Milton Mesirow, known professionally as Mezz Mezzrow, was born on November 9, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on August 5, 1972, in Paris, France. He was an American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist, recognized for his contributions to the Dixieland and mainstream jazz genres. Mezzrow was a notable figure in the Chicago jazz scene of the 1920s, associating with prominent musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Bix Beiderbecke.

Mezzrow's career was marked by his dedication to the New Orleans jazz style and his efforts to organize and finance recording sessions with artists like Tommy Ladnier and Sidney Bechet. He played a significant role in the 1930s and 1940s jazz scene, recording with Bechet and managing sessions that featured a mix of black and white musicians, including Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, and Max Kaminsky. In the mid-1940s, he founded King Jazz Records, which often featured collaborations with Bechet and trumpeter Oran "Hot Lips" Page.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Mezzrow was known for his colorful personality, vividly captured in his autobiography, "Really the Blues," co-written with Bernard Wolfe. Despite criticisms of his musicianship, Mezzrow was praised for his generosity and support of fellow musicians. His legacy includes a substantial recorded output and a lasting influence on the jazz community, particularly in promoting the New Orleans revival.