Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

April 3, 1895 in Peru, IL

Death

:

November 22, 1971 in Lakewood, NJ

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Zez Confrey was an American composer and pianist who was born on April 3, 1895, in Peru, Illinois. His real name was Edward Elzear Confrey, but he was known by his nickname, Zez. He was the youngest of three children, and his father was a French-Canadian immigrant who worked as a blacksmith. Confrey showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Confrey's family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when he was a teenager, and he began playing in local dance bands. He also studied music at the Chicago Musical College and the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. In 1918, he moved to New York City to pursue a career as a composer and performer. Confrey's early compositions were influenced by ragtime and early jazz, and he became known for his innovative use of syncopation and unusual rhythms. His first hit song was "Kitten on the Keys," which he composed in 1921. The song was a piano solo that featured a fast, syncopated melody and became a popular hit. Confrey continued to compose and perform throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and he became one of the most popular composers of his time. He wrote many popular songs, including "Dizzy Fingers," "Stumbling," and "My Pet." He also composed music for films and radio programs. In addition to his popular music, Confrey also composed classical music. He wrote several piano concertos, including his "Concerto in C Minor," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1927. He also wrote chamber music, including his "String Quartet in D Major," which was premiered in 1935. Confrey's music was known for its energy and humor, and he was often compared to other popular composers of the time, such as George Gershwin and Scott Joplin. His music was also popular with other musicians, and many jazz musicians, including Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, recorded his songs. Confrey continued to compose and perform throughout his life, and he remained popular with audiences until his death in 1971. His music has been featured in many films and television shows, and his piano solos are still popular with pianists today. In conclusion, Zez Confrey was a talented composer and pianist who was known for his innovative use of syncopation and unusual rhythms. He wrote many popular songs and also composed classical music. His music was known for its energy and humor, and he remained popular with audiences throughout his life. Confrey's legacy continues to live on through his music, which is still enjoyed by audiences today.

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