Remarkable Ohio - Maurice Rocco

"Maurice Rocco" was the stage name of Oxford-born African American pianist, singer, and composer Maurice John Rockhold (1915 - 1976). He was one of six children from the musically talented family of John and Ruby (Young) Rockhold. Maurice's talent was promoted at Oxford Public School and led to his playing locally and at clubs in Cincinnati. Regional radio performances led to professional connections with Noble Sissle, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and other notable figures. As "Maurice Rocco," he became known for playing boogie-woogie piano while standing up. His compositions include "Rockin' the Bass" and "South Side Rock." A prodigious performer, he appeared in Hollywood movies and toured the United States and abroad before relocating to Bangkok, Thailand around 1960. His 1976 murder there was unsolved and his remains were buried near his parents in Woodside Cemetery.