The Original Memphis Five was formed in 1917 by Phil Napoleon and Frank Signorelli. <br /><br />They were not from Memphis. These were New York musicians. The band was named after W.C. Handy‘s song “Memphis Blues“.<br /><br />Frank Signorelli had been in the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. <br /><br />The Original Memphis Five used various names, including Ladd’s Black Aces, Jazzbo’s Carolina Serenaders, Bailey’s Lucky Seven, The Southland Six, and The Cotton Pickers.<br /><br />Red Nichols, Miff Mole, and the Dorseys (Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey) also played in the band from time to time.<br /><br />Phil Napoleon<br />Charlie Panelli<br />Jimmy Lytrell<br />Frank SIgnorelli<br />Jack Roth
