King porter stomp – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
Ab Major – Jelly Roll Morton 1923
King Porter Stomp by Jelly Roll (1923) is a ragtime-influenced jazz piece in Ab Major. The composition features syncopated rhythmic patterns and lively melodic contours typical of the ragtime era. Composed by Jelly Roll, a noted pianist and bandleader, it reflects the transition from ragtime to early jazz styles. The tune's rhythmic drive and melodic charm make it a popular choice for traditional jazz ensembles.
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Composed by Jelly Roll Morton in 1905, "King Porter Stomp" is a seminal jazz standard bridging ragtime, early jazz, and swing. Its memorable riff-based melody and flexible harmonic framework encourage improvisation.
Count Basie’s swing-era version emphasized ensemble interplay, dynamic solos, and rhythmic drive.
The tune remains a cornerstone of jazz repertoire, performed by generations of musicians.
About the composer: Jelly Roll Morton
Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941) was a jazz musician, pianist, and bandleader who helped shape modern jazz in the 1920s and 1930s. His 1924 "Jelly Roll Blues" is a key work in the genre's development. Born in New Orleans, he bridged traditional folk music and jazz, influencing the instrumentation and structure of early 20th-century American music. Read the full biography in our blog section.
