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Leo Adde

1904 – 1942

Drummer

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About Leo Adde

Lived 1904 – 1942 (aged 37). Leo Adde was an American jazz musician.

Johnny Bayersdorffer's Jazzola Novelty Orchestra, New Orleans. Left to right: Chink Martin Abraham, brass bass; Tom Brown, trombone; Johnny Bayersdorffer, cornet & leader; Leo Adde, drums; Steve Loyacano, banjo; Nunzio Scaglione, clarinet. Leon "Leo" Adde (April 21, 1904 – March 1, 1942) was an American jazz drummer.

Career Adde began by playing the cigar box on percussion, and played as a duo with Raymond Burke on the streets of New Orleans in the mid-1910s. Adde joined the Halfway House Orchestra under Abbie Brunies early in the 1920s, and played in Johnny Miller's New Orleans Frolickers at the end of the decade. Adde also recorded in the 1920s with Johnny Bayersdorffer and with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings.

In the 1930s, Adde drummed with the Melody Masters, led by Sharkey Bonano and Louis Prima's brother Leon Prima. He moved with the ensemble to New York City, where they sometimes performed as the New Orleans Melody Masters. Later in the decade, he recorded with the New Orleans Owls, and returned to New Orleans before the end of the 1930s.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
Leon Adde

People in Leo Adde's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Leo Adde's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Leo Adde?

drummer

When was Leo Adde born?

Leo Adde was born on 21 April 1904 in New Orleans.

When did Leo Adde die?

Leo Adde died on 1 March 1942 in New Orleans.

What was Leo Adde's occupation?

Leo Adde was a jazz musician.

What nationality was Leo Adde?

Leo Adde was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Leo Adde

· Wikidata: Q1390629

· DBpedia: Leo Adde

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Leo Adde. https://biography.guide/leo-adde/

MLA: "Leo Adde." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/leo-adde/.

Chicago: "Leo Adde." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/leo-adde/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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