About
Jazz artist and entrepreneur who produced early recordings by Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Irene Scruggs, among others.
Before Fame
His early years were spent performing odd jobs like shining shoes, but by 1910, he was making a name for himself in New Orleans.
Trivia
He and Armand J. Piron, a violinist and bandleader, founded the leading African-American-owned music publishing company of the 1920s.
Family Life
He married Eva Taylor, a famous blues singer, stage actress, and collaborator, in 1921.
Associated With
He and W.C. Handy toured together for a brief period of time.
