The very beginning of Ruel Pate’s musical career started at the record store listening to AL Hirt. “It touched me, and I knew that playing the trumpet like that was what I wanted to do with my life”. And so as a young teenager in Panama City Fl., Ruel joined the local junior high band. After a year in the band, the band director recommended Ruel for private lessons and as fate would have it, his teacher played a record for Ruel saying “This is what you should aim for”. The record was that of Al Hirt. It turns out Ruel’ s teacher (Mr.Robert Braugle) was a contemorary of Al Hirt’s at the Cincinati Conservatory of Music where Al earned his Dotorate in performance.

Playing through High School, Ruel was known as “THE” lead trumpet player who could hit the high notes and so was invited to perform with the local College dance and show band. These dates inturn led to performances with Jerry Fisher (of Blood Sweat & Tears fame), Les Elgart’s Orchestra, The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, and the Russ Morgan Orchestra to name a few.

Money was tight and the best way out of Panama City for Ruel was the U.S. Navy. Ruel trained at the Navy School of Music in Norfolk, VA and was stationed with the Newport Navy Band (1972-75). Following the navy, Ruel attended Florida State University as a music education major (‘76-’79) but fate once again led him to life on the road, this time as lead trumpet with the Clyde Cole Brothers Circus playing 15 shows per week. “Three on a Saturday, THAT was ruff!” says Ruel.

Today, he makes his home in New Orleans where Al Hirt lived and played. He’s a a regular on the famous Bourbon Street strip appearing at The Famous Door, The Krazy Korner Jazz Club, and Chirs Owen’s Night Club.