Life in Seven Songs Biographer of geniuses Walter Isaacson on the songs and city that made him
Jul 29, 2025
Walter Isaacson, an award-winning journalist and biographer of icons like Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci, discusses his deep ties to New Orleans and the songs that shaped him. He shares childhood memories tied to the city’s vibrant music scene, reflecting on the significance of tracks like 'Iko Iko' and 'When the Saints Go Marching In.' Isaacson delves into themes of resilience through Irma Thomas's 'It’s Raining' and explores the cultural fusion in Jon Batiste’s 'FREEDOM,' painting a rich tapestry of how music embodies personal and communal narratives.
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Valon Street Shaped A Young Curiosity
- Walter Isaacson remembers Vallon Street as a mixed, music-filled neighborhood where Neville Brothers and the Dixie Cups coexisted.
- He rode his bike on Mardi Gras mornings chasing distant Mardi Gras Indian songs, which taught him curiosity and exploration.
Front Row At Preservation Hall
- Isaacson describes sitting on the front row at Preservation Hall as a teenager watching Sweet Emma Barrett control the band.
- The band charged $5 to request "When The Saints Go Marching In," signaling the song's status as New Orleans' anthem.
Walker Percy Taught Storytelling
- Walker Percy introduced Isaacson to writing as a viable life and urged him to be a storyteller, not a preacher.
- Percy taught the practical framing: "Let me tell you a story," and to keep narratives chronological.