Doreen Ketchens, affectionately known as “Lady Louis,” “The Clarinet Queen,” and “Ms. New Orleans,” is a renowned jazz clarinetist who has made a significant impact on the music scene, particularly in New Orleans.
Born on October 3, 1966, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ketchens has dedicated her life to performing Dixieland and traditional jazz, earning her a place among the cultural ambassadors of the city.
Doreen Ketchens grew up in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, where she was exposed to the rich musical heritage of the city from a young age. She began playing the clarinet in elementary school, initially choosing the instrument to avoid a pop quiz. Her talent was nurtured by her band director, Donald Richardson, and she continued to develop her skills through high school and college.
Ketchens attended several institutions, including Delgado Community College, Loyola University of New Orleans, and the University of Hartford’s The Hartt School, where she studied under Henry Larsen. She also had an internship with the symphony orchestra in Hartford .
How Doreen Ketchens and Her Husband Lawrence Ketchens Met?
It was during her time at Loyola University that Doreen Ketchens met her future husband, Lawrence Ketchens. Lawrence, an accomplished musician in his own right, played the tuba, valve trombone, drums, and piano. He was a significant influence on Ketchens, introducing her to jazz and becoming a major attraction in her band, Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans.
Together, they performed at various venues, including the Republican National Convention in 1988, and became a staple in the French Quarter, performing on the streets for over three decades .
Ketchens’ career has been marked by numerous achievements. She has performed at concert halls, music festivals, and U.S. embassies, as well as in decades of weekly performances in Dixieland’s tradition in the Royal Street Performing Arts Zone in the French Quarter of New Orleans with her band, Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans.
She has performed for four U.S. presidents—Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter—and was described by Nola.com in 2012 as a cultural ambassador of New Orleans .
Doreen Ketchens has also been featured in numerous documentaries about New Orleans, its music, and its heritage, and she has been seen on television in shows like HBO’s Treme.
Her band, Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, has released 28 albums and continues to perform at jazz festivals and music events around the world. In 2022, Ketchens was honored with a Doctorate degree in music from Five Towns College, in Long Island New York .
Doreen Ketchens’ Musical Journey with Her Husband Lawrence
Ketchens and Lawrence’s marriage was not only a personal union but also a musical partnership. They performed together for many years, with Lawrence’s unique ability to play the sousaphone and drums simultaneously becoming a highlight of their shows.
Their love for each other and their shared passion for music were evident in their performances, which captivated audiences both locally and internationally. Tragically, Lawrence Ketchens passed away in early 2025. His death was a significant loss for Ketchens, who described him as a beloved husband, devoted father, friend, and musician .
Legacy and Impact
Despite the loss of her husband, Doreen Ketchens continues to inspire audiences with her powerful performances, carrying on the legacy they built together. She finds strength in thinking about the times he was in the audience, giving her a nod of support.
Ketchens’ intense passion gets under your skin and brings you to a new place. Be it Gospel, Blues, R&B, Classical or Jazz. Dr. Doreen has been called many names because she plays like Charlie “Bird” Parker, sings like Mahalia Jackson, and has the chops and personality of Louis Armstrong .
Ketchens has been sharing traditional American Jazz in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, Russia and the United States. They have performed with programs sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center and The US Department of State.
Doreen introduced her daughter, Dorian Ketchens-Dixon, when she was nine, as a drummer at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for one song in a set. Today, she is one of the regular drummers backing the group .
Awards and Recognitions
Doreen Ketchens’ group appears at Jazz Festivals in New Orleans and at music festivals, fairs, and showcases throughout the world. In 2006, she was part of a program for South African cultural exchange with the Field Band Foundation that was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Jazz at Lincoln Center in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
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She has been featured in numerous documentaries about New Orleans, its heritage, and its music, including several profiles by WWOZ, New Orleans’ Jazz radio station including a video profiles and audio programs, and dozens of articles from major newspapers and magazines around the world . Ketchens has been recognized with awards, such as the Best Clarinetist at the OffBeat’s Best of The Beat Awards in 2016 and 2023.
Educational Contributions
Beyond her performances, Ketchens is deeply committed to education, teaching clarinet at the University of New Orleans and Loyola University New Orleans. She regularly performs in schools and universities around the United States and the world, teaching students of many ages and languages about music, multiple genres, musical terms, performance styles and techniques, as well as spreading the culture and music of New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina .
Doreen Ketchens’ life and career are a testament to her dedication, talent, and love for music. Her journey from a young clarinetist in New Orleans to an internationally recognized jazz musician is an inspiration to many. Despite the challenges and losses she has faced, Ketchens continues to share her passion for music with the world, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz community.
