Jelly Roll Morton: The Inventor of Jazz

How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz

by Jonah Winter

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14449 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Jelly Roll Morton was a legendary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who is widely considered to be the inventor of jazz. Born in New Orleans in 1890, Morton began playing piano at an early age and quickly developed a unique style that blended elements of ragtime, blues, and stride piano. In the 1920s, Morton led a series of groundbreaking recordings that helped to define the sound of early jazz. He also wrote some of the most iconic jazz compositions of all time, including "King Porter Stomp" and "The Pearls."

Morton's Early Life and Career

Morton was born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 20, 1890. His father was a bricklayer and his mother was a seamstress. Morton's family was poor, and he began working at a young age to help support his family. He started playing piano at the age of 10, and by the age of 13, he was playing in local honky-tonks and dance halls.

In 1915, Morton left New Orleans and moved to Chicago. He quickly became a fixture on the city's jazz scene, and he soon began leading his own band. In 1923, Morton made his first recordings, and he quickly became one of the most popular jazz musicians in the country.

Morton's Musical Innovations

Morton was a brilliant pianist and composer, and he made a number of important innovations to the sound of jazz. He was one of the first pianists to use the stride piano style, which is characterized by its fast, syncopated rhythms. He also developed a unique way of playing the blues, which he called "Jelly Roll blues." Morton's compositions were often complex and sophisticated, and they helped to establish jazz as a serious musical form.

In addition to his piano playing and composing, Morton was also a gifted bandleader. He led a number of successful bands throughout his career, and he helped to develop the sound of early jazz. Morton's bands were known for their tight playing and their ability to create a driving, rhythmic sound.

Morton's Legacy

Jelly Roll Morton died in Los Angeles in 1941, at the age of 50. He was a prolific musician and composer, and he left behind a vast legacy of recordings and compositions. Morton's music has had a profound influence on the development of jazz, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of American music.

Morton's music continues to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and his recordings are still considered to be among the best examples of early jazz. Morton's legacy is also preserved in the many books and articles that have been written about his life and career.

Jelly Roll Morton was a true pioneer of jazz music. He was a brilliant pianist, composer, and bandleader, and he made a number of important innovations to the sound of jazz. Morton's music has had a profound influence on the development of jazz, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of American music.

How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz

by Jonah Winter

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14449 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE