Joe's Story (2 of 5)

Church was central to the Lastie family. One of Joe Lastie’s earliest memories, he said, was waiting out Hurricane Betsy in church, in 1965. His first musical memories are of watching his grandfathers playing there; after his grandmother bought him his first set of Pearl drums at age six or seven, he played in church as well. Those formative years playing and hearing gospel music centered it at the root of who he became as a musician. 

 His family's connection to the church led Joe to be invited to play with the Desire Chorus. With the Chorus, he was featured on his first recording, “Alvin Bridges and the Desire Community Chorus” and experienced life on the road as a touring musician. He was only 18 years old. 

Joe is pictured above front and center with the Desire Chorus under the arch of Louis Armstrong Park. Photos courtesy of Joe Lastie. From Mr. Lastie's personal collection, here is the album: "The Best of The Desire Chorus."