Jelly Roll Morton

Date of Birth: October 20, 1890

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 10, 1941

Biography

Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton was an influential American jazz musician, pianist, bandleader, and composer. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Morton is often credited with being one of the first to formalize the genre of jazz during its early development in the early 20th century. He began his musical journey at a young age, playing piano in the brothels of Storyville, New Orleans, and his flamboyant personality and exceptional talent quickly set him apart. Morton’s compositions, such as “King Porter Stomp,” “Black Bottom Stomp,” and “Jelly Roll Blues,” became jazz standards. In the 1920s, Morton moved to Chicago, where he made some of his most influential recordings with his band, the Red Hot Peppers. These recordings showcased his innovative approach to arranging and his ability to blend various musical styles, including ragtime, blues, and swing. Despite his success, Morton faced financial difficulties later in life and struggled to gain recognition for his contributions to jazz history. He passed away in Los Angeles in 1941, but his legacy endures, and he is remembered as a pioneer of jazz music.

5 Interesting Facts about Jelly Roll Morton

1. Jelly Roll Morton claimed to have invented jazz in 1902, a statement that has been widely debated among music historians.

2. He was one of the first musicians to write down jazz compositions in musical notation, helping to preserve the music for future generations.

3. Morton’s real name was Ferdinand Joseph Lamothe, but he adopted the stage name “Jelly Roll Morton” due to his fondness for jelly rolls, a popular pastry.

4. In 1915, Morton published “Jelly Roll Blues,” making it one of the first jazz compositions ever published.

5. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, highlighting his lasting impact on American music.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jelly Roll Morton

1. “Jazz music is to be played sweet, soft, plenty rhythm.”

2. “It is evidently known, beyond contradiction, that New Orleans is the cradle of jazz, and I, myself, happened to be the creator in the year 1902.”

3. “Get yourself a piano player who knows how to roll those keys!”

4. “Jazz has got to be danced to.”

5. “The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career in the 1920s, Jelly Roll Morton’s net worth was estimated to be around $100,000, a substantial amount at the time given the economic conditions.