“JELLY ROLL” MORTON, RECORD ARTIST,
JOINS WRITING STAFF OF MELROSE BROS.

CHICAGO, ILL., Thursday.

Some few months ago “Jelly Roll” Morton, famous jazz pianist and orchestra leader, returned to Chicago after an absence of about seven years. During that time he had played in practically every large city throughout the South and West. Being possessed of a roving disposition “Jelly Roll” limited the length of his engagements in various cities to a couple of months. Wherever he went musicians always proclaimed him a genius in his particular style of music[,] which of course was the blues and stomps. The latter type of composition is an entirely different rhythm than the blues and is very popular with orchestras throughout the Southern states. Mr. Morton claims the distinction of being the originator of the stomps and is an expert in extemporizing this difficult style of rhythm.

Upon his return to Chicago he attracted the attention of the record manufacturers and negotiations were started for his services and contracts with the Gennett and Okeh companies were signed in a short time. He has just returned from the Gennett laboratories where he recorded six piano solos composed by himself. The initial release of the Gennett recording Kansas City Stomps and Grandpa’s Spells is already out and judging from dealers’ reports is enjoying a big sale. The first record of his orchestra will be released on Okeh records within a short time.

The fololwing (following) numbers have been accepted by the Melrose Bros. Music Co. of Chicago for immediate publication: Kansas City Stomps, Grandpa’s Spells, The Pearls, King Porter, Chicago Breakdown, New Orleans Blues, Deuces Wild, Shreveport Stomps, Any Ox, Stratford Rag, Mamanita, London Blues, Southern Town and Mr. Jelly Lord. These numbers will be published under the title of “Jelly Roll” Morton’s Famous Blues and Rag Series. Mr. Morton is also the composer of Jelly Roll Blues, a number that was quite popular some years ago. His latest hit, Wolverine Blues, is considered by musicians a noteworthy contribution to music and is one of the popular numbers now on the market.

HOME OF “BLUES”

Melrose Bros., Chicago, Enlarge Wholesale
Department and Have a New Blues Hit.

Melrose Bros., music publishers, “Home of the Blues,” have moved their wholesale department to the Cohan Grand Opera House Building, Randolph and Clark streets, Chicago. They occupy four spacious rooms on the sixth floor of this building. Their retail store is at 63rd street and Cottage Grove avenue, where they have been established for over five years and where this progressive house has built up a fine clientele. The down town office will be in charge of Walter Melrose.

“Sobbin’ Blues,” “Wolverine” and “Tin Roof Blues,” will be released on Victor, Okey, Gennett, and Paramount records for the month of December, also by the Connorized Music Roll Co. Eighteen other big hits are about ready for release.

Fred (Ferd) Morton, noted jazz pianist, who composed the jazz hit, is in Chicago after an absence of seven years and new numbers by this jazz artist will be released by the Melrose Co., in the very near future. Mr. Morton’s latest hit, “Wolverine Blues,” is now in great demand throughout the country and is considered a noteworthy contribution to music and from all indications will soon be classed as one of the few standard “blues” numbers now on the market.

“Jelly Roll”
Morton’s
Incomparable
Colored
Jazz
Orchestra

To-Night

It is America’s pre-
mier Dance Band

TUESDAY
and
WEDNESDAY
Studebaker
Carnival
2
Nights.
Fast — Furious — Fun
Admission
10c
U-R-WELCOME

TONIGHT
“JELLY ROLL”
NORTON
and His
Incomparable
COLORED
JAZZ
BAND
It is
America’s
Premier
Dance
Orchestra

TUESDAY
and
WEDNESDAY
STUDEBAKER
CARNIVAL
2
NIGHTS
FAST                    
FURIOUS
                      FUN
ADMISSION
10c
U-R-WELCOME

SOCIETY

Two Hundred Frolic —

One hundred couples attended the Elks’ big frolic last evening in the Elks temple, dancing to music played by Jelly-Roll Morton and his jazz band of Chicago, colored musicians. The function, which was a delightful informal affair, was one of the best and most succesful of the Elks’ social events of the year.

A scheme of red, white and blue, and one which more than pleased, was a group of selections on the piano by Jelly-Roll himself! Such a hit was made by the visiting leader and his band that they have been asked to play the musical program for another Elks’ frolic in January.

A scheme of red, white and blue, carrying out the colors of the American flag, decorated the temple. Ice cream and wafers were served.

Note: Prof. Lawrence Gushee has suggested that the band for the South Bend, Indiana engagement on 1st December 1923 might have included Natty Dominique (c); Zue Robertson (tb); Horace Eubanks (cl) and Jelly Roll Morton (p), as on the October 1923 OKeh session. [ND]

Because the above Benton Harbor, Michigan and the following Greensburg, Indiana engagements were very close to that date, possibly the same band members may have been involved. In fact, Natty Dominique recalled a tour with Morton during this time: “We made a pretty good record of London Blues, and I was proud because it was the first wax I cut. I went on the road with Jelly Roll Morton, playing at dances, but we never did play here in Chicago. We went all through Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, we never got to Detroit though.” [NOS 159]

Note: Natty Dominique also recalled: “Zue went with us on the road, but Buster Bailey was only on the record. The clarinet on the road with us was a tall brownskin fellow, an older bald-headed man named Ball. He played good clarinet.” [OMJ 377] This is probably clarinetist “Balls” Ball who appeared on the “Jelly Roll Morton’s Kings of Jazz” session in c. September 1924. [KOJ]

Holiday Dance

Dalmbert Hall, Greensburg, Ind.
Home of American Legion
Dec, 26 --- Wed. Night --- Dec. 26

JELLY ROLL MORTON
And His
8  New Orleans Rythm (sic) Kings  8

JELLY ROLL MORTON,  King of Jazz Pianists, composer of popular numbers such as  Jelly Roll Blues,  London Blues, Big Foot Ham, Grandpa Spells, Wolverine Blues and many others.

Jelly Roll Morton
And His New Orleans Rythm (sic) Kings  have recorded the following
Gennett Records: Millenburg Blues (sic), King Porter Stomp, Kansas
City Stomp, Jelly Roll Blues, New Orleans Blues and many others[.]  

Balloons For The Ladies
Hats, Horns,  Noise Clackers and Confetti —
Beautiful Decorations  and  Electrical Effects.

Only $2.00
9 : 30 – 1 : 30                                                                             9 : 30 – 1 : 30
Don’t Miss This Dance

INDIANA NEWS

INDIANAPOLIS NEWS

by ALVIN D. SMITH
Indianapolis Office, 416 Indiana Ave.
Phone, Circle 7047

Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 4 — Several members of the Jelly Roll Moton’s [sic] Jazz orchestra, including Mr. Moton [sic] himself, were callers at the local office of the World’s Greatest Weekly last week. They have several engagements in the state. . . .

Melrose Bros., of Chicago,
Issue Two Blues Numbers

Melrose Bros. Launch Campaign First of the Year on Latest Numbers,
“Some Day, Sweetheart” and “Mobile Blues”

CHICAGO, ILL., December 29. — Melrose Bros., music publishers, who recently opened downtown offices in the Cohan’s Grand Opera House, and are known as “The House of Blues” because of their large catalog of “blues” numbers, announce two additional numbers that will be exploited after the first of the year. They are “Mobile Blues,” written by Albert E. Short, musical director of Balaban & Katz, and “Some Day, Sweetheart,” blues fox-trot, written by the writers of “Wolverine Blues.”

With the addition of these two numbers the Melrose catalog will have twenty-two “blues” numbers, including “Jelly Roll,” Morton’s famous Blues and Rag Series. This consists of a series of popular songs, such as “Kansas City Stomps,” “King Porter,” that “Jelly Roll” Morton, the well-known pianist, has recorded for several mechanical companies. “This is a series of numbers,” says Walter Melrose, head of the company, “which have a permanent popularity, if that term can be used.” Their appeal is different from that of the hit class, as the songs will be just as popular in a year from now as they are now. The melody is such that one does not get tired and orchestras have been found to use these numbers over and over again. These numbers, therefore, will have a large appeal to the music dealer, as the exploitation work that is done is never lost, as is the case when a number suddenly dies.

The trade looks forward to the new releases of this company, for its numbers have been popular not only in sheet music sales, but also in mechanical recordings.

“Jelly Roll” Morton’s
Series in Vocalstyle List

Melrose Music Co. Numbers Recorded by Composer
for Well-known Cincinnati Player Roll Manufacturer

CHICAGO, ILL., June 7. — “Jelly Roll Morton’s Famous Rag-Stomp and Blues Series,” published by the Melrose Bros. Music Co., 119 North Clark street, in folio form, have just been recorded by “Jelly Roll” Morton himself for the Vocalstyle Music Co., Cincinnati.

“Jelly Roll” is a nationally known colored composer and pianist and one of the most interesting of characters. His style is individual and the precision of his dance rhythm is a work of art that portrays the result of many years of hard and patient study of the piano along these lines.

During the last fifteen years his travels have carried him to practically all the leading cities of the Central, Southern and Western States, where he has acquired a very large following. His work and popularity have placed him into the most exclusive and highest-class cafés in the South, where he is always an attraction. His home is in New Orleans and it was from this well-known rendezvous of jazz music that the modern syncopations[,] which he now plays[,] first emanated.

