[Dixielandjazz] Elllis Marsalis Sr. OBIT from S.F. Chronicle

[TCASHWIGG at aol.com]

Ellis Marsalis Sr., Patriarch of musical dynasty.

New Orleans - Ellis L. Marsalis Sr., the patriarch of a family of 
world-famous jazz musicians, including grandson Wynton Marsalis, has died.  He was 96.

Mr. Marsalis' son, Ellis Jr., is a prominent New Orleans pianist and music 
professor who mentored crooner Harry Connick Jr., as well as four musician sons: 
 trumpeter Wynton, saxophonist Branford, trombonist Delfeayo and drummer 
Jason.

Ellis Sr., who died Sunday was involved in the civil rights movement through 
ownership of a motel in suburban New Orleans whose guests included the 
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., New York Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., future 
Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and musician Ray Charles.

He was born in Summit, Mississippi and had lived in New Orleans since 1921.  
In 1936, he became the first black manager of an Esso gas service station in 
the city.

Mr. Marsalis opened the Marsalis Motel, a converted barn near the Mississippi 
River that featured a restaurant, lounge and swimming pool, in 1943.  The 
motel's business dwindled after civil rights legislation in the 1960s allowed 
blacks to stay at formerly all-white inns.  The motel closed in 1986 and was 
later demolished.  He is survived by his son, a daughter and seven grandchildren.