I don’t know what the proliferation of inscribed photographs of Jack Teagarden says about his, the circumstances, his popularity. But since I’ve loved his music since childhood, I prefer to see these photographs as indications of a generous character, a man who appreciated his fans and was happy to make even the most fleeting connection with them. For a start, “Edith” must have been made happier by this:
and this later pose:
and a long sweet [although general] inscription, when Jack was being managed by MCA — circa 1939, if you know his lyrics to JACK HITS THE ROAD:
and “Warmest regards to a Swell Fellow ‘Pat'”:
Then, some official business from 1943:
and the other side:
Even late in life — perhaps a year before his death — Jack retained his mastery, a mastery so deep that he made his great art look casual. Here he is in Chicago, on television (the host is Willis Conover) performing BASIN STREET BLUES with Don Goldie, Henry Cuesta, Don Ewell, Stan Puls (I think), and Barrett Deems:
May your happiness increase!
that last video is quite poignant. He looks drawn and terrible, the performance is formulaic.
But…what a sound!
I was ready to think “formulaic,” too, then I shut my eyes and listened, and little nuances in the vocal and especially the instrumental ornamenting the line made it sound fresh to me. Yes, he looks exhausted, but the music is still so alive.