Born: December 19, 1885, Abend, Louisiana

Died: April 10, 1938, Savannah, Georgia

Joe Oliver’s fans were many and the descriptions of his playing are legendary. Long-lived blues woman Alberta Hunter described King Oliver as someone who “could play it as soft and sweet as the voice of Florence Mills.” Drummer Warren “Baby” Dodds said, “They all admired King Oliver’s style of playing. It was wonderful.” Jelly Roll Morton spoke of his sharp memory. “I used to play a piano ...