# Jelly Roll Morton

> American ragtime and jazz pianist, bandleader and composer (1890–1941)

**Wikidata**: [Q317128](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317128)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jelly_Roll_Morton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jelly-roll-morton

## Summary
Jelly Roll Morton was an American ragtime and jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in early jazz. Born in 1890, he played a pivotal role in shaping the genre through his innovative compositions, performances, and leadership of musical ensembles. His work bridged ragtime and jazz, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.

## Biography
- **Born:** October 20, 1890
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Known for:** Pioneering contributions to ragtime and jazz as a pianist, composer, and bandleader
- **Field(s):** Ragtime, jazz
- **Aliases:** Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, Ferdinand Morton

## Contributions
Jelly Roll Morton was a prolific composer and performer whose work significantly influenced the development of jazz. His compositions, such as "King Porter Stomp" and "Black Bottom Stomp," became foundational pieces in the jazz repertoire. As a bandleader, he led ensembles that showcased his innovative arrangements and improvisational skills. Morton also recorded extensively, including sessions with Vocalion Records, which helped popularize jazz in the early 20th century. His contributions to the genre earned him posthumous recognition, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

## FAQs
**What genres did Jelly Roll Morton work in?**
Jelly Roll Morton was primarily associated with ragtime and jazz, though his work also incorporated elements of other musical styles.

**What was Jelly Roll Morton's role in the development of jazz?**
Morton was a key figure in the transition from ragtime to jazz, contributing innovative compositions and arrangements that shaped the genre's early development.

**What awards or honors did Jelly Roll Morton receive?**
He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to music.

**What record labels was Jelly Roll Morton associated with?**
Morton recorded with Vocalion Records, among other labels, which helped disseminate his music to a broader audience.

**What was Jelly Roll Morton's birth name?**
His birth name was Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, though he was widely known by his stage name, Jelly Roll Morton.

## Why They Matter
Jelly Roll Morton's influence on jazz and ragtime is profound. As one of the first major composers and performers in jazz, he helped define the genre's early sound and structure. His work bridged the gap between ragtime and jazz, introducing new harmonic and rhythmic ideas that influenced later musicians. Morton's recordings and compositions remain foundational in jazz education and performance, and his legacy is celebrated through awards and inductions into prestigious music halls of fame.

## Notable For
- Pioneering contributions to ragtime and jazz as a pianist, composer, and bandleader.
- Compositions such as "King Porter Stomp" and "Black Bottom Stomp."
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Recordings with Vocalion Records.
- Influence on the transition from ragtime to jazz.

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Jelly Roll Morton was born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe on October 20, 1890, in the United States. He was also known by the aliases Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton and Ferdinand Morton. His early life was marked by a deep immersion in the musical traditions of New Orleans, where he developed his skills as a pianist and composer.

### Career and Musical Contributions
Morton's career spanned the early 20th century, during which he became a central figure in the development of jazz. He was a prolific composer, with notable works including "King Porter Stomp" and "Black Bottom Stomp," which became staples of the jazz repertoire. As a bandleader, Morton led ensembles that showcased his innovative arrangements and improvisational prowess. His recordings, particularly those with Vocalion Records, helped popularize jazz and ragtime, reaching audiences far beyond New Orleans.

### Influence and Legacy
Morton's influence extended beyond his own performances and compositions. He was a mentor to younger musicians and played a crucial role in the evolution of jazz from its ragtime roots. His work laid the groundwork for future generations of jazz musicians, and his contributions to the genre have been recognized with posthumous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

### Recognition and Awards
Jelly Roll Morton's impact on music has been celebrated through various awards and inductions. His posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame underscores his significance in the history of American music. Additionally, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, further cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in jazz and ragtime.

### Recorded Work and Collaborations
Morton's recorded work includes collaborations with Vocalion Records, which helped disseminate his music to a wider audience. His recordings are noted for their technical skill and innovative arrangements, which continue to be studied and admired by musicians and scholars alike.

### Personal and Professional Identity
Throughout his career, Morton was known by several names, including Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, and Ferdinand Morton. These aliases reflect the multifaceted nature of his identity as both a performer and a composer. His work as a bandleader and composer solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in early jazz.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.doctorjazz.co.uk/genealogy.html)
2. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2691/jelly-roll-morton)
3. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jelly-Roll-Morton)
4. [Source](https://www.biography.com/musicians/jelly-roll-morton)
5. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
6. BnF authorities
7. Integrated Authority File
8. LIBRIS. 2012
9. Find a Grave
10. BlackPast.org
11. MusicBrainz
12. [Source](https://lccn.loc.gov/2006571031)
13. Internet Broadway Database
14. International Music Score Library Project
15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. [Source](https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/year/1992/category/any/show/any/)
19. BBC Things
20. Library of Congress Control Number
21. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
22. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data