A rags-to-riches narrative of the eminent jazz artist's early life describes how his childhood was marked by such challenges as poverty, Jim Crow legislation, and vigilante terrorism.

The Tuxedo Brass Band, 1921 -- The Saints -- Larenzo's soul -- Street hustler -- Jail -- Lessons with Oliver -- Ragtime and Buddy Bolden -- "Most of the musicians were Creoles" -- Musicians as men -- "Rough and beautiful" -- Movin' on up -- Melody that changed the world.