CUMARKET
Artist
0
Composer
0
Genre
0
Mood
0
Reset Find

New! Essential Classics App

Available on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Nick LaRocca
Nick LaRocca, born Dominic James LaRocca on April 11, 1889, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a pivotal figure in the early development of jazz music. As the leader of the Original Dixieland Jass Band (ODJB), LaRocca played a significant role in popularizing jazz in the United States and abroad. The son of Sicilian immigrants, he taught himself to play the cornet against his father's wishes and initially worked as an electrician while playing music on the side.

LaRocca joined Papa Jack Laine's bands around 1910 and was known for his strong lead playing. In 1916, he became a last-minute replacement for Frank Christian in Johnny Stein's band, which evolved into the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. The ODJB is credited with making the first commercially issued jazz recordings, including the hit "Livery Stable Blues" in 1917. The band's success in New York City and subsequent tours helped spread jazz music beyond its New Orleans roots.

Despite his contributions, LaRocca's later claims to have invented jazz and his contentious views on the role of African-American musicians in the genre's development have overshadowed his legacy. After suffering a nervous breakdown in the early 1920s, LaRocca retired from music and pursued a career in construction. He briefly reunited the ODJB in 1936 for a tour and recordings but retired permanently from music in 1938. Nick LaRocca passed away on February 22, 1961, in New Orleans.
iTunes
Amazon
Cuview
Spotify
Deezer

Albums

Related/Similar/Recommended
Stormy Weather - Early Jazz Hits
WLF 201318
Three Blind Mice
GRJ 4071
Three Blind Mice
HDJ 4071
Masters Of The Last Century: Best of Bix Beiderbecke
MLC 057
The Legend Collection: Bix Beiderbecke
TLC 008
That's A Plenty
GRJ 4112
That's A Plenty
HDJ 4112
Modern Art of Music: Miff Mole - Best Of
MAM 1115
Music & Highlights: Miff Mole - Best Of
MH 1115
Berliner Orchester Der Deutschen Grammophon
HDN 5015
HDN Label Sampler
HDN 5060
Tiger Rag
HDN 5124
Barrio De Tango
HDN 5097
Imperial Swing - A Rhythm Coctail
HDN 5034
Eddie Condon: Swing That Music
GRS 0055
Eddie Condon - Legends Of Jazz
Set 097
Eddie Condon - At The Jazz Band Ball - Very Best Of
Set 098
It’s All Swing! - Vol. 1
GRL 1043
Masters Of The Last Century: Best of Benny Goodman
MLC 061
The Masters of Swing! 33 Best of Benny Goodman & Mel Tormé
MS 1001
The Legend Collection: Benny Goodman
TLC 012
„The Swing Of Things“ - Benny Goodman
WLF 201018
These Foolish Things - The Best Of Benny Goodman
WLF 201019
The History Of Jazz Vol. 2
GRL 1056
The Master of Jazz: 33 Best of Art Tatum & James Moody
MJ 1054
„Tiger Rag“ - Art Tatum’ Finest
WLF 201050
„Jazz Progressions“ - Art Tatum
WLF 201051
A Passion for Jazz Vol. 7
GRL 1080
Best Of A Passion For Jazz Vol. 3
GRL 1187
The Master of Jazz: 33 Best of Jazz Generation Vol. 2
MJ 1020