Kirk Joseph

Kirk Joseph (born February 16, 1961) is an American sousaphone and tuba player, recognized as a pioneer in expanding the role of the sousaphone in contemporary brass band, jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues music. He is a founding member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and leader of his own ensemble, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove.

Early life and career Joseph was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of trombonist Waldren "Frog" Joseph. He began playing the sousaphone while attending Andrew Bell Middle School. At age 13, he performed his first professional job in a funeral procession with the Majestic Band, alongside his brother Charles Joseph.

Throughout his career, Joseph has collaborated with numerous artists including Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Taj Mahal, The Manhattan Transfer, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Los Lobos, Huey Lewis and the News, Dave Matthews, B.B. King, and Fats Domino. The ensemble has featured Kevin O’Day (drums), Chris Mule and Hiro Mano (guitars), Rasheed "Sheik" Akbar and Eric Traub (saxophones), Raymond Anthony Williams (trumpet), and special guests including Dr. John.

He has appeared on television programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Show with David Letterman, and the sitcom Gimme a Break!. He also appeared as himself in the HBO series Treme.

Discography

Selected albums and collaborations Spike – Elvis Costello (1989) Yellow Moon – The Neville Brothers (1989) Twenty Dozen – Dirty Dozen Brass Band (2012) Collapse Into Now – R.E.M. (2010) GoGo Juice – Jon Cleary (2014, Grammy-winning album) Porcupine Meat – Bobby Rush (2016, Grammy-winning album) Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch – Dr. John (2014)

Filmography

Television appearances The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (two appearances) 2007 Best Tuba/Sousaphonist Tied with Philip Frazier and Matt Perrine 2013 Best Tuba/Sousaphonist 2020 Best Tuba/Sousaphonist 2023 Best Tuba/Sousaphonist