Composer. He was famous in the 1920s for his jazz and ragtime-influenced solo piano works, especially "Kitten on the Keys" (1921), a favorite improviser's piece. He played it at the historic 1924 Paul Whiteman concert that also saw the premiere of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"; two decades later it was still popular enough to be featured in a Warner Bros. cartoon, "Rhapsody Rabbit," where it was performed as a duet by Bugs Bunny and a mouse. Confrey's other hits include "Stumbling" (1921), which he turned into a song, "My Pet" (1920), "Dizzy Fingers" (1922), and "Nickel in the Slot" (1923). He was also a prolific recording artist, cutting over 250 piano rolls and discs between 1918 and 1932. After the mid-1930s his career was hampered by Parkinson's disease. His book "Zez Confrey's Modern Course in Novelty Piano Playing" was in print for over 40 years. US Navy veteran, WWI.
Composer. He was famous in the 1920s for his jazz and ragtime-influenced solo piano works, especially "Kitten on the Keys" (1921), a favorite improviser's piece. He played it at the historic 1924 Paul Whiteman concert that also saw the premiere of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"; two decades later it was still popular enough to be featured in a Warner Bros. cartoon, "Rhapsody Rabbit," where it was performed as a duet by Bugs Bunny and a mouse. Confrey's other hits include "Stumbling" (1921), which he turned into a song, "My Pet" (1920), "Dizzy Fingers" (1922), and "Nickel in the Slot" (1923). He was also a prolific recording artist, cutting over 250 piano rolls and discs between 1918 and 1932. After the mid-1930s his career was hampered by Parkinson's disease. His book "Zez Confrey's Modern Course in Novelty Piano Playing" was in print for over 40 years. US Navy veteran, WWI.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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