American pianist and composer often considered as the first true composer of jazz music (which he claimed to have invented) who was the leader of the Red Hot Peppers, a seven or eight-piece group, from 1926 to 1930.
Born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe on September 20, 1885 or October 20, 1890 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Died July 10, 1941 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
His birth name was changed to Morton when he was three years old and his mother married again. In WW I, he was drafted as Ferd Joseph Morton.
Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 (Early Influence).
