J.D Haenni was born in St. Louis, not far from the Mississippi River to an “A-musical household”.  He began to play bass at the age of 10 and went on to excel in music in high school, where he became a member of the Webster University Youth Orchestra.  A “natural player”, J.D. went on to perform with the Missouri All-State Orchestra, where he received “Orchestra Player of the Year” award. 

After moving to New Orleans in 2009, he studied under John Mahoney at Loyola University, and now joins John Mahoney’s son, David, as a member of the DUKES.