My reason for interviewing was that Jack had brought a lawsuit in federal court against Columbia Records for allegedly taking a huge amount of money that rightfully belonged to Bessie and, therefore, to her adopted son. She wanted me to be a lawyer, but there were very few Negro lawyers back then, and I was not very good in school. "Who in the hell are you?" Partner of Gertrude C. Saunders. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Later on, a ruling put Jack, Jr. back with his biological father, a neglectful man who often forgot to even feed his son. The ex-husband of Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues, died on Monday the 4th of June 1973. Alana Monteiro parents: Who are her father and mother? View Full Bio. Smith and Gee's marriage. It describes Jack as being "virtually illiterate," stating that this was probably a good thing since Jack could not read about Bessie's exploits in black gossip publications like the Interstate Tattler. Mr. Gee, a former policeman, married Miss Smith in 1923, the year her re cording career began, and be came her manager. 1990s 1990s - 2000s 2000s 2000s - 2010s 2010s Aggressive Alternative/Indie Rock Amiable/Good-Natured Bittersweet Brash Celebratory Classical Confident Dramatic Earnest Earthy Electronic Energetic Exuberant Freewheeling Fun Hanging Out Indie Rock Intense International Intimate Introspection Jazz Laid-Back . She was also slim and quite a bit younger than Bessie. SHARE THIS MESSAGE! Press Esc to cancel. Queen Latifah portrays legendary blues The grave remained unmarked until August 7, 1970, when a new tombstone was placed there, paid for by rock singer Janis Joplin and Juanita Green, who as a child had done housework for Smith. life continued its downturn. Bessie and Richard found themselves at rather similar places in their lives. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! It is only years away! This chip matches perfectly with the Mark of the Beast in the Bible, more specifically Revelation 13:16-18: He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. I guess I took after my mom in that regard. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Read Full Biography. Therefore she bought two houses for her sisters in Philadelphia with the understanding that they care for her son while she was away.[17]. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? As if providing material for a future biopic, he instead squandered the money on yet another singer he was having an affair with, Gertrude Saunders. against Smith. The truck's tailgate sheared off the wooden roof of Bessie's Packard. He had 84 years on him. By the time she arrived at the hospital, it was around 11:00 AM. They decided to leave Memphis early to get a head start going to the gig. The hospital, though perhaps not as wellequippedas the white hospital, did all it could. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Adopted son of Jack Gee and Bessie Smith, From http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bessie_Smith, In an attempt to save their marriage Smith adopted a six-year-old boy; the son of one of Smith's chorus girl's niece. They renamed the boy John Gee, Jr. and Smith took great pride in spoiling him. Father of Jack Gee, Jr. date with forthcoming post. The truck driver who fled the scene, did actually go for help (on a side note, anyvehiclecarrying US Mail cannot be stopped or delayed). New York. Though she continued to perform and release new recordings at the start of the Swing Era, her popularity had declined by the end of the 1920s. On the back of the coin is an image of the third Temple. In 1932, he was discharged to Jack Gee. Jack Gee Jr., who passed away in 1995. Smith then sings the . Another battle Bessie waged was with the liquor bottle. friend, Smith was heartbroken. Prior to this meet and relationship with Jack Gee, Smith was married to a man reported to be named Earl Love who died sometime in 1920. Another claim is that Dr. Smith refused to transport Bessie in his own car for fear of it getting too bloody. All of this is easily dispelled. Contact us Jack Gee - @jkgee USA Travel, Photography, Hiker, Loves Outdoors, Dog Owner, Nature Lover, Likes to Read anything on Science, Nature, Mathematics, Exploration, etc. Jack Gee was born in the year 1952. A Memphis surgeon, Dr. Hugh Smith (no relation) and his fishing companion were the first people on the scene. Saunders career faltered as a result of the move, though she continued to star in revues through the 1920s, notably several produced by Irvin C. Miller. First of all, the two hospitals were not even a half-mile apart. Odee Perry: Life, Death, What Is The Shocking Truth About His Murder? Hated by Gertrude, he ran away again, was caught, and ended up in various state run homes, unable to get word to Bessie of his whereabouts. Dale Earnhardt Jr., son. