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Jelly Roll Morton
New Orleans, United States
Archival Overview
New Orleans pianist, composer, and bandleader who was the first true arranger and theorist of jazz, celebrated for his Red Hot Peppers recordings and Library of Congress oral history.
Biographical Record
Born into a French-speaking Creole of Color family in New Orleans, Ferdinand 'Jelly Roll' Morton began playing piano in the sporting houses of Storyville in his teens. While his flamboyant claim that he personally 'invented jazz in 1902' invited controversy, Morton was indeed the first musician to transcribe and arrange jazz in formal musical notation.
In 1926, Morton formed his legendary recording group, 'Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers', in Chicago. His compositions—such as 'Black Bottom Stomp' and 'King Porter Stomp'—balanced collective New Orleans improvisation with tight, intricate ensemble arrangements, defining early classic jazz.
Key Life Milestones
Red Hot Peppers Masterpieces
Recorded seminal Chicago jazz sides including Black Bottom Stomp and The Chant for Victor.
Library of Congress Oral History
Recorded over eight hours of historic musical oral history and piano demonstrations for Alan Lomax.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialLos Angeles, United States