Hosea London: Learning the Excelsior Tradition by Being in the Band

In this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with Hosea London–one of Mobile's most respected musicians and cultural leaders. Hosea shares how a band director's decision in elementary school steered him from trombone to trumpet–a choice that shaped the rest of his life. From playing at church teas and fundraisers to studying music in college, Hosea built a foundation as a classically trained trumpet player before discovering a love for jazz while working in Memphis.   Along the way, Hosea taught music at Mississippi Valley State University, worked in music therapy for the State of Alabama, and learned to play everything from trumpet and French horn to keyboards. He reflects on performing with legends like Joe Lewis and E.B. Coleman, mentoring young musicians through his Jazz Studio, and why he still embraces the challenge of classical music.   The conversation also explores the heart of Mobile's musical heritage through the Excelsior Band. Hosea explains why Excelsior is more than a band—it's a living tradition built on listening, instinct, and generations of musicians learning songs by playing them together rather than rehearsing them.