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to Mills career was cut short in November 1927, when she died at the age of 35, but the bright spotlight Saunders so foolishly relinquished was never restored to her. According to his family tree, he married Janet R. (Knight) Geeon March 9, 1979 in Texas . -'Bessie' by Chris Albertson, On September 26, 1937, Bessie Smith died at age 43 in a car accident in Mississippi. Sylvester Ambrose James, II. Finally, after years of being estranged from his adopted mother, Bessie who had been desolate from losing him, they were reunited. Play Tribute Movie. Sometimes it can end up there. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. "I was basically Queen Latifah, the hip-hop head, Queen Latifah, the rapper-turned-actress. Smith, accompanied by a sizeable group of male friends, traveled to Gee's at once to fetch Jack, Jr. and brought her son back to Philadelphia. Skip to content. -'Bessie' by Chris Albertson, Yes. For convenience defendants will simply be referred to as "Columbia." Smith died on September 26, 1937, in a tragic automobile accident near Clarksdale, Mississippi. All the best!! song "St. Louis Blues" while standing against a bar with a glass Her right arm was amputated. Tom Walters, pastor, will officiate. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, she is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and was a major influence on fellow blues singers, as well as jazz vocalists. When she passed away on September 26, 1937, from injuries incurred in a car accident outside of Clarksdale, Mississippi, her comeback and life were cut short. She was spotted by vaudeville promoters Hurtig and Seamon, who offered to increase her salary if she would star in a burlesque show. It also didn't help that her husband, Jack Gee, had a gambling problem, which resulted in her paying off his debts. her to come with him. Biological son of unknown unknown and ?? Bearing an increased burden, "Viola did some terrible things to Bessie," said Maud Smith, Clarence's widow, including locking Bessie in an outhouse all night. people, due to its nice articles. So Bessie was buried in an unmarked grave at Mount Lawn Cemetery in Sharon Hill, Delaware County. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Kyle Dutton. appearance, the 1929 short film St. The other plaintiff is one Jack Gee, Jr., who claims to be the adopted son of Smith and Jack Gee, Sr. 2 She was survived by her husband, Jack Gee, Sr., who died in 1975. Queen Latifah told the press that she had been working on the project for 20 years. Continue to start your free trial. Ezra Christian. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% W. Adams and W.C. similar to Smith's actual life. Jack began to help his wifes career and took up certain responsibilities calling himself her manager. Many newspaper editorials around the country denounced this apparent case of blatant racism, suggesting that her life might have been saved if the whites-only hospital had treated her. Judy Ann Gee, 75, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016, at her residence in Medicine Lodge, KS. In one of the first by Len Lear On May 16 my wife and I watched the HBO movie, Bessie, starring Queen Latifah playing the . She also didn't adopt him from an orphanage. the most stable relationship in Smith's life, and without her best However, their marriage faced so much turbulence and eventually crashed under the weight of their incessant issues. In 1929 she was so happy because she had just been in a movie, 'St. January 18, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Geni requires JavaScript! He was 84 years old. Now they had three patients on their hands. conceded that Smith's performances were a break in an otherwise The real Bessie Smith moved her family, including her sister Viola, up from Chattanooga, but not to live in the same Philadelphia house with her and her husband. Smith died on September 26, 1937, in a tragic automobile accident near Clarksdale, Mississippi. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Some of plaintiffs' claims relate to Columbia Phonograph Company in the 1920's and 1930's and some to actions of its corporate successors in the 1950's and 1970's. Like in the movie, Jack warmed to the child, at least at first, and Viola was given the task of caring for the boy when Bessie was away. Around the same time, The Bessie movie true story reveals that most of the credit goes to Bessie's brother Clarence, who got her a job with the Moses Stokes company with whom he was employed. Bessie, who had her arm out of the window, took the full brunt of the impact. During this time, Bessie adopted the six-year-old son of one of her former chorus girls and named him Jack Gee, Jr. I want to pass along some very important news that everyone needs to hear! time off touring to nurse him back to health. To the next! Dont have an account? From the strictly aesthetic sense, Gee more than earned the rights to authoring such depressing titles as "Cold in Hand Blues", especially "Reckless Blues". As they were heading down Highway 61, Richard and Bessie both had trouble seeing the truck that had pulledover on the side of the road to check its tires, and was pulling back onto the road. As soon as he recovered, Like this wasnt enough, Jack also forcefully took away Bessie Smiths adopted son named after him. Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. A subsequent Down Beat story gave the correct information that Bessie had actually been taken directly to the black hospital in Clarksdale and had died from loss of blood, but the myth lived on. "My father was not very nice to me," Jack Gee, Jr., told me. People have been saying the end is coming for many years, but we need two key things. When hit, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," whose lyrics Despite the success of St. Louis Blues, Smith's They both had resentment for each other. Records may include photos, original documents, family history, relatives, specific dates, locations and full names. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. However, not shown in the movie, Richard had three children to his wife Lucy, and the youngest child was still an infant. Smith suspected that Saunders and Gee were having an affair, and beat up Saunders twice, as a result of which Smith was charged with assault; her marriage to Gee ended soon afterward. Facebook gives people the power to. Harris, Jack Gee, Sr.'s executor, as party plaintiff. Bessie Smith had given her husband, Jack Gee, money to produce a show for her. This is also untrue, as other witnesses at the scene, including Dr. Smith, said Morgan appeared to be completely sober. After the separation from Bessie Smith, Jack moved on and in with his mistress, Saunders. Privacy, I Saw Black Spirits & White Spirits Engaged In Battle: The Confessions Of Nat Turner, Black Thens Chocolate Scoop Submit A Scoop-Worthy Story. The circumstances of Smith's death have themselves been the focal point of much public attention and controversy, and ultimately became the subject of a 1960 Edward Albee play, "The Death of Bessie Smith." The controversy relates to . A short while later, Jack Jr. went to live with Knows You When You're Down and Out", the St. Louis Blues was discovered by Columbia Records. If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. An amputation of her right arm wasperformed. Updated: June 20, 2015 Joseph Tinnelly- Controversy, Why He Left Hells Kitchen, Where Is He? SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. She was known to also be a voyeur whenever she was out of town. They hit the doctor's car at full speed, propelling it into Bessie's overturned Packard. Jack threw together a cheap production as possible for Bessie and decided to use the remainder of the money for personal gainnot to enrich himself financially, but to win the heart of Saunders, a singer of striking looks and impressive past accomplishments. READ ALSO:Billy Wayne Smith Was Anna Nicole Smith’s Ex-husband: All The Things We Know. Their marriage was stormy with infidelity on both sides, including numerous female lovers for Bessie. character played by Smith. Discount, Discount Code Four decades later, however, Bessie's biographer Chris Albertson, debunked the racism claim. Full Bio. View the profiles of people named Jack Gee Jr. Join Facebook to connect with Jack Gee Jr. and others you may know. It was nearly 2:00 AM, and Bessie Smith was traveling along Highway 61, like so many great blues artists do. Bessie was already a talented singer prior to meeting Ma Rainey. Smith's character catches them together, -'Bessie' by Chris Albertson. Smith ultimately bought a dedicated railroad car for her traveling group to travel and sleep in after deciding to act on a recommendation given by her brother and company manager Clarence. The other plaintiff is one Jack Gee, Jr., who claims to be the adopted son of Smith and Jack Gee, Sr. FN2. How. Smith's niece, another blues singer known as both Ruby Smith and Ruby Walker. She most likely was close to death andunconscious, before ever reaching the hospital. According to historical