The numbers composed by “Jelly Roll,” and by him recorded for the Vocalstyle Co., will be listed under the heading of “‘Jelly Roll’ Morton’s Famous Rag-Stomp and Blues Series.” The list includes the following recordings: “Kansas City Stomps,” “Grandpa’s Spells,” “King Porter,” “Mr. Jelly Lord,” “New Orleans Blues,” “The Pearls,” “Wolverine Blues,” “Alabama Nights,” “London Blues,” “Chicago Breakdown,” “Shreveport Stomps,” “Any Ox” and several others.

VOCALSTYLE CO. COMPLETES
“JELLY ROLL” MORTON SERIES

Cincinnati Roll Manufacturer Records Numbers
by Famous Blues Artist – Musician Has
Interesting Career

CINCINNATI, June 16. — The Vocalstyle Music Co. has just completed a complete recording of all of “Jelly Roll Morton’s blues and rag numbers. The releases will be known as the “Jelly Roll Morton’s Famous Rag-Stomp and Blues Series.” They will include “Kansas City Stomps,” “Grandpa’s Spells,” “King Porter,” “Mr. Jelly Lord,” “New Orleans Blues,” “The Pearls,” “Wolverine Blues,” “Alabama Nights,” “London Blues,” “Chicago Breakdown,” “Shreveport Stomps,” and “Any Ox.”

“Jelly Roll” Morton is known as one of the most unique and interesting characters among the negro pianists. During the last fifteen years he has traveled to practically every city of any size in the central, southern and western States, where he has many admirers. From the river boats and backroom cafes he has gradually worked his way into the best cafes and dance halls, until today he is nationally known for his compositions and playing.

Leading musicians throughout the country consider Mr. Morton an artist in his style of playing and extemporizing blues and rag selections.

The entire group of works of Mr. Morton will shortly be published in folio form by Melrose Brothers of Chicago.

RADIOCAST STARS
ENLIVEN  B. L. A.
OPEN MEETING

The regular weekly open meeting of the Broadcast Listener’s association, held every Friday evening in Hamilton park fieldhouse, 72d street and Normal avenue, was enlivened last week by appearance in person of additional radiocast stars through the courtesy of the Morton & Edleson Booking agency, the principals of which have taken this means of giving radioans opportunity personally to meet stage favorites with whose voices they have become familiar over the radio, and, at the same time, to help “put over” the B. L. A.  Popular stars who appeared on Friday evening’s program are: “Jelly Roll” Morton, “world’s greatest jazz pianist” and phonograph record artist; Joe Jordan, composer and arranger, who claims the distinction of being the first man to put on a radio show, and Harold Morava, popular tenor, and Miss Catherine O’Bryan, one of WOC’s favorites.

Speakers of the evening included William J. Schnell, engineering staff, Electrical Research laboratories; William J. Moray, technical expert Rauland Manufacturing company; M. H. Romberg, electrical engineer of the University of Chicago, and Lewis B. Hagerman.

NEW DANCE HALL IS COMPLETED

H. J. Oldenburg & Sons have just completed one of the most up-to-date and prettiest dance pavilions in this part of the country which will be open to the public for its first dance Wednesday night, April 15th. This hall will be known as The Royal Dance Palace. There will be a dance given at this Palace every Wednesday night, music will be furnished by the best orchestras obtainable, also the best of order will be maintained with police protection. This Hall is built for the best of ventilation for warm weather, built with large drop doors, which can be thrown open on all sides of the building, thus giving the dancers great comfort while dancing. This building will be beautifully decorated, and the lighting effects are up to the minute. In addition to the hall there are check and refreshment rooms, plenty of well lighted parking space will be available for cars. This dance palace may also be rented for private dancing parties. The location is unexcelled as it is closed (close) to Galena, and is on the cement road.

Note: Jelly Roll Morton’s first appearance at the Royal Palais Ballroom was Wednesday, 7th July 1926

“Milenberg Joys,” New
Melrose Bros. Number

Written by “Jelly Roll” Morton, Leon Ropolo (Roppolo)
and Paul Mares – The New Composition
Likely to Be Popular

CHICAGO, ILL., May 9. — Melrose Bros., of 119 North Clark street, announce as their latest number a new Dixieland one-step entitled “Milenberg Joys,” written by the writers of “Tin Roof Blues” and “Wolverine Blues,” who are “Jelly Roll” Morton, Leon Ropolo (Roppolo), and Paul Mares.

According to Walter Melrose, the new number will be one of the biggest hits the company has ever brought out. It comprises a special orchestra arrangement that will be particularly popular.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Jelly Roll Morton and his orchestra are traveling through the South. They are doing dance work. Recently they played Louisville, Ky., and made a wonderful impression.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Jelly Roll Hitting

Jelly Roll Morton and his band recorded some ‘hot’ records for the Gennett Record company at Richmond, Ind., in February, after which they went on tour of the large southern cities, so says Ray Bowling, the cornetist with this aggregation. This week they are in Paris, Ky., and mail will reach them at 112 N. Eighth St.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Notes

Clarence Jones, the radio pianist, is domiciled at the Owl theater, Chicago, where he brings a large following of his own to hear his well-seasoned orchestra.

The famous Stomp King was a visitor in Chicago this week, running down from Milwaukee, Wis., where he is king of piano players.

Jelly Roll Morton ran into town this week to do some recording for the Brunswick company. He left his band downstate, but will rejoin them in two days.

Joe Oliver has added a violinist to his always “hot” jazz band who draws the big crowds nightly to the well-known Plantation cafe, Chicago.

Lovie Austin accompanied Virginia Liston in recordings this week for a big record company in Chicago.

COLORED DANCE

Dance Thursday night, April 29th. Jelly Roll Morton, king of jazz music and his broadcasting band, will appear at the Armoury hall Thursday night. Charleston contest.

The Defender’s MOVIE and STAGE Department

TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS SENT TO
GEORGE WALKER’S MOTHER

By NOBLE SISSLE

St. Louis, Mo. — Fellow members of the profession, “we are off.” Talk about hustling to get a quick show on in order that “Mother” Walker could get immediate relief! You should have seen those buddies of ours that happened to be playing here last week get together. Landing in town Friday, May 28, the first thing done was to go to Booker Washington theater and hold a quick consultation with “Red” Burnett, manager of the “Booker” in the absence of Charles Turpin, who is in Hot Springs, Ark., and our good pals, Salem and Homer, whose Smarter Set was playing there. On explaining the circumstances of George Walker’s mother it was considered best to put on a ramble as soon as possible, pending an organized effort that might take a few days to get under way. Well, that was easier said that done, inasmuch as the next day was Saturday, and then Sunday and the holiday Monday (Decoration day) made the getting out of advertising very difficult — almost impossible. Then, too, the engagement of my partner and myself closed on the following Friday, which meant that the ramble would have to be given Thursday, June 3. To make a long story short, Charley Turpin was reached by long-distance phone and turned the theater over to us the next morning. An early visit to the local newspaper office gave us our only printed matter in the form of 3,000 hand throw-aways, and a sign painter gave us a few hours of his time and got out a large banner.

With this small amount of advertising material we all got out and passed bills and talked up the affair. We went to ball games and made announcements, through the courtesy of the management; also to all of the cafes and restaurants. There was a very sympathetic reaction to our pleas, but to wake up a place like St. Louis and convince the people that they were going to get a show from the names we were advertising was some job.

However, we knew something must be done at once and to that end we worked, with the pleasing result of being able to clear $200 above expenses when, with the downpour of rain that kept up until late the night of the benefit, it looked as though we might go on the wrong side of the ledger. But the weather cleared up, and with the admission only 50 cents we were able to clear above a $67 expense the amount shown on the bank draft which was mailed to Mrs. Meyers.

Among those who contributed their services we wish especially to thank Tabor and Green, who were playing the beautiful new St. Louis theater; Lonnie Fisher and his entire revue, Henderson and Courtney, Steve Cady’s Radio Trio (white), Jelly Roll Morton’s band, Uukulele (Ukulele) Boys, Plantation Entertainers, Arthur Selectman and Charles Turpin and his staff; also the Argus Printing company, who worked overtime to get out printing, and last, but not least, “Red” Burnett, who got out himself personally and went from door to door to put out the hand bills, which was the only way the public could be reached. As I said before, the announcement of the show came between issues of the local paper, so all channels of reaching the public were closed. The big special feature was when little Frankie, from the Plantation café, did an imitation of George Walker, and so natural was he in the impersonation that the house literally rose from their seats to cheer.

Another feature that played a very important part in the success of the evening’s entertainment was the unusual master of ceremonies, in the person of the moving picture impresario, Ray, who is in St. Louis making two-reel comedies. His adlibbing was a riot. He showed rare versatility in his impromptu poems and dancing and witty sayings. His was a wonderful part, inasmuch as most benefits lag in between acts, and his clowning filled these gaps admirably.

This effort is but the advance movement of a 60-day drive in order to raise at least a $5,000 trust fund for the lifetime support of Mrs. Meyers (George Walker’s mother), the amount to be put in competent hands to assure the darling mother of our hero she will be comfy for the rest of her days.

