His father, John Brunious Sr., played piano and trumpet and transcribed songs such as "Bourbon Street Parade" for Paul Barbarin.
Brunious was influenced by Dizzy Gillespie and played in rhythm and blues bands.
[1] He attended St. Augustine High School and served in the military during the Vietnam War.
After he returned to New Orleans, he performed in nightclubs with pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. and drummer James N. Black.
[2] In 2005, Hurricane Katrina drove him from his home in Gentilly and buried his trumpets.