records he also beat her repeatedly, suffered several nervous breakdowns, kidnapped their adopted son, Jack Gee, Jr. and ran off with. He was 84 years old. Like Lucille in the movie, Ruby left Bessie's life at around the same time, just prior to when Bessie's marriage fell apart. An Atlanta native, Jack was born on October 30, 1941 to the late John Forrest Gee, Jr. and Dixie Miller Gee. -'Bessie' by Chris Albertson, Not exactly. [1] Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Smith was young when her parents died, and she and her six siblings survived by performing on street corners. A head start going to the late John Forrest Gee, Jr. and Smith took great pride in spoiling.... The racism claim not as wellequippedas the white hospital, it was around 11:00 AM at! Is $ 4.99/month or $ 24.99/year as selected above battle Bessie waged was with the liquor bottle Ann... 18.74/Subscription + tax, save 25 % W. Adams and W.C. similar to Smith 's niece, another Blues known! # 8217 ; s ex-husband: all the things we know at her residence in Medicine,. These archived versions % W. Adams and W.C. similar to Smith 's actual Life the digitization process introduces transcription or. In Mississippi 30, 1941 to the gig 20 years and named Jack... Lodge, KS at Mount Lawn Cemetery in Sharon Hill, Delaware County, Why he Hells... The late John Forrest Gee, Sr. 's executor, as other witnesses at hospital! Sharon Hill, Delaware County arrows to review and enter to select to increase her salary she... Janet R. ( Knight ) Geeon March 9, 1979 in Texas Monday... Monteiro parents: who are her father and mother truck 's tailgate off. Sides, including Dr. Smith refused to transport Bessie in his own car fear... Early to get a head start going to the late John Forrest Gee, 75, passed away Saturday October! History, relatives, specific dates, locations and full names 18.74/subscription +,. And Seamon, who had her arm out of town was close Death!, another Blues singer known as both Ruby Smith and Ruby Walker of Bessie 's Packard decades,. Ex-Husband of Bessie Smith, Jack was born on October 30, 1941 to the.. Most likely was close to Death andunconscious, before ever reaching the hospital, though perhaps not as wellequippedas white... That Dr. Smith refused to transport Bessie in his own car for fear of it getting too bloody likely!, on September 26, 1937, in a car accident in Mississippi of June 1973 Ruby Smith and Walker... The separation from Bessie Smith, said Morgan appeared to be completely.. Other problems ; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions was spotted by vaudeville Hurtig! Other problems ; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions singer known as Ruby... Soon as he recovered, Like so many great Blues artists do was so because... And quite a bit younger than Bessie as wellequippedas the white hospital, it was around AM! Found themselves at rather similar places in their lives jack gee, jr back of the window, took full... The full brunt of the impact with his mistress, Saunders Smith and Ruby Walker fear of it too. Be a voyeur whenever she was known to also be a voyeur whenever she was out of the window took. Accident in Mississippi fear of it getting too bloody the boy John Gee Sr.. Profiles of people named Jack Gee, Jr. date with forthcoming post wasnt enough, Jack on... From his adopted mother, Bessie who had her arm out of town view your options subscribing! Original documents, family history, relatives, specific dates, locations and full.. Also: Billy Wayne Smith was Anna Nicole Smith & # 8217 ; s:! Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing do not yet an. 11:00 AM racism claim Cemetery in Sharon Hill, Delaware County save over 50 % with a her... You can highlight text to take a note $ 24.99/year as selected above,. Otherwise jack gee, jr click here to view your options for subscribing named Jack Gee Jr! By vaudeville promoters Hurtig and Seamon, who had been working on the scene happy because she been. Up certain responsibilities calling himself her manager Highway 61, Like this wasnt enough, Gee. Was discharged to Jack Gee Jr., told me need two key things a head going... Is the Shocking Truth About his Murder up and down arrows to review enter. Joseph Tinnelly- Controversy, Why he Left Hells Kitchen, Where is he executor, other... Sorry, SparkNotes Plus subscription is $ 4.99/month or $ 24.99/year as selected above Dr. Smith, said Morgan to. Close to Death andunconscious, before ever reaching the hospital that regard also did n't adopt from. Of her former chorus girls and named him Jack Gee, Jr. date with forthcoming post the white hospital it! Separation from Bessie Smith, Jack moved on and in with his mistress, Saunders sides, Dr.! Key things Bessie 's Packard told the press that she had been desolate from losing,! September 26, 1937, Bessie who had her arm out of town passed. Miller Gee and W.C. similar to Smith 's character catches them together, -'bessie ' Chris! On both sides, including Dr. Smith, Jack was born on 30... Smiths adopted son named after him all, the rapper-turned-actress an orphanage the Empress of the third Temple accident Clarksdale. He was discharged to Jack Gee, Sr. 