Subscriptions for Mrs. Meyers can be sent to The Chicago Defender. The list will be published from week to week. The list begins with subscriptions from Salem Tutt and Homer Tutt Whitney, who subscribed $5 each. Let’s go, folks, and make the old lady happy in her declining years. If George Walker was living she would not be in this condition, as he truly loved his mother and provided for her generously as long as he lived. Let’s go!

SHOOTS AT RIVAL

Ocey Wilson, ex-manager of Mamie Smith, the “blues” queen, shot wild at her husband, Creed Johnson, whom she had just recently married. It happened in the lobby of the Howard theater, Washington, D.C., where Mamie Smith and her revue were playing.

Wilson was crazed by insane jealousy because Mamie discharged him after her marriage to Johnson, who has been the stage manager at the Howard for some time.

None of the bullets hit their mark. Wilson made his escape after the shooting, but was later apprehended in New York city. Extradition proceedings have been instituted and Wilson will be brought back to Washington to face charges of assault with a deadly weapon, brought by Johnson.

Local Notes

Hey! Hey! Jelly Roll Morton — famous colored Recording Band of St. Louis at Royal Palais Wednesday night. — Advertisment.

Hear the colored Band at the Royal Palais Wednesday nite. Jelly Roll Morton and his famous colored Recording Band of St. Louis — Advertisment.

Jelly-Roll Morton and his famous colored Recording Band at the Royal Palais Wednesday nite, makers of Parmount (Paramount), Okeh, Vocational (Vocalion), Gennett and Columbia phonograph records — “Jelly Roll” himself makers of player piano Rolls. — Advertisement.

Local Notes

Tonite — Bring your Dancing Shoes to the Royal Dance Palais. Jelly-Roll Morton and his famous colored Recording Band of St. Louis, Mo., will make you do the rest. They’re Hot ! — Advertisement.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Teddy Leaving

The rumor is alive on the Chicago Stroll that Teddy Weatherford, the piano demon, will go to China with Jack Carter’s band. True or not, China will hear something she has never heard before. I am positive Teddy is going to memorize the “Chinese Blues” before he sails for the orient.

Ray Bowling

Ray Bowling, formerly a member of Jelly Roll Morton’s orchestra, is now playing a summer engagement with Ray Jackson’s Cincoe orchestra at Newport, R.I. He is one of the Race’s best cornetists. Ray would like to hear from his many friends in the profession. Mail will reach him at 66 Kingston Ave., Newport, R.I.

Stitzel Arrangements
Win a Wide Popularity

Chicago Arranger’s Latest Work Is “The Chant,”
a Melrose Bros. Music Co. Number

Chicago has given the music publishing world some very “hot” tunes in recent years, and this season is no exception. That is not to say that Chicago is not also responsible for some high-class popular melodies. Mel Stitzel has arranged quite a few of these popular offerings, particularly those that have attained wide popularity in dance form. He is one of the most important arrangers in Chicago. Some say his success has been due to the fact that through close editing he is enabled to present arrangements that are equally brilliant when played by a small or by a large orchestra.

Mel Stitzel does much arranging for the Melrose Bros. Music Co., of Chicago. His latest effort is considered a masterpiece, entitled “The Chant.” The number is appearing on practically all of the leading records as well as is another arrangement of his, called “Black Bottom Stomp,” also a Melrose publication. [RHP]

Bloom With Melrose

CHICAGO, ILL., November 6 — Marty Bloom, well-known writer of popular songs, has been appointed manager of the professional and orchestration department of the Melrose Bros. Music Co., 177 North State street, this city. Mr. Bloom has been, for the past three years, in New York City and has come to Chicago to work on some professional singing and dance songs for the Melrose Bros. Music Co., who now have a large catalog of specialty songs including “The Chant,” “Black Bottom Stomp,” “Panama Blues,” “Smokehouse Blues” and others.

Note: Marty Bloom provided the klaxon, whistle and other sound effects on Sidewalk Blues and Dead Man Blues for “Jelly-Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers” Victor recording session, dated 21st September 1926. [RHP]

Note: See also Peter Hanley’s essay of Martin Blumenthal accompanied by his WWI Draft Registration Card.

Melrose Bros. Planning Big Campaign
on “Sidewalk Blues,” Its Latest Number

Company Has Launched One of the Largest Publicity Campaigns in Its History on This Number
— Special Sidewalk Drive With Sandwich Men to Be Put on in Many Cities

CHICAGO, ILL., November 22. — “Sidewalk Blues” is the tune the mail carriers are singing as they start out in the morning loaded down with advertising matter, as pictured herewith. This is one of the many shipments of dealer advertising material that the Melrose Bros. Music Co. is sending to the trade introducing the new “blues” number, “Sidewalk Blues.”

Shipping Advertising Material on “Sidewalk Blues”

The company has launched one of the largest advertising campaigns ever attempted to introduce an instrumental “blues” number and the photograph shows that with the first shipment of advertising matter, with Walter Melrose, head of the company, in the background, directing the work, it is off with a flying start.

In addition to special window cards, streamers and miscellaneous advertising matter which is being supplied the dealers, the campaign includes a country-wide sidewalk campaign calculated to put over forcefully the message of this new song, which is predicted will be the greatest “blues” number ever published by the “House of Blues” with its record of popular hits.

This sidewalk campaign will soon be inaugurated in the leading cities throughout the country. The plan includes a corps of men who walk the streets with large signs carrying the name of the song and picture of the title page. With the advertising material that has been supplied the dealers, as well as the recording of the number on Victor records, this makes an excellent tie-up and will no doubt greatly increase dealers’ sales of sheet music and records.

“Sidewalk Blues” has been recorded on Victor records by “Jelly Roll” Morton and his Red Hot Peppers, an exclusive Victor orchestra. Upon its initial release it enjoyed an unprecedented demand for a “blues” number. “Jelly Roll” Morton wrote the music for the number. [RHP]

Melody Maker (London, England) January 1927

The Chant / Black-bottom Stomp
Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers
HMV B5164

A band of which I have not hitherto heard called Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers is introduced to us in “The Chant” and “Black-bottom Stomp,” both hot Charleston numbers. No one can say that the musicians are not wonderful performers. Nevertheless, we are treated to an exhibition of blues and jazz, not as it is today, but as it was six years ago. The fact that this is about the best record to have come across for Charleston dancing, owing to the hot rhythm behind it, certainly does excuse the fact that it is crude in organization and poor amusement to listen to.

New Melrose Novelty

CHICAGO, ILL., February 5. — A novelty song has been issued by the Melrose Bros. Music Co., entitled “Doctor Jazz.” It is written by Joe Oliver and arranged by Mel Stitzel, and will no doubt be an exceptionally popular number for vaudeville and other entertainment. “Someday Sweetheart,” also published by the Melrose Bros. Music Co., is enjoying a large demand from the trade.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Jelly Roll Morton is still the big noise in Chicago, Jelly says. After him, there are no others. He is at least advertising himself. A good idea.

Some Effective Publicity
for “Doctor Jazz” Song

Melrose Bros. Music Co. Launches a Special
Campaign on Number – “Eccentric” Ford
Attracts Wide Attention

CHICAGO, ILL., March 7. — Melrose Bros. Music Co. has launched a campaign to feature the popular novelty song hit that they have recently issued, entitled “Doctor Jazz.”

An “eccentric” ford has been designed and carries a quaint “doctor” who hands out prescriptions for a cure of the “blues,” which is no other than the Melrose song hit, “Doctor Jazz.” It is said that a news reel has been made of this novelty joy wagon, which will be shown in theatres throughout the country, and as a tie-up the Melrose Bros. Co. are issuing window signs and streamers for the dealers.

The number has been recorded by leading record companies, including the popular recording by “Jelly Roll” Morton, for Victor records.

Melody Maker (London, England) April 1927

Sidewalk Blues
Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers
HMV B5212

There is nothing much out of the ordinary rut in any one of the HMV recordings issued this month except “Sidewalk Blues” by Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers, the extraordinary point about which is that it was ever issued at all, as it is hopelessly old-fashioned in style, even if the musicians can play their instruments, and recalls the “Original Dixieland Jazz Band.”

Note: The reverse of HMV B5212 is Swamp Blues by Art Landry and His Orchestra.

The Newest Music By Record Stars

Blues that are of the deepest indigo jazz that stress rhythm to an extraordinary degree, congregational singing that preserves all the atmosphere and sincerity out of which the blues were born, are to be found in some of the most recent recordings by nationally famous musicians.

It would be difficult to find jazz that is calculated to stimulate lagging feet to the same degree as a new Victor recording by the Dixieland Jug Blowers of “Don’t Give All the Lard Away,” with a vocal story of the borrowing deacon, and Jazzbo Green’s pathetic appeal to his mother to “save some more for a rainy day.” It is a rare combination of laughable lines and spontaneous, red-hot jazz. The companion number, “House Rent Rag,” is equally foot-teasing.

And those who have not heard Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra have something to look forward to in the way of high temperature jazz. This famous organization is represented in the new Victor list of Race records with “Midnight Mamma,” and “Missouri Wobble.”

Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers, whose name is accurately descriptive, have just recorded a stomp entitled “Grandpa’s Spells,” played in a manner which would indicate that grandpa was a gay old bird with foot as active as that of a twenty-year-old high stepper. With it is recorded “Cannonball Blues,” by the same organization, and it is as blue as a Monday washtub.

Other high spots in the Victor list are two stomp numbers by the Savoy Bearcats, “Stampede,” and “Hot Notes”; two characteristic songs by that inimitable blues singer, Edna Winston, “Pail In My Hand,” and “Mamma’s Gonna Drop Your Curtain;” and Thomas Waller, the distinguished Vendome Theater, Chicago, organist at his best with “Rusty Pail Blues,” and “Sloppy Water Blues.”

Rev. J. M. Gates and his little congregation have become a recording favorite in the last few months. Their most recent Victor record contains two stirring sermons, “Moses in the Wilderness,” and “Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace.”

Deacon A. Wilson is also responsible for an unusual revival record, on one side of which is “You Need Jesus On Your Side,” and on the other is “Certainly Lord.” Some exceptionally musical voices are heard in the congregational singing.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Cooke and his orchestra played to packed houses at the Twentieth Century theater, Chicago, for the last two weeks. They will open at White City ballroom in a few weeks for a summer engagement.

Richard Jones, the composer, is a factor on the staff of the Okeh Record company. Recently he was in charge of the Race recording department of the Consolidated Talking Machine company, Chicago.

Jelly Roll Morton is one of our cleverest jazz composers. His latest number, “The Sidewalk Blues,” is a current sensation.

Louis Armstrong’s orchestra at the Sunset cafe, Chicago, has added Darnell Howard in its line-up. The bunch is hitting in fine shape now.

Fats Waller, who made a hit for a week or two at the Vendome theater, Chicago, is now in New York. Sorry to lose Fats as all Chicago was wild about his clever playing on the huge Vendome pipe organ. Come again, Fats.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Richard Jones

Here is a self-made musician, one who has looked out for himself and today stands high in the music world. He was the chief recording manager for the Consolidated Music company, distributors of Okeh records, until he resigned several months ago. The gang laughed at him as they did Clarence Williams, the now wealthy New York publisher, but Richard kept plugging, paying no attention to kidding knockers. Today he is in a class by himself. A fine music arranger and composer is Richard and is constantly sought after by the trade. His home is in New Orleans, La.

Jelly Roll Recording

The well-known Jelly Roll Morton is busy these days with his De Luxe dance orchestra, recording for the Victor Phonograph corporation. The recordings are taking place in Chicago. Several of Jelly Roll’s latest compositions will soon be released.

Notes

Red Simmons, the actor, has turned out to be a clever pianist. This writer heard him at the Dreamland recently playing a piece with Sammy’s bunch. Red played some difficult novel musical figures that Clarence Jones, the finest popular pianist of our group, would envy.

Bud Scott, the clever banjoist with the Cafe De Paris orchestra, is recording special arrangements with Jelly Roll Morton’s bunch.

Bennie Moten and his orchestra of Kansas City, Mo., will be in Chicago next week to record for the Victor people.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Things in General

Terry’s Nightingales

Frank Terry and his Nightingales are hitting strong through the state of Ohio. They are making good for our group of musicians. Everywhere they play the call is for return dates, so perfect is this organization of gentlemen musicians.

On Memorial day they began a weeks’ engagement at Lake Brady, Ohio, and registered an instant hit with the Ohio dance fans. J. Frank Terry is a fine musician and arranger and also has to his credit some twenty novel compositions. They specialize in solo work and singing. The manager of this bunch recently payed this writer a visit and is making every endeavor for Chicagoans to hear this wonderful orchestra in the near future.

Leads Silas Green Band

Fountain Woods, the famous trombonist and all-around first-class musician, has the Silas Green show band under his capable direction. Fountain Woods is a member of the Chicago local, the genuine goods, well seasoned in the art and will carry this show band to the top of the ladder. For many seasons he was a member of the Famous Georgia Minstrel band and has directed many other musical organizations all over the country.

Chas. Collier has made no mistake in selecting this musician for the honored position of band master on his show. This writer wishes him a mountain of success in his new position.

Memphis Jug Band

Coming to the Grand theater week of the 20th as a part of the Butter Beans and Susie vaudeville revue is the famous Memphis Jug band. They are ever popular as Victor recording artists and play music that you will fall in love with at first hearing.

What a bill this will be week of the 20th, with all star acts, burning hot off of the Orpheum circuit griddle.

People are already talking about the Butter and Sue revue. These favorite entertainers have just finished a successful season over the Columbia wheel as stars in the well-known Jimmy Cooper revue.

Orchestras at Victory Ball

Not since the Okeh Record company held their ball in the Coliseum, Chicago, several years ago, under the auspices of the Musician’s local 208, have such representative musical organizations been gotten together. The Victory ball, held June 9 in the Eighth Regiment armory under the auspices of the Regular Second Ward organization, was one of the grandest affairs ever given in Chicago. Fully 5,000 people gathered in the spacious hall to do honor to their leaders, Alderman Louis B. Anderson and Hon. Daniel Jackson. Under the guidance of these gentlemen the Second ward swung solid for the present administration, and that is the sole reason for the Victory ball.

A club house and community center is planned for the immediate future with the proceeds of the affair. Chicago’s premier orchestra furnished the music for the occasion. Every cabaret in the district was dark on that night and they all sent their floor shows and orchestras to do honor to the occasion. Dave Peyton had full charge of the entertainment and orchestral end.

The Cafe De Paris orchestra and show presented a show that was easily worth the $4 price. The music, costumes and principals were 100 per cent perfection. Heavy was the applause for this section of the evening’s entertainment.

The Sunset show and orchestra followed with a thunderous show, speed and plenty of it. They danced, they black bottomed, they strutted and did everything else to make merry.

Sammy Stewart’s orchestra played fine music at the south end of the hall representing the Dreamland cafe. Dave Peyton and his orchestra represented the Cafe De Paris. Erskine Tate and his orchestra represented the Vendome theater and Louis Armstrong and his orchestra represented the Sunset cafe.

Lew La Mar was the polite and jovial master of ceremonies and kept things on the hum at all times. The two political masters, Louis B. Anderson and Daniel Jackson, were all smiles when the orchestra played “Home, Sweet Home” at 5 a.m. and each had an expression that their ardent efforts had been crowned with success.

Frank Kirk

Frank Kirk, “The Musical Tramp,” after finishing the season with Barton’s “Shufflin’ Sam From Alabam” show, is resting at his home in Jacksonville, Ill. He will be seen next season in his own musical comedy show called, “A Lucky Dixie Tramp.”

Louis Armstrong’s Books

The popular jazz cornetist, Louis Armstrong, has completed two books comprising his famous music tricks on the cornet. One book contains 125 jazz breaks and the other contains 100 jazz choruses of popular jazz numbers.

The Melrose Music Publishing company are putting out both books, which already a great demand has been created for. Louis Armstrong is a fine example for ambition and thrift. He is always trying to do something, he is always trying to create some form and style in jazz playing that will bring him distinction. This he has accomplished. The finest white musicians from the finest orchestras in Chicago and elsewhere wend their way to the Sunset cafe where Louis plays nightly, just to hear him play things that they want to learn. They have offered him fabulous sums to show them his tricks. Now the world can get them as Louis has compiled them in book form.

Much credit must be given to the Melrose company, who have done more than any other agency in the country to put our musicians and writers to the front. At the present time, they have Jelly Roll Morton, King Joe Oliver and Louis Armstrong as their staff writers. They are largely responsible for these musicians and their orchestras recording for the Victor Phonograph company. They have opened the door of opportunity for our musicians, so let us make good for them. So far we are proud of these three writers, and if the Melrose company takes on any other of our writers, let them strive to make the same success that Armstrong, Morton and Oliver have made.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Things in General

Sam Wooding and his Superb orchestra is the hit of South America. They are playing at the Casino El Primer music hall, Buenos Aires, S.A. The bunch came here after a successful two years of playing the principal cities of Europe. On the continent they made a wonderful reputation for themselves and are repeating the same success in the South American city. After their contract is finished in Buenos Aires they will entrain for the big city of New York, where they hold a contract for one of Broadway’s well known night clubs. The writer thanks the boys for the picture.

Heard’s Bunch

Ravernel Heard and his Six Sharks of Syncopation are motoring through the state of Wisconsin . . .

B. Minor’s Melodians

B. Minor’s Melodians are playing a summer engagement at Winona Beach, Bay City, Mich.

Deppe Makes Long Run

Luis B. Deppe, well known soloist and orchestral conductor, is now working his 67th week at the Empress theater, Columbus, Ohio. A record to be sure . . .

Recording Race Musicians

The significant contribution of the Negro to the music of America is increasingly apparent in the work of Race musicians and composers of today. Blues that are of the deepest indigo, jazz that stresses rhythm to an extraordinary degree, congregational singing that preserves all of the atmosphere and sincerity out of which the spirituals were born, are to be found in some of the more recent recordings by nationally famous Race musicians.

