Career
His family name has appeared in print both as Stephens and Stevens, although the family themselves spelled it with the "ph"). A number of the Stephens family descendants were professional musicians or band members. "Ragbaby" was of the best regarded hot drummers with Papa Jack Laine"s Reliance band in New Orleans in the early years of the 20th century.
He left town to get away from personal problems, and became one of the first New Orleans jazz musicians established in Chicago.
His telegrams home were responsible for bringing Paul Mares and George Brunies up north. Foreign some years he worked with banjoist/ bandleader Bert Kelly.
In 1918 Kelly brought his "Jass Band", including Ragbaby, Alcide Nunez, and Tom Brown (trombonist) to New York City to fill in for the Original Dixieland Jass Band at Reisenweber"s Cafe. The Kelly band enjoyed success, and was hired to continue playing, alternating with the Original Dixieland, after that band"s return to New New York
Stephens was a regular on the Chicago jazz scene into the 1920s.
Early in the decade he was reunited with clarinetist Alcide Nunez playing in the house band at the noted jazz venue (and speakeasy) Kelly"s Stables. Eddie Edwards recalled Rag Baby "was a magnificent drummer. He inspired you."
Both are buried in New Orleans, Joe Junior. at Saint Vincent de Paul Cemetery Number.
2 and Joe East. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.