It's a new era for the 101-year-old New Orleans musical institution, which has included only four band leaders so far. Gerald is the fifth.

For the 41-year-old drummer the circumstances of his ascension are "bittersweet": his uncle Bob, who performed his final show this summer, suffers from Alzheimer's disease and lives in an assisted-living facility.

Watch Gerald's acceptance speech:

The Original Tuxedo Orchestra, named for the Tuxedo Dance Hall in New Orlean's Storyville district, was founded in 1910 by cornetist Oscar "Papa" Celestin. Celestin led the group, eventually rechristened the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, for 44 years. After his death in 1954, trombonist Eddie Pierson stepped in for four years.

Banjoist Albert "Papa" French, Bob's father and Gerald’s grandfather, then logged two decades as leader. During his tenure, the band took up residency at Tradition Hall, reportedly the first African-American-owned club on Bourbon Street.

Following Albert’s death in 1977, his son Bob took over. Bob expanded the repertoire as the band played out an itinerant existence around town. He restored the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band to Bourbon Street in 2009 by performing every Monday night at 8PM at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans. Admission is free.