It would be difficult to find jazz that is calculated to stimulate lagging feet to the same degree as a new Victor recording by the Dixieland Jug Blowers of “Don’t Give All the Lord Away,” with a vocal solo story of the borrowing deacon, and Jazzbo Green’s pathetic appeal to his mother to “save some more for a rainy day.” It is a rare combination of laughable lines and spontaneous, red hot jazz. The companion number, “House Rent Rag,” is equally foot teasing.

And those who have not heard Bennie Moten’s Kansas City orchestra have something to look forward to in the way of high temperature jazz. This famous organization is represented in the new Victor list of Race records by “Midnight Mama” and “Missouri Wobble.”

Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers, whose name is accurately descriptive, have just recorded a stomp entitled “Granpa (Grandpa’s) Spells,” played in a manner which would indicate that grandpa was a gay old bird with a foot as active as that of a 20-year-old high stepper. With it is recorded “Cannonball Blues,” by the same organization, and it is blue as a Monday washtub.

Other high spots in the Victor list are two stomp numbers by the Savoy Bearcats, “Stampede” and “Hot Notes,” two characteristic songs by that inimitable blues singer, Edna Winston, “Pail In My Hands,” and “Mamma’s Gonna Drop Your Curtain,” and Thomas Waller, the distinguished Vedome (Vendome) theater, Chicago, organist at his best with “Rusty Pail Blues” and “Sloppy Water Blues.”

Rev. J. M. Gates and his little congregation have become a recording favorite in the last few months. Their most recent Victor record contains two stirring sermons, “Moses in the Wilderness,” and “Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace.” . . .

THE ORIGINATOR OF JAZZ AND STOMPS
“JELLY ROLL” MORTON
Composer of “Milenberg Joys,” “King Porter Stomp,”
“Black Bottom Stomp,” “Wolverine Blues,” etc.  And His
RED HOT PEPPERS
Victor Recording Orchestra
AT SHADY GROVE PARK, FRI. EVE. AND SUNDAY
A Dozen Dusky Devastators of Depression.  “Hotter”
Than The Devil’s Kitchen.

Quaking, Quivering, Shaking
Shivering Creole Jazz from New
Orleans by the Illustrious Composer of
“Milenberg Joys,” “Wolverine Blues,”
“Jelly Roll Blues”
“Jelly Roll” Morton
The “Meanest” Piano Man Who
Ever Made The Ivories Behave
— And His —
Red Hot Peppers
Victor Recording Orchestra
At Shady Grove Park.  Friday
Dancing 9 To 1 — Concerts Sunday
— Offering —
Dance Music That Rocks Your
Soul With Its Irresistible Rhythms

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Jelly Roll Morton

The popular Jelly Roll Morton, composer and pianist, is heading his jazz band to the East. He sails under the banner of the Music Corporation of America, and is the first Race organization that this booking concern has had on its books.

NOTES

Louis Armstrong and his orchestra have been playing an extra engagement at the Black Hawk grill, an eat and dance cafe in Chicagos (Chicago’s) Loop district. The engagement is for two weeks only. The management wanted to cut the band from 12 players to six and the boys stood out for all or close the job and the two weeks’ compromise was made.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

Things in General

Crowder’s Letter

Dear Dave:

I have intended writing you a letter for some time, but having been so busy I have neglected doing so.

You probably by this time have heard many reasons why I suddenly left Beverly gardens. Well the main reason was because the management wanted me to make changes in my orchestra that I refused to make, and because of the autocratic attitude they wanted to assume over the orchestra. I demanded they keep hands off my band and insisted on this point until when I saw they were getting worse in their attitude, instead of better, I simply handed them my notice. I have no regrets and no ill-feeling. We just could not agree so I quit. He tried to break up the band, even had some members of the Jeffry (Jeffrey) band try to help him, but without success. The boys stuck together to a man. I wish the boys at Beverly now every success.

I wrote you a card some few days ago which I hope you received O.K.

The band and I, intact, are now on the M.C.A. dance circuit under the banner of Jelly Roll. My band was the only one acceptable to the M.C.A. but for financial reasons I was induced to accept Jelly as a front man. We have been going over big everywhere. We are following such bands as Vincent Lopes (Lopez), Fletcher Henderson, Jack Crawford, Egyptian Serenaders and Dave, I tell you truthfully we are getting more praise than any of the big noises.

Everything is going nicely at present. I find Jelly to be swell-headed, but altogether a pretty good sort of a fellow.

This is only a temporary arrangement, and I expect to again be sailing under my own flag soon.

Best of luck to you and the boys. We are still headed East, but we are getting so many requests for return engagement, I don’t know just where we go next.

Henry Crowder.

Engagement Extraordinary
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
One Day Only Matinee & Eve.
Originator of Jazz and Stomps
“JELLY ROLL” MORTON
AND HIS TWELVE
RED HOT PEPPERS
World Famous Victor Recording Orchestra — Hot Creole Jazz
from New Orleans — Their first appearance
in the middle west.
Come to the Matinees at 2:30 and 4:30 Next
Sunday!  There will be crowds at night.

RED HOT PEPPERS
ADDED ORCHESTRA
AT PLAZA SUNDAY

“Jelly Roll” Morton, Composer
and Pianist, Director of
Organization.

“Jelly Roll” Morton and his Red Hot Peppers, described as the colored orchestra that plays “hot Creole music a la New Orleans,” comes to the Plaza theatre Sunday for one day only, as an added attraction for the closing Plaza program before the six-day shut up for stage improvements.

Morton’s colored organization is said to be one of the outstanding musical aggregations of the country. “Jelly Roll” Morton, director of the orchestra, is a composer and fine pianist, who has made many piano rolls by himself and dozens of Victor records with his orchestra, advance notices advise.

He is credited with such compositions as “Milenberg Joys,” “King Porter Stomp,” “Sidewalk Blues,” “Wolverine Blues” and “Black Bottom Stomp,” pieces included in the repertoire of dance orchestras in this country and in Europe.

“Besides their weird, palpitating jazz harmonies and sweep-you-off-your-feet rhythms,” the publicity from the booking office says, “the Red Hot Peppers have an entertainment as versatile as a vaudeville performance,” adding that “Jelly Roll” Morton “has prepared a special dance program for his engagement at the Plaza featuring original renditions of many of his own compositions.”

The show now at the Plaza, “Sweet Rosy O’Grady” on the screen, and Sorrentino Four in a musical act on the stage, will be held over Sunday.

Engagement Extraordinary
TOMORROW – SUNDAY
One Day Only Matinee & Eve.
Originator of Jazz and Stomps.
“JELLY ROLL” MORTON
AND HIS TWELVE
RED HOT PEPPERS
World Famous Victor Recording Orchestra
Hot Creole Jazz from New Orleans!
Their first appearance in the Middle West
Avoid Disappointment!
Seats Without Waiting at the 2:30 and 4:30
Matinees — Also at 6:30 and 9.

“Jelly Roll” Morton Brings
His Marvelous Colored
Orchestra to Royal Palais

The man who made jazz! The man who plays jazz on the piano, on Victor records and Q.R.S. piano rolls, as no other pianist in the world can do! The man who composed more “blues” and “stomps” than Verdi wrote operas! The man who leads the most quaking, quivering, shaking, shivering colored orchestra on the face of the globe (or below it)!

That’s “Jelly Roll” Morton, composer par excellence, originator of jazz and stomps, the most striking modern musical figure of his race. And he’s bringing his superb syncopating dance orchestra, the Red Hot Peppers, to the Royal Palais next Tuesday, August 30.

It is generally conceded that true jazz with its sweeping rhythms, weird harmonies and mournful moods, originated in the South. And it was “Jelly Roll” Morton who more than any other individual has developed this style of music into an art, which has attained a vogue not only in this country but also in Europe.

Way back on 1913, Mr. Morton wrote what is considered the first jazz number, the famous “Jelly Roll” Blues. This number has never lost its popularity though it has been, and is, played by every dance orchestra in the nation. Since then, “Jelly Roll” has given at least fifty or more creative compositions to the public, including such smashing hits “Milenberg Joys,” “Wolverine Blues,” “Black Bottom Stomp,” “King Porter Stomp,” and “New Orleans Blues.”

The same spirit and jubilation which makes his music so original is present in “Jelly Rolls” Orchestra, the Red Hot Peppers. These dozen dusky devastators of depression present a program of dance music which contains comedy, harmony duos and trios, specially staged scenes, and above all irresistible rhythms which beat into your brain like a tomtom drum.

Remember Tuesday, Aug. 30. No dance Wednesday.

Note: Completed in 1925, the Royal Palais Ballroom attracted as many as 2,500 people who came to dance to music provided by the likes of Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong, Tiny Hill, Jelly Roll Morton, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. In 1982 portions of the ballroom were ripped up, and the building was finally demolished in 1998 when the site was developed for housing and commercial premises.

Good Music at Plaza Sunday.

