Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton, born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in New Orleans, was one of jazz's earliest innovators, blending ragtime with other musical forms to create the sound that would become legendary. His groundbreaking compositions and piano style laid much of the groundwork for the genre, even if his claims about inventing jazz outright were, shall we say, liberally embellished. The man certainly didn't lack for confidence.

Morton toured extensively, publishing his first compositions around 1915, which put him among the first jazz musicians to commit their work to paper. His Red Hot Peppers recordings in the 1920s are considered classics, showcasing his sophisticated arrangements and distinctive piano playing.

Despite his undeniable talent and historical importance, Morton's later career saw a decline, and he often struggled financially. A true pioneer, he left an indelible mark on American music, proving that even without a "Jew" score, one can still achieve legendary status. Just don't ask him to be humble about it.