Mel Stitzel was a German-born pianist best known for his work with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, a leading jazz band of the early 1920s. The leading members of the group including cornetist Paul Mares, trombonist George Brunis and clarinet player Leon Roppolo were school friends who recruited others such as Stitzel and drummer Gene Krupa to join their band. Stitzel also played with The Bucktown Five in the early 1920s.
At first, the band was known as the Friar's Society Orchestra after obtaining...
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