz pianist in New Orleans. Born on November 14, 1934, his formal music studies began at age eleven at the Xavier University junior school of music. As a leading educator at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana, Ellis has influenced the careers of countless musicians. In May, 2007, Marsalis received an honorary doctorate from Tulane University for his contributions to jazz and musical education. In 2008 he was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He can usually be seen performing on Fridays at Snug Harbor jazz bistro in New Orleans."