Joe’s Story (Part 1 of 5)

In 1968, Hurricane Camille devastated the Gulf Coast, flooding the Lastie family home, and eventually leading the Lasties along with 12 year old Joe to move from New Orleans to Long Island. Joe brought his love for drumming to New York and continued to play throughout his middle and high school years. Finally, at the age of 18, he begged his parents to let him finish school in New Orleans where he could live with his grandmother. Reluctantly, his parents agreed to let him move back home. When asked why he wanted to return to New Orleans, Joe simply answered that he "came back for the music." Upon his homecoming, Joe enrolled at George Washington Carver High School, located in the upper 9th ward where he joined the band and immediately turned heads with his expert skills.  

During his senior year, Joe began playing drums at the Maison Bourbon, making him the only student in his high school to play professionally. Local musician, Richard Payne, needed a drummer and had heard about Joe. Mr. Payne invited him to come play at the Maison Bourbon where Lastie still plays drums to this day. Joe is pictured on the left at the Maison Bourbon. Photos courtesy of Joe Lastie.