The Life of Jelly Roll Morton

Ferdinand Joseph “Jelly Roll Morton” LaMenthe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 20, 1890. As a child he began to learn how to play the piano at age 10 years old. He was taught by Tony Jackson, composer of songs like “Pretty Boy” and other hits. Tony Jackson is among the few musicians whom Morton admired and respected. He called Jackson “ the greatest single-handed entertainers in the world.” After the death of his mother, Morton began …

…and downs of Morton entitled Jelly’s Last Jam starring Gregory Hines which was very excellent in New York. Mr. Morton’s memory and contributions to music will live forever. References Shaw, Arnold, Black Popular Music in America, Schirmer Books., New York.1986 Jelly Roll Morton: http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_morton_jelly_roll.html Morton, Jelly Roll: http://blackhistory.eb.com/notrame/micro/405/70.html Ferdinand Morton: http://www.redhotjazz.com/jellyroll.html