Jelly Roll Morton was an influential American ragtime and jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer who lived from 1890 to 1941.
Morton claimed to have invented jazz and was the first to arrange it, proving that it could be notated while retaining its essence.
He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
Biography
Early Life
Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, known professionally as Jelly Roll Morton, was born on October 20, 1885, in the United States. He was of Louisiana Creole descent and became a pivotal figure in the development of jazz music. Morton was not only a talented pianist but also a bandleader and composer, often credited as jazz's first arranger. His innovative approach proved that jazz, a genre rooted in improvisation, could maintain its essence even when notated. One of his significant contributions to music was the composition of "Jelly Roll Blues," published in 1915, which is recognized as one of the first published jazz compositions.
Career
Morton's career spanned several decades, during which he made a lasting impact on the music scene. He was known for his unique style that blended elements of ragtime and jazz, influenced by greats like Scott Joplin. His recordings, including albums like "The Best of Jelly Roll Morton" and "The Complete Library of Congress Recordings," showcase his mastery of the piano and his innovative compositions. Morton's work earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
In November 1928, Morton married Mabel Bertrand, a showgirl, in Gary, Indiana. He was described as a "very devout Catholic," and his gravesite features a large Rosary, reflecting his faith rather than his musical legacy. Despite his public persona, Morton struggled with feelings of inferiority compared to his peers, which influenced his musical style and approach.
Legacy
Jelly Roll Morton's legacy continues to resonate in the world of jazz. His contributions to the genre have been recognized posthumously, including a nomination for a Tony Award for the musical "Jelly's Last Jam," which depicted his life. In 2008, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a foundational figure in American music history. Morton's life and work remain a testament to the evolution of jazz and its cultural significance.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Volume 1 (1923-1929)2010
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Best of Jelly Roll Morton2006
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Library of Congress Recordings by Alan Lomax2006
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Complete Library of Congress Recordings2005
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Best of Jelly Roll Morton: Original Hits2003
Tracklist not collected yet.
Jelly Roll Morton Plays Jelly Roll Morton and Other Favorites1999
Tracklist not collected yet.
New York, Washington and the Rediscovery - Volume 31991
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Pianist and Composer - Volume 11991
Tracklist not collected yet.
Blues and Rags From Piano Rolls 1924/19251989
Tracklist not collected yet.
Blues and Stomps from Rare Piano Rolls1989
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The King & Mister Jelly Lord1989
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The Pearls1988
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Great Original Performances 1926-19341986
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Rarities Volume 21986
Tracklist not collected yet.
New Orleans Memories Plus Two1985
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Transcriptions For Orchestra1974
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Mr. Jelly Lord1967
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The Immortal Jelly Roll Morton1967
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The King Of New Orleans Jazz1959
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The Incomparable Jelly Roll Morton (His Rarest Recordings)1959
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Rediscovered: Jelly Roll Morton Solos1953
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New Orleans Memories1950
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The Saga Of Mr. Jelly Lord Vol. III - Jazz Is . . . Strictly Music1947
Tracklist not collected yet.
Jelly Roll Morton The Essential Recordings CD22012
Tracklist not collected yet.
Mamie's Blues (Mono Version)1961
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Vocalion Records
Achievements
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Award
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Influenced by
Groups
- Jelly Roll Morton and His Orchestraoriginal, pianocurrent
- Jelly Roll Morton’s New Orleans Jazzmeneponymouscurrent
- Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Pepperseponymouscurrent
- Jelly-Roll Morton Trioeponymouscurrent
- Jelly‐Roll Morton’s Incomparablescurrent
- Jelly‐Roll Morton’s Jazz Bandcurrent
- Jelly‐Roll Morton’s Kings of Jazzcurrent
- Jelly‐Roll Morton’s Steamboat Fourcurrent
- Jelly‐Roll Morton’s Stomp Kingscurrent
- Levee Serenaderspianocurrent
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Ferd (Jelly Roll) Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, Ferdinand Joseph LaMenthe, Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, Ferdinand Joseph LaMotte, Ferdinand Joseph Lemott
American ragtime and jazz pianist, bandleader and composer (1890–1941)
Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, known professionally as Jelly Roll Morton, was an American blues and jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer of Louisiana Creole descent. Morton was jazz's first arranger, proving that a genre rooted in improvisation could retain its essential characteristics when notated. His composition "Jelly Roll Blues", published in 1915, was one of the first published jazz compositions. He also claimed to have invented the genre.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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