Original Dixieland Jazz Band

Biography

The Original Dixieland Jazz Band (ODJB), formed in New Orleans in 1916, is widely recognized as the first group to commercially record jazz music. The original lineup featured cornetist Nick LaRocca, clarinetist Larry Shields, trombonist Eddie Edwards, pianist Henry Ragas, and drummer Tony Sbarbaro, all of whom had honed their craft in the vibrant brass bands of New Orleans, particularly under the leadership of Papa Jack Laine. Their energetic and syncopated style drew from ragtime, blues, and local dance music, capturing the lively spirit of early jazz.

After relocating to Chicago and then New York, ODJB made history in 1917 by recording "Livery Stable Blues" and "Dixieland Jass Band One-Step," the first jazz records ever issued. Their recordings became national hits, introducing jazz to a broad audience and helping to define the genre's early sound. The band's most famous composition, "Tiger Rag," became a jazz standard. ODJB toured extensively in the United States and Europe, including a notable stint in London, and their success inspired countless musicians to explore jazz.

Though the band's popularity waned by the mid-1920s, their pioneering recordings had a profound and lasting impact. ODJB's legacy lies in their role as ambassadors of jazz, bringing the music from New Orleans dance halls to the world stage and influencing the development of jazz as a major musical idiom.

Fun Facts

• ODJB's 'Livery Stable Blues' (1917) is considered the first commercially released jazz record.
• The band originally spelled its name 'Jass' before changing it to 'Jazz' in late 1917, helping popularize the term.
• ODJB toured London in 1919–1920 and recorded 20 tracks there, further spreading jazz internationally.
• Despite their fame, none of the original members were African American, though their music was deeply influenced by African American traditions.

Members

• Henry Ragas (until 1919-02-18)
• Eddie Edwards
• Bret Gowens - clarinet
• Billy Jones - piano
• Nick LaRocca
• Alcide Nunez
• J. Russel Robinson
• Tony Sbarbaro
• Larry Shields

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Papa Jack Laine - All ODJB members played in his bands, learning ensemble playing and early jazz styles. (Reliance Brass Band, other New Orleans brass bands) [early 1900s–1916]

Key Collaborators

• Nick LaRocca - Band leader and cornetist, principal composer and organizer. (All ODJB recordings) [1916–1925, 1936–1938]
• Larry Shields - Clarinetist, key member and soloist, praised for his influence on clarinet style. (All ODJB recordings) [1916–1921, 1936–1938]
• Eddie Edwards - Trombonist, original member, contributed to the band's signature sound. (All ODJB recordings) [1916–1921, 1936–1938]
• Tony Sbarbaro (Tony Spargo) - Drummer, original member, later led 'The Emperors of Jazz' with other ODJB alumni. (All ODJB recordings, The Emperors of Jazz) [1916–1925, 1936–1938, 1946]
• Henry Ragas - Pianist, original member, contributed to early recordings. (ODJB recordings until his death) [1916–1919]

Artists Influenced

• Benny Goodman - Cited ODJB clarinetist Larry Shields as an important early influence. (Goodman's early jazz performances) [1920s–1930s]
• New Orleans Rhythm Kings - Followed ODJB's example in recording and popularizing jazz. (Recordings from 1922 onward) [1922–1925]
• King Oliver - Built on ODJB's commercial success to achieve his own fame. (Creole Jazz Band recordings) [1923 onward]
• Countless early jazz musicians - ODJB's recordings inspired musicians globally to play jazz. (Various) [1917 onward]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Livery Stable Blues (1917-36)
2. Tiger Rag (1917-36)
3. St. Louis Blues (1917-36)
4. Clarinet Marmalade
5. Palesteena (1920) (One-Step - Early Jazz Recordings)
6. Bow Wow Blues (My Mama Treats Me Like A Dog) (1917-36)
7. Tiger Rag - 1992 Remastered (The 75th Anniversary)
8. Dixie Jass Band One-Step (Skeleton Jangle)
9. Tiger Rag
10. Tiger Rag 3

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #dixieland, #jazz