Where did Jelly Roll get his nickname from?
Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) was an American Ragtime and early Jazz piano player, composer, arranger, and bandleader. He was one of the most important figures in Jazz history, and his innovative style and compositions had a significant impact on the development of the genre. But before we dive into his biography and contributions to Jazz, let’s explore the fascinating story behind his nickname "Jelly Roll".
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Jelly Roll was born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a drayman, who earned a living by hauling sugar and coffee. By the age of 3, Jelly Roll was learning to play the piano on his own, and at 10, he became a regular performer at Creole funerals, social gatherings, and parties in the city’s African-American community.
Mainstream Success and the Development of Ragtime
As Jelly Roll grew older, he expanded his musical horizons and began to incorporate elements from European classical music, stride piano, and blues. He formed his first band, the Creoles of Color, and traveled throughout the South, captivating audiences with his unique, energetic, and innovative compositions. In 1918, he moved to the North, where he refined his style and gained national recognition through his compositions and performances for the Red Cross. His most famous composition at the time was "Winin’ Boy Blues."
The Nickname “Jelly Roll “
So, where did Jelly Roll get his nickname from? One popular theory is that he earned it from his skills as a pimp and hustler during his early years in the red-light district of Storyville, New Orleans. "Jelly Roll" was a phrase used to describe a female’s buttocks, making it a fitting moniker for a man known for his charismatic stage presence, energetic performances, and risqué reputation.
Another story suggests that Jelly Roll, who was known for his flashy, ornamental piano playing, was labeled "Jelly Roll Morton" due to his skills in creating " rolling", or ornamental, passages on the keyboard. This theory is often supported by his mentor, pianist and band leader, Buddy Bolden, who claimed that "Jelly Roll" arose from the way Morton adorned his piano playing with virtuosic flourishes, much like a jelly roll pastry is adorned with toppings.
Verification and Significance
While the precise origin of Jelly Roll Morton’s nickname remains unclear, historians and friends of the musician have presented various accounts. Most agree that the nickname became synonymous with Morton’s name, and his reputation in the Jazz world.
| 1890-1918 | Early years, rise to fame and development of Ragtime style |
|---|---|
| 1918-1941 | Mainstream success and national recognition |
In conclusion, Jelly Roll Morton’s nickname remains enigmatic, with multiple explanations and theories surrounding its origins. While we may not know the definitive answer to this question, what is clear is that Jelly Roll Morton had a profound impact on American music**, particularly in the formation of Ragtime and the development of early Jazz as we know it today.
Recommended Reading:
- Morton’s autobiography, "Milkman’s Matinee".
- His biography, written by James Lincoln Collier, "Jelly Roll Morton: The Fortuity of a Legend".
- The Smithsonian Institution’s Oral History Collection, featuring interviews and recordings of Jelly Roll Morton.
Additional Resources:
- Jelly Roll Morton’s music and compositions online, available through various public domain and copyright-free services.
- The Jelly Roll Morton Foundation, dedicated to preserving and promoting his musical legacy.
- The Jass Institute, a organization dedicated to the study of early Jazz and its notable figures, including Jelly Roll Morton.