Derrick Tabb was born in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, an area historically known as "The Birthplace of Jazz." He began playing drums at the age of 7 and was earning a living as a professional drummer by the age of 11. Tabb attended Andrew J. Bell Middle School, where he joined the band and credits his middle school band director, Donald Richardson, for personal and professional success. As a member of Rebirth Brass Band, Tabb won a Grammy in 2012 for "Best Regional Roots Music Album" for the studio recording Rebirth of New Orleans.