Age, Biography and Wiki

Ellis Marsalis Sr. (Ellis Louis Marsalis) was born on 16 April, 1908 in Summit, Mississippi, U.S., is an American businessman. Discover Ellis Marsalis Sr.'s Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 96 years old?

Popular As Ellis Louis Marsalis
Occupation Businessman
Age 96 years old
Zodiac Sign Aries
Born 16 April 1908
Birthday 16 April
Birthplace Summit, Mississippi, U.S.
Date of death 19 September, 2004
Died Place New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Nationality United States

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 16 April. He is a member of famous businessman with the age 96 years old group.

Ellis Marsalis Sr. Height, Weight & Measurements

At 96 years old, Ellis Marsalis Sr. height not available right now. We will update Ellis Marsalis Sr.'s Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
Eye Color Not Available
Hair Color Not Available

Who Is Ellis Marsalis Sr.'s Wife?

His wife is Florence Robertson

Family
Parents Not Available
Wife Florence Robertson
Sibling Not Available
Children Ellis Marsalis Jr.

Ellis Marsalis Sr. Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Ellis Marsalis Sr. worth at the age of 96 years old? Ellis Marsalis Sr.’s income source is mostly from being a successful businessman. He is from United States. We have estimated Ellis Marsalis Sr.'s net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income businessman

Ellis Marsalis Sr. Social Network

Instagram
Linkedin
Twitter
Facebook
Wikipedia
Imdb

Timeline

1908

Ellis Louis Marsalis Sr. (April 16, 1908 – September 19, 2004) was an American businessman from New Orleans, Louisiana.

He was a former poultry farmer turned hotelier, Esso franchise owner and civil rights activist.

Marsalis was born in Summit, Mississippi, the son of Rosa (née Gayden) and Simeon "Simmie" Marsalis.

His father had changed his surname to "Marsalis", his stepfather's surname.

He was the patriarch of the renowned Marsalis musical family that includes his son, Ellis Marsalis Jr., and grandsons Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo, and Jason.

Ellis Sr. was married to Florence Robertson (Marsalis), and also has a daughter, Yvette Marsalis, of New Orleans.

Marsalis was never a musician of any kind, but was fond of Mississippi Delta Blues.

1924

Marsalis also played a role in the election of Judge Lionel Collins, the first Black Judge of the 24th Judicial District Court, in Gretna, Louisiana.

The achievements of the Civil rights movement led to a decline in trade at the Marsalis Motel when hotels and motels began to accept anyone as a guest regardless of color.

1927

Marsalis came to New Orleans in 1927 and worked for the Duplain Rhodes Funeral Home, driving a horse-drawn hearse.

During World War II, he did welding and built batteries to aid the war effort.

1943

In 1943, Marsalis converted a barn on the shore of the Mississippi River into the Marsalis Motel.

It catered to African-Americans, who were not allowed to stay at "whites only" New Orleans establishments under Jim Crow—the South's segregation laws.

The hotel and restaurant quickly attracted prominent musicians, such as Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Ruth Brown, Etta James, Dinah Washington, and others, as well as some of the most influential civil rights leaders of the day, including Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell Jr.. and Thurgood Marshall.

1951

Marsalis was instrumental in the voter registration of Black residents of Jefferson Parish from 1951 to 1966.

He helped finance the education of Ernest Nathan Morial ("Dutch"), the first Black student to attend the Louisiana State University Law School, who later became the first black mayor of New Orleans.

1963

He was also elected President of the Nationwide Hotel Association, an organization of Southern Black hotel owners (such as Ferdinand Prout, A.G. Gaston, and Louis Mason) that he co-founded in 1963 in an effort to increase the economic power of their businesses.

Marsalis was the first Black businessman to obtain an Esso (now Exxon) franchise in the state of Louisiana, co-owning (with William Wicker) and operating an Esso service station on the corner of what is now Claiborne and Louisiana Avenues in New Orleans.

He was also the first black businessman to own a successful business in Jefferson Parish (Metairie/Shrewsbury), Louisiana.

1964

He was a lifelong member of the Republican Party, and was a delegate to the Republican Convention of 1964.

1982

He assisted David Treen's successful 1982 campaign for Governor of Louisiana.

1986

Marsalis's Mansion (Motel) closed on 25 September 1986, and it was demolished in July 1993.

2006

The property was sold in July 2006.

2015

On January 9, 2015, the Jefferson Parish Historical Society erected an historical plaque on the former motel site, honouring Marsalis for his contributions to Jefferson Parish life and to the Civil rights movement.