“Jelly Roll” Morton and his Red Hot Peppers, well deserved the enthusiastic welcome given to them by patrons of the Plaza during their one day engagement at that theatre Sunday as an added attraction to the last half of the week bill held over an extra day. The rhythm and tone of this well-known orchestra was highly appreciated by the music loving audience whose applause brought the jazz kings back a number of times. Almost everything in the way of novelty was offered, including a piano number by the composer, “Jelly Roll” Morton; banjo solos by a snappy little player; a quartet number “calling” and a spiritualistic dance and song in which the whole orchestra was included.

Local Notes

The biggest treat in the history of the Royal Palais, tonite — Jelly Roll Morton and his 12 Red Hot Peppers. America’s Hottest Colored Band. Jazz music and entertainment that you’ll remember for years. — Advertisment.

IN MUSICAL REALMS

By DAVE PEYTON

Morton’s Band Opposes Paul Ash Policy

MILWAUKEE — “Jellyroll” Morton and his band are scheduled to run here at the Alhambra Theatre early this month.

Morton’s band is under the management of the Music Coropration (Corporation) of America. The Alhambra is importing the orchestra to create opposition to other theatres which have adopted the Paul Ash policy (stage band).

Note: The item above, concerning Morton’s appearance at the Alhambra Theatre, looks very likely to be stale news. In correspondence with me, Prof. James Dapogny wrote that he believes this was an old press release that the Baltimore Afro-American was just getting around to printing.

Fletcher Henderson Closes at Congress

NEW YORK — Fletcher Henderson and his orchestra have closed their four week’s engagement at the Congress Hotel, Chicago and will re-open here at the Roseland later in the season.

Henderson’s band, one of the best drawing attractions in America, has been a fixture at the Roseland for several years. The new engagement will last until January, 1928.

Duke Ellington Scores in New England

BOSTON — Duke Ellington and his Washingtonians are in their ninth week of a New England tour, and drawing considerable comment from the press.

The Salem Sunday Tribune in a recent issue devoted a column and a half to a feature article on the organization. Ellington was formerly of the Kentucky Club, New York. He is a native of Washington.

THE MUSICAL BUNCH

By DAVE PEYTON

The Alabamians

The Alabamia(ns), directed by Lawrence Harrison [illegible . . .] definite engagement at the Plantation cafe, Chicago, Dec. 28. In the combination are 10 first class musicians who have startled the musical bunch with their peppy playing and unusual musicianship. The orchestra was formerly under the direction of Jelly Roll, but since coming under the direction of Lawrence Harrison they have been improved with special arrangements that make them a stand out unit. The boys are all college graduates most all are in their early 20s.

Heywood Jones

Jones was born in Kansas City, but reared in Los Angeles. He was the first partner of “Sunshine Sammy.” Eight years ago he started with “Jellyroll” Morton and his band as a singer. Later he entered the western company of Chappelle and Stinette’s “Kentucky Sue.”

By some twist of fate he was able to be the first race entertainer hired by the Sebastian Cotton Club in Los Angeles. Jones worked with Mildred Washington and Miss Snowden there during his stay.

Note: “Sunshine Sammy” (Frederick Ernest Morrison) is best known for his role as “Scruno” in the East Side Kids movies.

In Chicago Theatres

AT PLANTATION

George Staten, one of our cleverest exponents of the Russian terpsichorean, is now affiliated with the New Plantation Café revue.

IN MICHIGAN

Benny Keys has been booked for a night club at Grand Rapids for a period of over three weeks.

DANCING TEAM WITH JELLY ROLL MORTON

Charlie and Lawrence, former tap dancing team of S. H. Dudley’s, Jr. “Ginger Snaps” Revue, are now working with ‘Jelly Roll’ Morton and his Red Hot Peppers.

After spending a few days in Chicago the aggregation will head toward Los Angeles over the Orpheum circuit for a period of at least 40 weeks.

“JELLY ROLL” MORTON WRITING MUSIC IN N.Y.

NEW YORK. — “Jelly Roll” Morton, orchestra leader and composer of jazz music, is here collaborating with Chris Smith in writing new tunes. Morton comes from Chicago.

HERE AND THERE

William [sic] (Jelly Roll) Morton and his Red Hot Peppers, while playing an engagement at Danceland, 125th street, and Seventh avenue, are also making some Victor records.

Morton Makes Records

NEW YORK. — William [sic] (Jelly Roll) Morton, composer and “hot” orchestra leader, is making a number of phonograph records here while playing an engagement at the Dreamland.

HEAT DEFEATS ART THEATRE

NEW YORK. — The merciless heat proved too much for the summer activities of the Negro Art Theatre here in Greenwich Village and the project has been given up after four weeks of a contracted ten.

DANCE
Friday Night
GEO. F. PAVILION
Johnson City
Music by
JELLY ROLL
MORTON
and his
Victor Recording Orchestra
Author of
“Millenberg (sic) Joys,” “Wolverine
Blues,” “Jelly Roll Blues” and
many others.

Note: The Geo. F. Pavilion in Johnson City, NY was built in 1926 and gave residents the chance to hear and dance to the “big bands.” Two thousand people could fit into the pavilion. People paid 25 cents to hear local bands, while large orchestras played on Fridays and cost 50 cents. Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, the Dorseys and others appeared; but Guy Lombardo held the attendance record with more than 4,000 people at his concert.

Red Hot Peppers Band
to Broadcast Over WNBF
from Geo. F. Pavilion

Radio broadcasting from the George F. Johnson pavilion in C. F. J. park at Johnson City, by Station WNBF of Binghamton, will be started tonight at 9:30 o’clock, according to President J. R. Goranflo of the Howit-Wood Co., owners of the station.

“We are gratified to announce that our ‘hookup’ with the pavilion was completed today,” said Goranflo, “and we expect to broadcast many fine programs from there, on an average of two or three times each week. It is especially pleasing to us to have completed arrangements for this extension of our system, just in time to broadcast ‘Jelly-Roll’ Morton’s Red Hot Peppers band, which is to play at the pavilion tonight.”

Goranflo also announced today that Professor Lynn Bogart of the Ithaca Conservatory of Music will play several violin solos as a feature of the WNBF program tonight. This feature will go on the air at 8 o’clock.

Note: The area had several experimental radio stations in the mid-1920s. The first regular radio broadcast station was WNBF. Beginning its operations in 1929, it was headquartered for many years at the Arlington Hotel on the corner of Lewis and Chenango streets in the city of Binghamton.

JELLY ROLL MORTON DRAWS LARGE
CROWD AT INITIAL HOP

Introducing a different kind of music, Jelly Roll Morton, inventor of the “stomp” and his Chicago Syncopators, played to 1,200 persons at the New Albert Casino, Wednesday.

With a different harmony and music, the Chicago musicians demonstrated many new features. The members of the orchestra are, Walter Thomas, Paul Barnes and Stewart Scoot, saxophones; Lee Blair, banjo; Goodwin Rodriques (Rodriguez), piano; Trumpets, David Richards, Chalmers Holley; Trombone, Chas. Irvis; Sousa, William Moore; Gus Roberson (Robinson), drums, and Morton, director and pianist. This is the orchestra’s first appearance in Baltimore.

Note: Goodwin Rodriques is Nicholas ‘Rod’ Rodriguez and Gus Roberson is Gus Robinson.

in extending this invitation to participate in

the formal opening of the new

Physical Education Building

and the

Honoring of the Football Squad of 1928

Friday evening, February 8, 1929

We will dance to the music of

“Jelly Roll Morton” and “His Red Hot Peppers”

Dancing from 8 to 2        Admission $2.50 per couple

ADMISSION BY INVITATION ONLY

PAN-HELLENIC
DANCE  GIVES  GYM
SOCIAL  OPENING

JELLY ROLL MORTON
ORCHESTRA COMES
FROM NEW YORK

Many Out-of-Town Guests
Attend; Alumni Frat
Men Come Back

The first Pan-Hellenic Dance in our college life came as a lovely and imposing social opening for the new gymnasium Friday Evening, February 8, for, while the gym had been open for an informal inspection by the public some weeks before that, it had not been set for a gay party and prom until the Pan-Hellenic sent out invitations for their first evening.

The decorations, great ribbons of blue and gold crepe, hung from the beams and wrapped the tall pillars on the sides, while the lights, in their shades of gold paper, looked like great yellow moons.

The orchestra, a company of Afro-Americans, who have broken into the select organizations that call themselves musical, was introduced as Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers, from New York. Not liking jelly roll after long boarding-house experience and being quite indifferent to peppers of the African variety, we decline to act as musical critics and comment on the merits of the orchestra.

About one hundred fifty couples attended the dance and appeared in the Grand March that was lead by Mr. and Mrs. George Parrish, of the Faculty. . . .

Morton’s ‘Red Hot Peppers’ At Temple Next Monday Night

Jellyroll Morton, jazz musician extraordinary, and his harmonizing Red Hot Peppers will be the feature attraction at the beautiful Pythian Temple next Monday night.

Two Pittsburgh lads, Joe Watts and Charley Lee, are among the galaxy of musical stars who will feature their performance here at the Temple.

Morton’s orchestra has established an enviable reputation for melody-making and his appearance here has been awaited by a host of admirers.

The band will play at the Edgar Thomson gym, Braddock, Sunday, with the dance starting at 12:05 am., and ending at 4 o’clock.

