Edward Elzear ""Zez"" Confrey (3 April 1895 - 22 November 1971) was an American composer and performer of novelty piano and jazz music. In 1921 Confrey wrote his novelty piano solo ""Kitten on the Keys,"" inspired by hearing his grandmother's cat walk on the keyboard of her piano. The song became a hit, and he went on to compose many other pieces in the genre. ""Dizzy Fingers"" (1923) was Confrey's other biggest seller.Following the 1920s, Confrey focused primarily on composing for jazz bands. He retired after World War II but continued to compose until 1959. He died at age 76 in Lakewood, New Jersey, after suffering for many years from Parkinson's disease. He left behind more than a hundred piano works, songs and miniature operas, and numerous piano rolls, music publications, and sound recordings.