The 1st Lady BEHIND the Marching 100
Step into the vibrant world of New Orleans, where the rhythm of life pulses through its streets and legendary institutions. This is the story of LaTosha "Saxahontas" Bennett – educator, musician, leader, poet, motivator, entrepreneur, etc.
FROM MISSISSIPPI ROOTS TO NEW ORLEANS RESONANCE
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Born with music in her DNA, LaTosha's earliest memories are steeped in the soulful sounds of her childhood. Growing up on a sprawling Mississippi farm, where her great-grandfather, Johnny Nealy, envisioned generational wealth from his 121 acres (a vision tragically diminished to 29 acres after his passing), LaTosha found her escape and passion in rhythm and melody. From the timeless records of Earth, Wind & Fire and Aretha Franklin that filled her home, to vibrant summer visits with her New Orleans family in the historic 7th Ward, music was an undeniable calling.
Her teachers, Ms. Garrett and Mr. Johnson, quickly recognized her innate talent, allowing her to explore music during recess. When her mother brought her first keyboard, Mr. Johnson meticulously taught her scales and beginner songs, igniting a lifelong journey. Later, Mrs. Sampson introduced her to the captivating majorette dancing of the Golden Girls, leading LaTosha to become a Junior Highstepper, showcasing her early passion for the arts. Yet, it was the raw power of the marching band that truly captivated her. Band Director Roland Bowser saw her fascination with instruments, particularly the trumpet and tuba. By fifth grade, LaTosha traded her dance shoes for a trumpet, quickly mastering the instrument. A determined spirit, she practiced until a split lip forced a temporary switch. Given the choice between flute or clarinet, she initially resisted, seeking an instrument with the powerful resonance of brass. Her gaze landed on a tall student, Winburn Mims, holding an alto saxophone—an instrument that mirrored the brass she loved, yet offered a smooth, high-register tone. It was a revelation. Under Mims's informal mentorship, her saxophone skills rapidly advanced. |
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In junior high, LaTosha's passion caught the eye of Samuael "Griff" Griffin, the esteemed head band director at Alcorn State University. Her dedication was undeniable, though some noted her potential as a Golden Girl, a path she chose to defer. A transfer to a rival high school in Mississippi, due to her mother's marriage, unexpectedly broadened her musical horizons. Welcomed by directors Mr. Curry (Moose) and Mr. Kelly (both Alcorn alumni, Mr. Kelly also from Jackson State), she was exposed to the fierce musical rivalry of the Capital City Classic. Their arrangements, inspired by Alcorn's "Sounds of Dynamite" and Jackson State's "Sonic Boom of the South," allowed LaTosha to flourish as she learned to arranger music.
Despite graduating in the top 25 of her class, LaTosha chose Hinds Community College, where she not only played but also excelled as a student arranger and student assistant band director. Her college years were marked by remarkable leadership, serving as 1st Runner Up to Miss Utica, Student Government Association President, Miss MENC, member of Mu Alpha Theta and Phi Theta Kappa, President of the Maroon & Gold Flash, and Chess Club, among other achievements. Graduating with honors, she set her sights on Jackson State and its iconic Sonic Boom. After enlisting in the military, she returned from Basic Training Camp directly to Jackson State's band camp under the directorship of Dr. Liddell, ready to dive into music education but also later enter the industry as a producer and director, while hoping to one day return home as the first female band director. However, life took an unforeseen turn. A lupus diagnosis severely impacted her motor skills, stripping her of the ability to play and read music. Dreams shattered, she shifted focus, becoming an educator dedicated to helping students with disabilities. Yet, fate had other plans for her music. Cedric Eubanks, band director at Blackburn Middle School, placed a tenor sax in her hands, insisting she wouldn't leave the band room until she played a note. Overcoming immense anxiety, LaTosha focused, producing a sound that reignited her purpose. She retaught herself music, quickly regaining her prowess, and soon assisted Mr. Eubanks with the band. Driven by a desire to be closer to her musical roots, she relocated to New Orleans. There, she immersed herself in the city's vibrant brass band scene, joining the Mississippi-based, New Orleans-style Epic Funk Brass Band. Her talent quickly earned her a place sitting in with revered groups like New Creations Brass Band, Treme Brass Band, and B.B. King's All-Star Band, among others. From these experiences, she branched out, embracing her identity as a solo artist: Saxahontas. Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed, leading to the creation of several ventures: Angel Pierre, Club Saxahontas, Promo4Talent, R-BIAL, Reed-Bennett Productions, Saxahontas Entertainment, and Saxahontas Radio. Committed to her burgeoning businesses, she decided to leave education. Soon after, a familiar call beckoned – an offer to take a math position at St. Augustine High School. Unknown to her, this pivotal decision ultimately brought her to the heart of the 7th Ward (not just for the summer) where her family lived, a return that marked a new beginning for her long-held dream of becoming a "first female band director" and profoundly pursuing her musical passions. It would be a great challenge, a significant sacrifice, but one she was ready to embrace as she immersed herself back into the very cultural wellspring that had once sparked her musical interest. |
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Video Credit: https://www.ebony.com/
You can watch EBONY's exclusive 3-part documentary on the Marching 100's "The Road to Normandy" here.
You can watch EBONY's exclusive 3-part documentary on the Marching 100's "The Road to Normandy" here.