Large crowds are expected to attend this unusual musical event.

APRIL EVENTS
at Pythian Temple

“JELLY ROLL” MORTON
AT GARDENS TONIGHT

“Jelly Roll” Morton and his Red Hot Peppers, one of the country’s most famous colored jazz bands, will make its initial appearance tonight at the Gardens. The band has played Shady Grove and is known by many Victor recordings. Hours are nine to one.

WHOOPEE SPECIAL!
“JELLY  ROLL”  MORTON
Originator of Jazz and Stomp and his
RED HOT PEPPERS
Victor Recording Orchestra
GARDENS TONIGHT
Men $1.75        :        9 to 1        :        Ladies 75c
“You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet!”

THE TEMPLE’S BIG FOUR ATTRACTION

What is considered as probably the biggest musical attraction of the year will materialize at the beautiful Pythian Temple next Monday night when an unusually interesting program will be staged. Jelly Roll Morton and his Red Hot Stompers, Francis (Frances) Hereford, entertainers extraordinary and Victor record artists, The Komedy Klub and the Pittsburgh Cotton Pickers are all billed on this monstrous program of music and entertainment.

A night of nights is promised Pittsburgh by the Temple dance management, and from present indications a record-breaking crowd will attend the spectacular Big Four attraction program.

The three orchestras are expected to participate in a grand battle of music while the fascinating Frances Hereford will feature in several unique entertaining numbers.

PYTHIAN TEMPLE’S ATTRACTIVE DANCE MENU

In keeping with the Pythian Temple’s policy of staging bigger and better dances, several high class musical attractions have been booked recently by the Temple management.

Jelly Roll Morton, who scored here Monday night will appear again next Tuesday, April 23, in a big return engagement program. Miss Frances Hereford-Morton, the charming songbird and entertainer, will also be featured. Popular demand is bringing Morton back again.

On May 13, the famous Detroit Cotton Pickers, America’s most sensational orchestra will be the music headliner. The Japanese garden boat at the foot of Smithfield street will be the scene of a big dance on Saturday night.

Additional musical features are being planned by Sell Hall, the energetic and aggressive manager of the Pythian Temple dances.

PYTHIAN TEMPLE’S INTERESTING DANCES

Jelly Roll Morton and his sensational orchestra will be featured as the Pythian Temple’s musical attraction next Monday night in which promises to be one of the biggest dances of the early spring season. Morton has been playing in this section for the last few weeks and has been pleasing dance lovers at every appearance. A large crowd greeted Morton’s Stompers on the Japanese Garden Boat Sunday night despite the cool weather.

On Thursday night Morton’s orchestra will reign supreme at a big ball in the Market Auditorium, Wheeling, W. Va., and on Friday they will play at Homestead, returning to the Japanese Garden Boat at 12 o’clock next Sunday night.

Local music lovers are also looking expectantly forward to Monday May 13, when McKinney’s famous Cotton Pickers of Detroit, with Don Redman, popular Pittsburgh musician. McKinney’s band is considered one of the most brilliant musical combines in the country, and their coming here is creating an unusual amount of interest.

Note: The above article lists Jelly Roll Morton’s engagements for the previous Sunday, 21st April (Japanese Garden Boat) and the following forthcoming dates: Monday, 29th April (Pythian Temple); Thursday, 2nd May (Market Auditorium, W. Va.); Friday, 3rd May (Homestead, Pennsylvania) and Sunday, 5th May (Japanese Garden Boat).

Fran Pinsker has located the address of the Pythian Temple, which in 1929 was 2009 - 2013, Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

JELLY ROLL MORTON
AT PT. MARION MAY 9

“Jelly Roll” Morton and his Red Hot Peppers will play their farewell dance of the year in this territory on Thursday, May 9, in Point Marion, it is announced today. This band is now in Eastern Pennsylvania and will return to the Pittsburgh district for a week of one-night engagements before a long trip to the West Coast. “Jelly Roll” is the composer of many famous dance tunes, most popular of which is “Shake That Thing” which his orchestra features.

THE BLUE CHINA INK-POT

By A. D. Mayer

THE COUNTRY TOWN QUILL DRIVER!

The Jelly Roll Morton round-up, (Thursday evening, this week), has created considerable interest among the dancing sons and daughters. Even if you’ve grown too old to wear your slippers out in the waxed arena, if you’ve a good eye for figures, you’ll enjoy resting in the spectators’ section while the younger generation hops, skips and jumps to the rythm (rhythm) of Jelly Roll Morton’s popping cadenzas. The usual charges for the pleasure prevail, which, if memory serves us right, is $1.50 for gents, $.75 for ladies, and only $.50, but worth more, for spectators.

Jelly Roll Morton, so we have been informed, is credited iwth (with) a year on Broadway, in a piece of his own called “Shufflin’ Along.” He is also said to be the originator of the Stomp, the Charleston, and other well known dance numbers. He also authored “Shake That Thing” and several other popular song numbers, all of which have been recorded by the Columbin (Columbia) Phonograph Company. Looks like a big night for dancing feet.

Don Your Glad Rags
and “Shake That Thing” at
POINT  MARION  TONIGHT
With That Originator of Stomp and Jazz,
“JELLY  ROLL”  MORTON
AND HIS “RED HOT PEPPERS”

Hours : 9 to 1.  Men, $1.50;  Ladies, 75c;  Spectators, 50c

Peppers at Washington Gardens

In answer to an insistent demand of the public, the syncopatin’, serenadin’ Jelly Roll Morton and his Red Hot Peppers will return to the beautiful Washington Gardens, Washington, Pa., Friday night. May 10, for which promises to be one of the most interesting dances of the season.

Morton’s devastating, demolishing, demons of dance have established an enviable reputation for playing in this district. It is said that their music is “hotter than the Devil’s kitchen.”

A record-breaking crowd is expected to attend, hear and dance with this unusually interesting melody-making combine furnishing the music.

JELLY ROLL MORTON
AT GARDENS FRIDAY

“Jelly Roll” Morton and his Red-Hot Peppers will play at the Gardens Friday evening for the last big-time dance of the present season. This famous 11-piece combination is making a return visit by popular demand, particularly strong after last Thursday evening in Point Marion where a large crowd enjoyed the music to the utmost.

Many who could not go to Point Marion will be present at the Gardens on Friday.

LET’S ALL GET HOT AND “SHAKE THAT THING”
— with —
“JELLY ROLL” MORTON
AND HIS “RED HOT PEPPERS”
GALLATIN GARDENS TONIGHT
9 TO 1
11 Devastating, Demolishing, Demons of Dance
Men, $1.50;  Ladies, 75c      Return by Public Demand

Let’s All Get Hot and “Shake That Thing”
— WITH —
“JELLY ROLL” MORTON
and His “RED HOT PEPPERS”
GALLATIN GARDENS TONIGHT
9 TO 1
11 Devastating, Demolishing, Demons of Dance
Men, $1.50;  Ladies, 75c      Return by Public Demand

LOCAL ELKS TO GIVE
DANCE THURSDAY EVENING

The Original Alabamians, an eleven piece band and Victor recording artists who were formerly with Jelly Roll Morton, will furnish the music at the dance to be sponsored by the Elks’s Club on Thursday night.

The orchestra is said to be one of the greatest colored attractions in the country today, and is available for the Elk’s Dance, because they are en-route between an engagement at the Merry Gardens in Chicago, which they have just finished, and one at the El Torreon Ballroom at Kansas City, where they will begin an engagement Friday night Elk officials announced.

The dance will be held at the Elk’s Home. It will begin at nine and will continue until one.

Note: Banjoist Ikey Robinson (1904-1990) was a member with “The Alabamians” at the time they worked with Jelly Roll Morton. Robinson recalled that the band was run by pianist Henry Crowder, who allowed Morton to take them out on tour and use them for an engagement at the Crystal Beach Amusement Park, Ontario, from 25th July until 7th August 1927. [CB] The tour went well, and while this pleased Crowder, he did feel a little threatened by Morton’s presence, seemingly: “Everything is going nicely at present. I find Jelly to be swell-headed, but altogether a pretty good sort of fellow. This is only a temporary arrangement, and I expect to again be sailing under my own flag soon.” [CL]

Reedman Marion Hardy later assumed leadership of the band and it became “Marion Hardy and his Alabamians”. Leslie Corley, who was the banjoist on the “Levee Serenaders” session with Morton, was a member at that time and appears with them in a photograph taken in 1929. [SO 138] The orchestra made one coupling in 1929 under the name “Marlow (sic) Hardy and his Alabamians”. Cab Calloway was their front man for at least two spells in 1929. He fronted them in Chicago in April of that year and again at the Savoy in New York in October. He subsequently left to front “The Missourians”, which eventually became his “name” orchestra. [WWJ 60]  [BG 5]

Jelly Roll Morton Red Hot Peppers
Shady Grove Park, Friday Evening
Wait Till Friday Night and Dance to Victor’s Hottest Recording Orchestra.  America’s Favorite.   Hours 9 to 1.
   Men $1.50   —   ::   —   Ladies 75c.

