Keep It Real

Keep It Real: The Life Story of James “Jimmy” Palao, “The King of Jazz”

by Joan Singleton


This book will become a major resource for anyone interested in the beginning history of Jazz. It was written to develop an understanding of some of the events that caused Jazz to prosper and to give credit to an important figure, Jimmy Palao, who gave his life to developing, teaching and sharing his musical skills. It was Jimmy Palao who taught Buddy Bolden how to read and work with the cornet. Jimmy later played in the Buddy Bolden Band and the teacher learned from the student. Buddy became ill in 1905 and never played again… Buddy Bolden never recorded or published any of his music. This could have been the end of his friend’s music but Jimmy Palao had fallen in love with this style of music and he became leader of the Imperial Band and began to develop this music. It was believed that Jimmy Palao was the first to coin the term “Jazz” This biography explores the life and career path from 1897 to 1925 of Jimmy Palao who became the Leader and Director of the Original Creole Orchestra, one of the greatest musical organizations of this era; the first band to travel to over 75 cities in the U.S. and Canadian cities and gain national prominence. He was the first King of Jazz. He developed the syncopated 4/4 beat and created collective improvisation and allowed the band members to explore new instrumental techniques. These were the sounds of real Jazz. This is a... candid and somewhat revealing, look at the relationships between the Jazzmen of the Original Creole Orchestra, and the culture and the social dynamics that brought them together. . It takes us into the beginning of the Roaring Twenties as Jimmy Palao’s career continued to blossom and was cut short at the early age of 45 years old. This book is Great Reading… It’s thought provoking…. It’s a research in history that reads like a novel.


Let’s Together Celebrate over 100 Years of Jazz!!!

America’s National Treasure