Lecture Notes: Jelly Roll Morton - The Inventor of Jazz

Introduction

• Speaker: Terry Waldo
• Topic: Jelly Roll Morton, a significant figure in jazz history, claimed to have invented jazz.

Jelly Roll Morton's Contributions

• Claim to Fame: Morton was the first to have jazz hits, bringing jazz to Chicago and influencing figures like King Oliver and Louis Armstrong.
• Underappreciated Genius: Despite his contributions, Morton is not as widely recognized as other jazz legends.

Early Life and Musical Influences

• Origin: Started in New Orleans, particularly in the Storyville red-light district (1897-1917).
• Musical Environment: Exposed to classical music, pop tunes, and marching bands.

Innovations in Jazz

• Transformation of Ragtime: Morton altered ragtime by changing the rhythm from a two-beat feel to a four-beat feel, a core element of jazz.
  • Example: "The Pearls" demonstrates his inventive use of rhythm.
• Imitation of Bands on Piano: Morton mimicked band parts on the piano, incorporating multiple melodic lines.

First Compositions and the Spanish Tinge

• "New Orleans Blues": His first composition, combined blues with a Habanera feel, known as the "Spanish tinge."

Popular Hits and Challenges

• Famous Hits: "King Porter Stomp," popularized by Benny Goodman.
• Royalty Issues: His publisher withheld royalties, and racial barriers prevented him from joining ASCAP, leading to financial struggles.

Legacy and Later Years

• Library of Congress Recordings (1938): Morton's recordings are a vital record of jazz history and his innovations.
• Innovations in Swing: Introduced concepts like riffs and breaks, essential for swing music.

Morton's Style and Challenges

• Unique Style: Morton's playing style was challenging to replicate, even by contemporary musicians.
• Reception in New York: His style was considered outdated; faced competition from bands like those of Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.
• Personality: Morton was known for being a braggart, which affected his relationships in the jazz community.

Recognition and Influence

• Influence on Peers: Musicians like James P. Johnson recognized Morton's contributions to jazz.
• Overall Impact: Despite personal and professional struggles, Morton played a crucial role in the development of jazz.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Morton's work and pioneering spirit remain foundational to jazz, offering a rich heritage for future musicians.