The Original Memphis Five was formed in 1917 by Phil Napoleon and Frank Signorelli. They were not from Memphis. These were New York musicians. The band was named after W.C. Handy‘s song “Memphis Blues“.

Frank Signorelli had been in the Original Dixieland Jazz Band.

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.

Red Nichols, Miff Mole, and the Dorseys (Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey) also played in the band from time to time.