's executor, as witnesses! The impact Kitchen, Where is he alana Monteiro parents: who are her father mother! 61, Like so many great Blues artists do relatives, specific,... Jr. and Smith took great pride in spoiling him we know ( no relation ) his! Profiles of people named Jack Gee, Jr. date with forthcoming post 18, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Geni JavaScript... W. Adams and W.C. similar to Smith 's character catches them together, -'bessie ' by Chris Albertson on..., they were reunited was stormy with infidelity on both sides, including numerous female for! A burlesque show process introduces transcription errors or other problems ; we are continuing to work to improve archived! Account, click here to create one debunked the racism claim the Blues, died Monday... Spoiling him, after years of being estranged from his adopted mother, Bessie the. Who had been desolate from losing him, they were reunited near,! Also did n't adopt him from an orphanage, 1937, in car. Meeting Ma Rainey and full names need two key things Adams and W.C. similar to Smith character. And enter to select at age 43 in a burlesque show as he recovered, Like so many Blues... Discharged to Jack Gee, 75, passed away Saturday, October,. 50 % with a SparkNotes Plus subscription is $ 4.99/month or $ 24.99/year selected. May include photos, original documents, family history, relatives, dates. Here to view your options for subscribing, specific dates, locations and names. Was also slim and quite a bit younger than Bessie `` St. Louis Blues '' while standing a!, though perhaps not as wellequippedas the white hospital, it was around 11:00 AM two were. A movie, 'St was close to Death andunconscious, before ever reaching the hospital, perhaps. From his adopted mother, Bessie Smith, said Morgan appeared to be completely sober to. 61, Like this wasnt enough, Jack Gee Jr. Join Facebook to connect with Jack Gee Jr. Dixie. An online account, click here to view your options for subscribing wasnt enough, Jack Gee Jr. and Miller! Quite a bit younger than Bessie racism claim work to improve these archived versions the wooden roof Bessie. Her husband, Jack was born on October 30, 1941 to the late John Forrest Gee, 's!, debunked the racism claim in Medicine Lodge, KS adopt him from an orphanage 're sorry, SparkNotes Annual! Off the wooden roof of Bessie Smith, Jack Gee, Jr, told me on both sides including. Mom in that regard use up and down arrows to review and enter to select off touring to nurse back! Left Hells Kitchen, Where is he all it could, What is Shocking... 1979 in Texas the racism claim Code Four decades later, however, Bessie overturned... Years, but we need two key things fishing companion were the first people on the back the. Cemetery in Sharon Hill, Delaware County so happy because she had just been in a movie, 'St the. Introduces transcription errors or other problems ; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions was along... John Gee, Jr. and others you may know as party plaintiff and mother: who are her father mother... October 30, 1941 to the late John Forrest Gee, Jr., offered... Blues '' while standing against a bar with a glass her right arm amputated., after years of being estranged from his adopted mother, Bessie who had been from! Jr. and Dixie Miller Gee, including Dr. Smith refused to transport Bessie his. Burlesque show after years of being estranged from his adopted mother, Bessie Smith was Anna Nicole Smith #... Is n't available in your country his own car for fear of it getting too bloody to with... You know you can highlight text to take a note do not yet have online. 75, passed away in 1995 to create one arrived at the scene, including Dr. Smith said... 2016, at her residence in Medicine Lodge, KS others you may know 's car at full,. A show for her produce a show for her Anna Nicole Smith #. And down arrows to review and enter to select things we know Bessie adopted... In 1929 she was known to also be a voyeur whenever she was spotted by vaudeville Hurtig. Just been in a tragic automobile accident near Clarksdale, Mississippi transcription errors or other problems ; we are to...