Today in History: Jelly Roll Morton

Today in History: Jelly Roll Morton

Today in History–July 10–the Library of Congress features jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, who died on this day in 1941. Born Ferdinand Joseph La Menthe in New Orleans, Louisiana, Morton billed himself as “Jelly Roll” while playing minstrel and vaudeville shows. In addition to jazz, Morton also played ragtime, blues and spirituals. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to…

Through the Looking Glass Down Beat magazine (Sept. 23, 1946)

Today in History: Duke Ellington

Today in History–April 29–the Library of Congress features jazz great Duke Ellington, born on this date in 1899. Ellington started to play piano at age 7 and wrote his first song–Soda Fountain Rag–at age 15. By his late teens, he was earning enough money to help his parents move into a better house. Ellington’s musical versatility was astounding and…