Zez Confrey

Edward Elzear “Zez” Confrey (3 April 1895 – 22 November 1971) was an American composer and performer of novelty piano and jazz music. His most noted works were “Kitten on the Keys” and “Dizzy Fingers.” Studying at the Chicago Musical College and becoming enthralled by French impressionists played a critical role in how he composed and performed music. Early life and education Confrey was born in Peru, Illinois, By 1916 he was a staff pianist for Witmarks in Chicago. He also enlisted in the US Navy in 1917. Career After World War I, Confrey became a pianist and arranger for the QRS piano roll company. “Dizzy Fingers” (1923) was Confrey’s other biggest seller. List of known works For piano unless otherwise indicated. *“Afghanistan” (1920) *“My Pet” (1921) *“Kitten on the Keys” (1921) *“You Tell ’em Ivories” (1921) *“Poor Buttermilk” (1921) *“Greenwich Witch” (1921) *“Kitten on the Keys” - song (1922) *“Stumbling” (1922) *“Stumbling – Paraphrase” (1922) *“Coaxing the Piano” (1922) *“Dumbell” (1922) *“Tricks” (1922) *“By the Saphire Sea” - Song (1922) *“Nickel in the Slot” (1923) *“Dizzy Fingers” (1923) *“Three Little Oddities” (1923) (for piano or violin and piano) **“Impromptu” **“Ro