The Self-Proclaimed Inventor of Jazz: Jelly Roll Morton’s “King Porter Stomp”

Title: Jelly Roll Morton: The Self-Proclaimed Inventor of Jazz

Date: June 14, 2023

Author: Marcus A Woelfle

Jelly Roll Morton, the legendary jazz pioneer, claimed to have invented jazz on a Sunday afternoon in 1902. Despite facing skepticism, Morton’s contributions to the genre cannot be denied. As a musician who combined ragtime and blues, he was the first important jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. His compositions, including the iconic “King Porter Stomp,” remain a cornerstone of the traditional jazz repertoire.

On July 17, 1923, Morton entered a recording studio for the second time and made several significant solo recordings. Among them were his self-composed pieces, “King Porter Stomp” and “New Orleans Joys,” which he claimed to have written shortly after the turn of the century.

“King Porter Stomp,” first recorded in 1923, was not released until the following year. However, Morton stated that he composed his first stomp as a teenager in 1902 or 1906. The title of the piece refers to a Florida pianist named Porter King, whom Morton met in 1910. If the piece is indeed that old, it is remarkably modern compared to contemporary ragtime compositions by Scott Joplin or James Scott.

In 1935, Benny Goodman recorded “King Porter Stomp” with his orchestra in an arrangement by Fletcher Henderson. This version, performed at Goodman’s legendary performance at Los Angeles’ Palomar Ballroom, marked the dawn of the swing era.

Morton’s claim of inventing jazz was met with controversy, but his influence on the genre cannot be denied. Bunny Berigan’s version of “King Porter Stomp” with a famous trumpet solo made the piece incredibly popular. Count Basie, Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller, among others, recorded their own renditions of the composition. The only notable exception was Duke Ellington, who had a longstanding feud with Morton over a copyright issue.

Despite his fame, Morton faced a series of unfortunate events. He registered the copyright of his early works too late and only made recordings from 1923, long after other jazz styles had gained popularity. Morton lamented that he was not properly recognized or compensated for his contributions, claiming that he had been robbed of three million dollars.

Morton’s impact on jazz cannot be overstated. He called himself the “Originator of Jazz and Stomps” and the “World’s Greatest Hot Tune Writer.” While no single person can be credited with inventing jazz, Morton’s use of the term “stomp” to describe music that triggers heavy foot stomping is widely recognized. His compositions have served as building blocks for generations of musicians, with examples like Ray Charles’ “Mess Around” drawing inspiration from Morton’s “New Orleans Joys.”

Jelly Roll Morton’s legacy as a jazz pioneer continues to resonate in the music world. His contributions to the genre, as a pianist, composer, and arranger, have left an indelible mark. While he may have faced challenges and setbacks during his lifetime, his influence on jazz remains undeniable.

Source: © Classic Jazz

Shipment Notice: June 15, 2023 BR-Klassik, 23.05 – 0.00 Jazztime with Benedikt Schregle. A Chronicle of Jazz (30) by Marcus Woelfle: “King Porter Stomp” – June and July 1923

How did Jelly Roll Morton’s Carnegie Hall concert in 1938 contribute to the popularity of the song?

Ry Carnegie Hall concert in 1938, helped to popularize the song even further.

Despite his claims of inventing jazz, Morton’s influence on the genre cannot be ignored. His recordings and compositions showcased his unique blend of ragtime and blues, laying the foundation for what would become known as jazz. He brought a new level of sophistication and complexity to jazz piano, with his intricate harmonies and syncopated rhythms.

Morton’s contributions to jazz go beyond his compositions and performances. He also played a crucial role in the development of jazz through his work as an arranger and bandleader. His arrangements often featured ensemble playing and improvisation, a defining characteristic of jazz.

Although there were certainly other musicians who played a significant role in the birth and early development of jazz, Jelly Roll Morton’s self-proclaimed title as the inventor of jazz highlights his importance and impact on the genre. His innovative approach to piano playing, composition, and arrangement helped shape the sound of jazz and left a lasting legacy that continues to influence musicians to this day.