(September 20, 1890 – July 10, 1941)
Jelly Roll Morton was named Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe at birth. He was an American ragtime and jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer of descent.
Morton is thought of as jazz music's first arranger. His composition "Jelly Roll Blues", published in 1915, was one of the first published jazz compositions.
In addition to "Jelly Roll Blues" Morton also wrote "King Porter Stomp", "Wolverine Blues", "Black Bottom Stomp", and "I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say", which was based on Buddy Bolden's signature piece of music "Funky Butt."
Jelly Roll Morton himself said that he invented Jazz Music, however this was not the case. He did however develop a lot of techniques that developed the early ragtime style, and influenced many early stride pianists as he toured around the country, including JJ Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith. Morton's playing style also became a foundation of the Boogie Woogie piano style.
Jelly Roll Morton's personal style at the piano involved playing melodies with his thumb in the right hand, harmonising above with his fingers. This technique was largely left behind by later pianists, who preferred to voice the melody with the right pinkie, harmonising notes below. He also made use of 6ths in his left hand, reminiscent of blues guitarists. This technique was developed and expanded into 10ths in the later New York Stride style pianists.
