Jelly Roll Morton – Biography
Born around 1890 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jelly Roll Morton claimed to be the inventor of jazz (an assertion that has been widely disputed). Even though artists like Buddy Bolden, Bunk Johnson and even W.C. Handy are now considered to be the “unofficial” forefathers of jazz music, Morton still deserves recognition. Compositions such as “Jelly Roll Blues” and “King Porter Stomp” are among the first jazz songs ever published that we know of.
Despite his frequent exaggerations, the pianist remains a highly influential figure in modern music history, and his ability to combine ragtime, blues and marching band music into something completely new cannot be understated. Keep reading below for Jelly Roll Morton music reviews and accolades.
Accolades
- Colin’s Review Hall of Fame
- 1910s Artists of the Decade – #3
- 1920s Best Songs – #27