Calliope on the steamboat Natchez - New Orleans

Here I'm playing the steam driven calliope on the roof of the riverboat Nachez in New Orleans.
The tune is "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee". Words by L. Wolfe Gilbert and music by Lewis F. Muir. Written in 1912. A good old steamboat song.

[jamescanada]

A petition from the musicians of New Orleans to tune the calliope, which is audible from across half the city.

[HisXLNC]

This is the song I hear in my head when trying to fall asleep at 2 in the morning.

[aspensmusicandrestoration]

In my freshman year, the jazz band at my school took a trip to New Orleans and we had a late night dinner and party on the Natchez. I got to meet the person who played the calliope and he let me up on the deck to see it and how it worked when I told him about my love for mechanical music. Very cool stuff.

[jeffreyyoung]

It's nice to see and hear a true steam calliope! Altho, the addition of the lights is different. But having a working steam calliope on a steam boat is cool!

[NickDerbonne]

It never gets old since I don't hear it every day.

[KiraPlaysGuitar]

Calliope players back in the day must have become deaf as all hell

[JohnStarkey-uz]

I remember hearing a radio documentary about the fantastic popularity of this innovative song. At one given performance of "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee", the audience was so wild for the tune that the demand for encores wouldn't stop. It was just The Beatles who inspired frenzy. The song was played non-stop for hours!

[ibuprofenPill]

This is what I hear in my head during morning development updates at work.

[Jaktheengine]

If anyone wants to know the song it’s called “waiting for the Robert e lee”

[BonnieRogers-ij]

Nigel, this is the greatest of songs and is just right for the Calliope. You did a great job. Thank you. (CA)

[cetyl]

Love the depth of field in the photography

[papabits]

I want one so I play it on Sunday morning for my neighbours who own dogs

[boRegah]

Sensible energy usage. What a beast of an idea

[john]

Really great a true steam blown calliope

[thompsonma]

Visiting New Orleans these few days I took the ride on the steam boat and this music was playing on the way of the line. A couple of old folks were pissed off because they wanted better music. It was hilarious because they were complaining to one of the watchmen like it was his fault. 🤣 I enjoyed the music though. It was mi first time in New Orleans and it was special to me. 🖤

[BjarneLinetsky]

There was a time when the mississippi was an important symbol of America, and a riverboat ride was the journey of life.

[Spitfire]

Well hello old friend. It's been 5 years since I've seen you. Hope to see you in another 5.

[AlanCanon]

Love that boat, if it's the one I'm thinking of. Designed and built 1975 by the great Marine Architect Alan Bates, based on his experience in the refitting of the steamer Avalon into the Belle of Louisville.

[PatricaCarter]

The sound of my childhood, walking in the French Quarter with my daddy!

[lyannarhodes]

be still, for there is strange music.