Biography
Morton's Red Hot Peppers was a groundbreaking jazz ensemble led by pianist, composer, and arranger Jelly Roll Morton from 1926 to 1930. Formed in Chicago, the group brought together some of the finest New Orleans-style freelance musicians of the era, including cornetist George Mitchell, trombonist Kid Ory, clarinetists Omer Simeon and Johnny Dodds, banjoists Johnny St. Cyr and Bud Scott, bassist John Lindsay, and drummers Andrew Hilaire and Baby Dodds. The band was primarily a recording group, producing influential sides for Victor Records that set a new standard for small group jazz with their blend of written arrangements and improvisation.[1][3]
The Red Hot Peppers' recordings, such as 'Black Bottom Stomp,' 'Smoke-House Blues,' and 'Doctor Jazz,' are still celebrated for their clarity, variety, and balance between ensemble and solo playing. Morton's meticulous approach to rehearsal and his innovative arrangements—featuring dynamic shifts, stop-time figures, and rhythmic complexity—distinguished the group from contemporaries and showcased the full expressive range of early jazz. After moving to New York in 1928, Morton continued recording under the Red Hot Peppers name with a changing roster until the group name was retired in 1930.[1][3]
The legacy of Morton's Red Hot Peppers is immense: their recordings are considered some of the finest examples of the 'hot style' in jazz, and their influence persists in the genre's development. Morton's leadership and compositional genius helped elevate jazz from its roots in New Orleans dance halls to a sophisticated art form, and the Red Hot Peppers remain a touchstone for jazz historians and musicians alike.[1][2][3]
Fun Facts
- Jelly Roll Morton was known for his strict rehearsal standards, which was unusual in early jazz and contributed to the Red Hot Peppers' polished sound.[1]
- The band's recordings were made in Chicago and later in New York, with Morton assembling different lineups for each session.[1][3]
- Morton claimed to have invented jazz, a boast that sparked debate but underscored his central role in the genre's history.[2]
- The Red Hot Peppers' blend of written arrangements and improvisation set a precedent for future jazz ensembles and is still studied by musicians today.[1][3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Buddy Bolden - Early New Orleans jazz cornetist whose pioneering style influenced Morton's development as a pianist and composer. (General influence, not specific collaborations) [1890s–1900s]
Key Collaborators
- George Mitchell - Cornetist and key member of the Red Hot Peppers, featured on many classic recordings. (Black Bottom Stomp, Doctor Jazz) [1926–1927]
- Kid Ory - Trombonist, brought New Orleans style to the ensemble. (Smoke-House Blues, other Victor sessions) [1926–1927]
- Omer Simeon - Clarinetist, contributed to the band's signature sound. (Multiple Red Hot Peppers recordings) [1926–1928]
- Johnny Dodds - Clarinetist, frequent collaborator in Chicago sessions. (Doctor Jazz, other Victor sessions) [1926–1927]
- Johnny St. Cyr - Banjoist, provided rhythmic drive and texture. (Black Bottom Stomp, other Red Hot Peppers tracks) [1926–1927]
- Bud Scott - Banjoist/guitarist, part of the core ensemble. (Multiple Red Hot Peppers recordings) [1926–1928]
- Baby Dodds - Drummer, contributed to the band's dynamic rhythm section. (Georgia Swing, other Victor sessions) [1927–1928]
Artists Influenced
- Duke Ellington - Inspired by Morton's approach to jazz composition and orchestration. (Early Ellington arrangements and recordings) [1920s–1930s]
- Louis Armstrong - Influenced by Morton's blend of composition and improvisation, and his New Orleans roots. (Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings) [1920s]
- Benny Goodman - Cited Morton's Red Hot Peppers as a model for small group jazz. (Goodman's small group swing recordings) [1930s–1940s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bottom Stomp (The Complete Victor Recordings 1926) | 2015-01-01 | Album |
| Jelly Roll Morton | 1988-05-17 | Album |
| Dr Jazz (The Complete Victor Recordings 1926-1927) | 2015-01-01 | Album |
| Rare Jazz Records - Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers, Vol. 3 | 2014-11-13 | Album |
| Mr Jelly Lord | 2023-06-08 | Album |
| New Orleans Bump (The Complete Victor Recordings 1929) | 2015-01-01 | Album |
| Mint Julep (The Complete Victor Recordings 1929-1930) | 2015-01-01 | Album |
| 100 (100 Original Tracks - Digitally Remastered) | 2012-07-02 | Album |
| Doctor Jazz (100 Original Tracks - Remastered) | 2011-11-09 | Album |
| Jelly Roll Morton - Vol. III | 1989 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sidewalk Blues (Jelly-Roll Morton: Original Recordings 1926-29)
- New Orleans Bump (Jelly-Roll Morton: Original Recordings 1926-29)
- Doctor Jazz (Jelly-Roll Morton: Original Recordings 1926-29)
- Dead Man Blues (Black Bottom Stomp (The Complete Victor Recordings 1926))
- Dead Man Blues
- Beale Street Blues (Jelly-Roll Morton: Original Recordings 1926-29)
- The Chant (Jelly-Roll Morton: Original Recordings 1926-29)
- Black Bottom Stomp (Black Bottom Stomp (The Complete Victor Recordings 1926))
- Dead Man Blues (Rare Jazz Records - Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers, Vol. 3)
- Dead Man's Blues (Jelly-Roll Morton: Original Recordings 1926-29)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Morton's Red Hot Peppers has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 10:43 | STROKIN' AWAYfrom JELLY-ROLL MORTON 1930-39 | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 10:00 | New Orleans Bump | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | 08:40 | Original Jelly Roll Bluesfrom The Encyclopedia Of Jazz. Classic Jazz. Volume 009 | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | 08:36 | Sidewalk Bluesfrom The Encyclopedia Of Jazz. Classic Jazz. Volume 008 | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |