William “Bebe” Ridgley

William “Bébé” Ridgley (1882-1961) was a jazz trombonist, a member of the Silver Leaf Orchestra, and a founding member of the Original Tuxedo Orchestra (named after the Tuxedo Dance Hall in Storyville) in 1910. In 1925 he split with his co-leader Oscar Celestin, after which there were two competing Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestras. Ridgley eventually retired form music in the 1930s to pursue religious interests. He is the uncle of rhythm and blues vocalist and bandleader Tommy Ridgley. Also known as William “Baba” Ridgley, William “Bebé” Ridgley.