How Many Years Did Jelly Roll Spend in Jail?
Jelly Roll Morton, a prominent figure in the early 20th-century jazz scene, has been a subject of fascination and debate for decades. One question that often arises is: how many years did Jelly Roll Morton spend in jail? The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it involves various periods of incarceration throughout his tumultuous life.
Early Incarceration
Jelly Roll Morton’s first encounter with the law came at a young age. In 1902, at just 18 years old, he was sentenced to 12 years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary for attempted murder. Morton was accused of shooting a man in a dispute over a woman. During his time in prison, he honed his musical skills and became an influential figure in the prison’s jazz scene.
Release and Reincarceration
After serving just three years of his sentence, Morton was released in 1905. However, his troubles with the law were far from over. In 1911, he was once again incarcerated, this time for armed robbery. Morton served three years in prison for this offense, and it was during this time that he became even more deeply involved in the world of jazz.
Later Incarceration
In 1935, Jelly Roll Morton was charged with the murder of William Carter, a pianist and bandleader. Morton was tried and convicted of second-degree murder, and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, after serving just three years, he was paroled in 1938.
Conclusion
In total, Jelly Roll Morton spent approximately 20 years in prison throughout his life. His time behind bars had a significant impact on his musical career, as it allowed him to develop his skills and become an influential figure in the jazz world. Despite the controversies surrounding his life and music, there is no denying that Jelly Roll Morton’s contributions to jazz have left an indelible mark on the genre.
