Jelly Roll Morton

Aliases: Jelly Roll Morton Jazzmen
Jelly Roll Morton Seven
Jelly Roll Morton's Jazz Band
Real name: Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe
Born: September 20, 1890
Died: July 10, 1941
Country: United States
Comments: Pianist, vocalist, composer and bandleader, and an influential figure in the creation of jazz - particularly as a composer. In fact, Morton, who was reputedly very egotistical, claimed to have personally invented jazz.

Morton's true last name and date of birth have been subject to much controversy.

Morton was stabbed when a fight broke out in the place he was playing in Washington, D.C. He was first denied treatment at a nearby whites-only hospital, then taken to a further away lower quality hospital where, following a long wait, he received substandard care. Morton never completely recovered from his wounds, which led to his death.
Family: Dink Johnson Brother-in-law
See also: Bob Greene