Nick LaRocca

Dominic James 'Nick' LaRocca (1889-1961) was an American early jazz cornetist and trumpeter. He is credited by some as being 'the father of modern jazz' and was the leader of the Original Dixieland Jass Band. LaRocca is best known as the composer of the jazz classic 'Tiger Rag,' which has been recorded by countless artists. He was a member of the first recorded jazz band, which released the first jazz recording, 'Livery Stable Blues,' in 1917. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to poor Sicilian immigrants, LaRocca taught himself to play the cornet and worked as an electrician while pursuing his musical career.