Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton

1885-1941

— Bronzeville Walk of Fame —

Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

1. Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton Marker

Inscription. Jazz composer & pianist

Erected 1996.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame, and the Grammy Award Winners series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 41° 50.267′ N, 87° 37.058′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3123 S Calumet Ave, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Theresa Needham (within shouting distance of this

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marker); John “Jack” Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Goss Burroughs (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Mae Jemison (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Corneal Davis (about 300 feet away); Dr. J.B. Martin (about 400 feet away); Ferdinand Lee Barnett (about 400 feet away); John Lee Williamson (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton. The New Orleans native of Creole descent, one of the great jazz and blues musicians of the early 20th century, lived several stints in Chicago.

Also see . . . Jelly Roll Morton Archives Tell a Grand, Sad Tale of a Man Who Called Himself `The King’. A 1997 article from the Chicago Tribune.

Excerpt: “The story of Jelly Roll Morton — without doubt the first jazz giant — is so incredible it’s no wonder Hollywood never tried to make it into a movie. Who would believe the tale of a Creole man born in the South, not long after the end of slavery, who defies the racism of the era to learn to write music at the highest level, acquires sufficient wealth to sport ‘a ring with
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

2. Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton Marker
Facing northeast
a diamond as big as a dime and a diamond horseshoe in his tie’ (in the words of his wife), only to lose every penny and die in near obscurity?”

(Submitted on May 15, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

3. Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton Marker

Facing south

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 15, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.