[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24703-24704]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO LEO JOHN DEJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pay tribute today to musician 
and octogenarian Leo John Dejan, of Los Angeles, California.
  Born on May 4, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John Dejan and 
Elodie Planchard Dejan, Leo began his musical career when at the tender 
young age of seven, he learned to play the violin. He went on to master 
the trumpet and by the time he was twelve, young Leo was earning money 
as a professional musician. In 1923 along with his brother, Harold, he 
formed his own band, calling it ``The Original Moonlight Serenaders.'' 
The following year, Leo changed the name of the band to the ``Black 
Diamond Orchestra.'' The Black Diamond's were very popular throughout 
New Orleans, French Quarter and on Lake Pontchartrain, playing at 
carnivals, in parades, and at dances. On occasion, they would play with 
legendary jazz musician Louis ``Satchmoll'' Armstrong.
  Leo studied music at Xavier University in New Orleans. He became the 
school's bandmaster and in 1933 organized the university's first school 
band. While attending Xavier, he met Sister Katherine Drexel, founder 
of the Order of the Blessed Sacrament who on October 1, 2000, was 
canonized by Pope John Paul. Little did he know the significance of 
their meeting at that time, but today Leo is profoundly moved by his 
chance encounter with this remarkable woman, a former Philadelphia 
socialite and philanthropist, who would become Saint Katherine.
  With the outbreak of World War II, Leo volunteered for duty with the 
United States Navy, serving as bandmaster at Lake Pontchartrain Naval 
Station. For a time, Leo's band could be heard every Sunday evening on 
the ``Skyway to Victory'' radio program on New Orleans radio station 
WWL.
  On July 16, 1937, while still in the Navy, Leo married Helena 
Charbonnet. The couple had three children: son, Leo, Jr., and daughters 
Glynis Ann and Debbie Marie. The Navy transferred Leo and his family to 
Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, in 1944. After the war, 
they returned to New Orleans where Leo taught mathematics and music at 
Xavier, and returned to his musical career playing lead trumpet in 
local bands.
  After his service with the Navy ended, in 1947 Leo and Helena moved 
the family West to Los Angeles. There he joined the city of Los 
Angeles' Bureau of Music as a contractor to the Parks and Recreation 
Department. He provided concert, Dixieland, and ``longhair''

[[Page 24704]]

bands to the city and played with the summer circus and Dixieland bands 
around town. He also did studio recording work, cutting sound tracks 
and backing sides.
  As Leo's family blossomed and musical engagements became less 
reliable, he went to work for the United States Postal Service, 
operating out of Los Angeles' famed Ambassador Hotel. He continued to 
play in occasional jazz sets around town and in 1975 signed with 
Crescent Jazz Productions to appear in their ``A Night in New Orleans'' 
European tour, featuring the New Orleans Society Orchestra and Eagle 
Brass Band. Leo and Helena packed their bags and went abroad, where Leo 
played to packed audiences in Belgium, England, Germany, and Austria. 
It was an unforgettable occasion that Leo holds dear to his heart.
  In 1992, Leo's beloved Helena passed away. For fifty-five years, she 
was his best friend, the love of his life, and his soul mate. He now 
lives with daughter Glynis and her husband, retired Los Angeles 
Superior Court Judge Dion Morrow, who have welcomed him into their warm 
and loving home. Despite his young 89 years, Leo continues to work in 
the community by volunteering for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's 
Department, working out of the Ladera sub-station.
  When not volunteering, Leo, who will turn 90 on May 11, 2001, remains 
a life member of AFM Local 47. He is an active bowler and a member of 
the seniors clubs of Saint Bernadette Church and the Claude Pepper 
Senior Citizens Center. He is listed in Who's Who of American Jazz 
musicians, and when the spirit moves him, can often be found doing a 
set or two on his trumpet.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a sincere pleasure to recognize the outstanding 
contributions of Leo John Dejan to the music industry and to jazz 
lovers everywhere. I am proud to call him my friend and on behalf of 
the residents of the 32nd Congressional District, I congratulate him on 
his exemplary career.

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