He was born Ferdinand Joseph Lamothe but later became popular as Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) was a multi-awarded American jazz and ragtime pianist, composer, and bandleader.

He was known for his works such as  “King Porter Stomp,” “Animule Dance,” and “Jelly Roll Blues”. Morton was considered to be the first great traveling jazz and piano star of the 20th century. 

Jelly Roll Morton's life was significant in the world of music and his talent became an inspiration to a lot of future artists. In fact, Jelly Roll had claimed ownership of multiple songs that were copyrighted by other musicians.

With the encouragement of Alan Lomax,  in 1938,  Jelly Roll record his life stories, and this found its way to the Library of Congress which won him two Grammy Awards (also released posthumously). Morton also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was a posthumous inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Get to know more of his musical journey at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/jelly-roll-morton-black-american-and-the-first-arranger-of-jazz

Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller (1904-1943) was a well-loved and highly-reputed composer, organist, pianist, and singer. Fats was the initiator of modern jazz piano technique “Harlem stride style” that heralded him the title the "Stride King". 

He was known for his arduous and jovial personality which landed him with several comedic stints. Nevertheless, his musical ingenuity is undeniable as Waller has over 400 songs copyrighted to his name, in collaboration with his equally talented close friend Andy Razaf.

In 1934, he formed a band called ‘Fats Waller and his Rhythm,” which dished out a voluminous series of recordings. 

Because of his love of learning and music, he was able to pave his way, and soon became an eminent performer of his era, enjoying both commercial and critical acclaim in America and even Europe. 

Learn more about his wonderful life and works at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/fats-waller-jazz-composer-for-400-songs-and-pianist

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was a French melodist with outstanding acumen in music. He was a talented composer, music teacher, pianist, and organist, known for his musical compositions such as “Clair de lune”, “The Requiem”, and “Nocturne”.

With the immense help of his mentor and very good friend Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, he was able to create his own compositional techniques and unique musical style. In fact, Gabriel Fauré was heralded as a master of “mélodie” - the French art song. 

Although he wasn't the type of composer who had complexes, lavish, and utterly overwhelming sentimentality like that of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, he has gifted the world with hundred songs crafted distinctively and truly valuable until today. 

To learn more about him, click here: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/gabriel-faure-melodic-harmonic-french-composer-and-keyboardist