Jelly Roll Morton Red Hot Peppers
Shady Grove Park, This Evening
Dance Tonight to Victor’s Hottest Recording Orchestra.  America’s Favorite.   Hours 9 to 1.    Men $1.50     ::     Ladies 75c.

JELLY-ROLL MORTON AND HIS
11 RED-HOT-PEPPERS
Sunday Afternoon and Evening
BAND CONCERT
NEW SHADY GROVE PARK

DANCE NOTICE

By Special Request Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers Will Play For the Dance Tuesday Night, June 11, Shady Grove Park. Hours 9 to 1. Reduced Prices. Men $1.00.  Ladies 50c.  Hear America’s Hottest Orchestra.

Classy Field Of Cars To Vie
For Glory In Arden Gas Classic

Local and national kings of the roaring roadway here and elsewhere are tuning up powerful motors in preparation for participation in what promises to be one of the greatest 100-mile races ever held in this part of the state. The event[,] which they are getting ready for[,] is the classic distance race to be held at the Arden Downs race track near Washington, Pa., on July 4th.

Indications are that competition will be unusually keen in the race this year. It is also apparent that some of the most popular drivers of local and national renown will participate. High powered, new styled motor cars have been chartered by nearly a score of drivers and records for the distance are liable to be toppled in the Firecracker Day Sweepstakes.

“Fast Jack” Jackson of Detroit, Curley Granville of Lisbon, O.; Quinn Banks of Philadelphia are only a few of those who will be probably participate.

A guaranteed purse of $100 prize money will be posted for the winners, according to an announcement just released.

The promoters, Messrs. Jack Johnson, ex-heavyweight champ; “Jelly Roll” Morton, of musical orchestra fame, and Rube Wasler, of Washington, Pa., prominent sports impressario, are caring for all details so that the affair will truly be a red letter day event.

Feature Dance Thursday Nite

Jelly Roll Morton and his 11-Piece Victor Orchestra
Social Plan 8:30 to 12:30.
Jelly Roll is the originator of Stomps and Blues —
a Red Hot Colored Band
Free Attraction at 4:30 and 10:00 Daily.

DANCING EVERY NIGHT AT SECCAIUM PARK

Note: The above advert also appeared in The Marion Star on the previous day (26th June 1929).

Seccaium Park was located between Bucyrus and Galion, Ohio. After the grand opening in August 1899, Seccaium (pronounced See-Cam by locals), drew huge crowds, especially on Sundays and holidays, when concerts were featured and picnic throngs gathered from the Crawford County Pioneer Association, Grocers’ organization and other church, fraternal and business groups. A sizeable casino was constructed to host travelling vaudeville and dramatic programmes. Dancing was available in the park pavilion.

By the early 1920s enterprising Bucyrus businessman Ralph Jolly and his bandleader brother Carl, resuscitated the park after buying it for a song from the Cleveland South-western Railway. Forever after the Jolly’s arrival Seccaium would be known as the place to dance — “A Fun Place to Go, Just for Fun.” Ralph Jolly built a large new dance pavilion with an impressive outside dance floor that for years drew flocks of fun seekers to hear the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Fletcher Henderson, Jean Goldkette and Guy Lombardo among others.

For added thrills, one of the largest swimming pools in the Midwest was built alongside the dance pavilion and a midway full of rides and concessions materialized in the shadow of the Pip pin roller coaster. The dance music kept playing - some nights only on a machine — until June 1948 when a fire decimated the property and Seccaium went silent forever, except in nostalgia.

FEATURE DANCE BAND AT
SECCAIUM THURSDAY NIGHT

In keeping with the policy of Seccaium Park to use dance bands with a national reputation, Jelly Roll Morton, one of the leading stomp and blues composers, will bring his Victor Recording Orchestra of eleven men to the Park for Thursday night only. This attraction is returning from the East and is playing a few one night engagements on their way to Chicago.

Note: A pictorial advert, very similar to the one in The Marion Star, dated 27th June 1929 above, also appeared in the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum, dated 27th June 1929.

JELLY ROLL MORTON AT DUQUESNE GARDEN

The beautiful Duquesne Garden on the Fourth of July evening will be the camping ground of Jelly Roll Morton’s brilliant “Red Hot Peppers” orchestra. The dance promises to be one of the best of the season and special arrangements are being made for cooling and decorating the spacious Garden.

Morton’s musical merrymakers are popular with Pittburghers and a large turnout for the affair is expected.

Special features and novelties are being planned so that the Duquesne Garden’s magnificent Fourth of July ball will be a never-to-be-forgotten event to Pittsburghers.

Winners of the auto races at Arden Downs have been invited so that the affair will take on the nature of a Victory Ball.

RED HOT PEPPERS “RED HOT” DANCE

The brilliant ball which will be held at the Duquesne Garden on the fourth of July evening from 9 on has taken on the nature of a Victory Dance. Jelly Roll Morton and his famous Red Hot Peppers will make the musical whoopee.

Drivers in the big auto race at Arden Downs on the afternoon of the Fourth are to be guests at the ball in the Garden during the evening hours.

Morton’s orchestra has established a reputation for harmonious playing and has only recently toured the middle west section, playing for various school proms with phenomenal success. Their musical troupe has been welcomed everywhere an appearance has been made. A big crowd is expected to turn out.

Note: The Pittsburgh Courier have evidently made a major error in publishing this advert. The date of the newspaper is definitely the 6th July 1929 - yet it is advertising an event which had already taken place on 4th July 1929.

Fran Pinsker has located the address of the Duquesne Garden, which, in 1929, was 112 N. Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

“PICKINGS FROM DIXIE”
LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

Show Appearing At Elmore Theatre This Week Over-
Flowing With Comedy, Singing and Worth-while
Entertainment

by “W. C. N.”

“Showboat” carried us downtown Monday night, but Tuesday night we slipped into the Elmore Theater with the idea of seeing something rather tame and ordinary. We were tired and felt we could relax. But, no — ’twas not to be.

Billy and Mary Mack have provided a show-loving public with just about the spiciest, peppiest, classiest little shows we’ve seen in a long time. We came with the expectation of being bored, but we remained to be highly entertained.

That show has oodles of what the public likes to see and hear. A small but snappy looking chorus starts the ensemble and lend a nice background. Then there is a quartet of youngsters — they must be from Dixie the way they harmonize — which sorta chokes you up with their melodious tunes. Those boys can go. Two comedians — one of them Mack himself — give bits of humorous comedy that keep spectators with tears of mirth in their eyes. Several cues were missed, but even these mistakes were turned into profit by a group of actors above the ordinary in stage prescience. Mrs. Mack as leading lady has a distinct kind of charm which goes well with that little lady’s native air of dignity.

And then — there’s a lad that can sing — and how! You’ve heard “Lonesome Road” sung before, haven’t you? Well, reserve your opinion until you hear Robinson Dubiskii chant it. And the way he sings “St. Louis Blues” is downright “alley-ish.” I’ll give you, however, the characters. They are Charles Taylor, straight man: D-Bubiskii, baritone: Mack and Leonard Rogers, comedians: Charles Taylor, Leonard Rogers, Ed Brazos and Bill Thomas, “4” Periods: J. T. Mims, tap dancer — and how he can tap — Irene Cooper, whose “Down Home Glide” speciality is really ready: Mrs. Mack; the chorines, who are Alma Fuller, Lucille Gross, Hazel Baskett, Willie Lee Martin, Will Mae Neil and Elizabeth Richardson; and in the pit, Merrel Neal, cornetist and director; Sam Davis, master of the ivories (that’s no joke); Richard Herd, trombone, and Oliver Bibs, drums.

Note: Mack and Mack, (Billy and Mary McBride) were at The Elmore Theatre, Pittsburgh, for the week commencing Monday, 17th February 1930. The above review of the show Pickings From Dixie mentions band members: Merrel Neal, cornet; Sam Davis, piano; Richard Herd, trombone; and Oliver Bibbs, drums.

Note: Jelly Roll met Billy and Mary McBride about 1910, and the Sam Davis mentioned above is almost certainly the pianist Sammy Davis, who was described by Jelly Roll as “One of the greatest manipulators, I guess I’ve ever seen in the history of the world on a piano.”

Note: Bessie Smith and her company, Moaning Low were at The Elmore Theatre the week before. The show received a very poor review in the following week’s issue of The Pittsburgh Courier.

Note: Fran Pinsker has located the address of The Elmore Theatre, which in 1930 was on Centre Avenue at the corner of Soho Street in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Unfortunately the theatre has succumbed to urban renewal and is now a housing development.

PLAYHOUSES AND PLAY FOLK

Personal Notes

LORRAINE HARRIS, who sings and dances at the Cotton Club, and formerly with Connie’s Hot Chocolates, is the sister of Edna Harris, formerly with the Alhambra Stock Company but now scoring with The Green Pastures.

FRED (FERD) (Jelly Roll) MARTIN (MORTON) has Kenneth Harris as dancing instructor at his dance school and publishing house in the Roseland Building, 50th Street and Broadway.

RABBIT TAYLOR who closed at Proctor’s 86th Street theatre a few weeks past, is organizing a dancing act of five people with a Keith contract in view. Rabbit won the famous weekly Lindberg (Lindbergh) Hop contest four weeks ago.

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