We sat down with Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival organizer Kenneth Ferdinand to talk about the importance of the Jazz Master, and Ferdinand gave us a master class in the history of New Orleans jazz in the 1960s.

Ferdinand was one of 12 students chosen to integrate Benjamin Franklin High School at a time when the tyranny of segregation was only just beginning to lose its grip.

From Ferdinand’s perspective, Barker did much more than just promote New Orleans jazz. He helped steer a generation of musicians who were shunning traditional music back toward the traditions that should never be forgotten.

OffBeat videographer JonGunnar Gylfason split Ferdinand’s interview into three powerful parts.

Watch as Ferdinand holds court on why Danny Barker has secured his place in the pantheon of Louisiana musical heroes.