Omer Simeon

Omer Simeon's career can easily be divided into three parts due to significant associations with Jelly Roll Morton, Earl Hines, and Wilbur DeParis. Although born in New Orleans, Simeon ironically did not start to play clarinet until he moved with his family to Chicago in 1914. He took lessons from Lorenzo Tio, Jr. and soon afterward was working professionally. After playing with his brother/violinist Al Simeon's band, Omer spent four years (1923-1927) with Charlie Elgar's Creole Orchestra. It was during this time that he met up with Jelly Roll Morton (he soon became Morton's f...