Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton (ca. 20th October 1890 – 10th July 1941) was a ragtime pianist, bandleader and composer. His exact birth date is disputed. A baptismal certificate gives the 20th Oct 1890. However Morton himself claimed 20th September 1885, his World War I draft card shows 13th Sept 1884 and his death certificate the 20th Sept 1889. He was born into a Creole community in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. Widely recognized as an innovater and pivotal figure in early jazz. Read more on Last.fm