One of the ironies of pianist Ellis Marsalis’ musical career is that two of his sons—trumpeter Wynton and saxophonist Branford—were world-famous before most music followers had ever heard of their dad. Like Picasso’s father, the original progenitor often fails to receive his “props.”

Born November 14, 1934 in Gert Town, Ellis is perhaps most renowned as a jazz educator. Besides tutoring his sons Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo ...