Classic/Vintage photo of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band from 1917
This photo (above) was very creative for its time and many jazz bands after copied
this style of photography including The New Orleans Rhythm Kings in ca.
1922-1923, King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band in 1923 and many others to follow.
ODJB members traveling to Europe in 1919 aboard the SS Adriatic.
Copy of the original advertisement poster for the
London, England
ODJB performance in 1919
ODJB ca. 1919 (1920) in London, England.
This was the very first jazz band to
travel and perform in Europe.
The ODJB from 1917 with the controversial title "Creators Of Jazz."
The sound and style the ODJB played was their own. Their sound may have evolved
from other styles and it is known that Nick LaRocca's influences were the French
Opera and John Phillip Sousa. Whatever the ODJB's influences may have been the
style and interpretation of the music they performed was done in their own way.
The ODJB called themselves a jass band and so did a few other bands from ca.
1914. It is important to understand that the name jass was not applied to the
style of music but only used within a bands name. After their first recording on
Victor and Columbia Records under the title of the Original Dixieland 'Jass' Band
the name was changed between September of 1917 and March 2, 1918 to the Original
Dixieland Jazz Band (documents and letters show this). As a result of the ODJB's
huge success with their recordings the style of music they performed came to be
called jazz music and the name JAZZ has been associated with many bands and
musical styles that were influenced and evolved since their hit recording. Just
imagine if they had filed a trademark registration on the word JAZZ. From a business standpoint the ODJB had an aggressive leader who
obviously had no idea of how much impact the word JAZZ would come to have - or
he would have file for a trademark on the word.
Did the ODJB create Jazz? As Jimmy LaRocca says: "The music
evolved and was not created. It was not something they sat down and thought out
or planned like many bands or promoters do in today's pop music. My father stumbled onto success with his very
strong and inspirational style of playing and being at the right place at the
right time with the right band."
Did the ODJB secure the word Jazz as a musical definition term through their
success with hit recordings. Absolutely and undisputedly - yes.
Does the ODJB receive national appreciation and credit for their contributions
to jazz? Yes, but no where near the recognition and respect they deserve.
Vintage photos of cornetist & leader Nick
LaRocca and trombonist Eddie Edwards relaxing in Sheepshead Bay, NY - 1924
Sheepshead Bay was once a famous resort area with horse and automobile races.
Original Dixieland Jazz Band - ca.1936
(photo courtesy of Deano Assunto - Original - Dukes of
Dixieland)
(Select the photos below for a large printable image)
Lyon & Healy Cornet played by Nick LaRocca
from 1916 throughout his career.
Buescher trumpet - custom built for Nick
LaRocca in the 1930's
or call ODJB agent at 504-283-3786 (1-800-668-7429 toll free)
