Original Dixieland Jass Band
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The Original Dixieland Jass Band (ODJB) was a Dixieland jazz band that made the first jazz recordings in early 1917. Their "Livery Stable Blues" became the first jazz record ever issued. The group composed and recorded many jazz standards, the most famous being "Tiger Rag". In late 1917, the spelling of the band's name was changed to Original Dixieland Jazz Band.
1918 promotional postcard of the ODJB showing (from left), drummer Tony Sbarbaro (aka Tony Spargo), trombonist Edwin "Daddy" Edwards, cornetist Dominick James "Nick" LaRocca, clarinetist Larry Shields, and pianist Henry Ragas
The first release of "Tiger Rag" on Aeolian Vocalion, B1206, 1917
The world's first jazz record: ODJB 1917 Victor release of "Livery Stable Blues", 18255-B
Victor second pressing release of "Dixie Jass Band One-Step", 18255-A, 1917
Livery Stable Blues
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"Livery Stable Blues" is a jazz composition copyrighted by Ray Lopez and Alcide Nunez in 1917. It was recorded by the Original Dixieland Jass Band on February 26, 1917, and, with the A side "Dixieland Jass Band One-Step" or "Dixie Jass Band One-Step", became widely acknowledged as the first jazz recording commercially released. It was recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company in New York City at its studio at 46 West 38th Street on the 12th floor – the top floor.
1917 Ray Lopez and Alcide Nunez version sheet music cover, artwork by Grim Natwick. Roger Graham Music Publisher, Chicago.