Re: Jack Pettis - saxophonist
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In reply to:
Jack Pettis - saxophonist
2/22/02
I can tell you a few things that are likely to be true about Jack Pettis, the saxophonist, because he is a relative on my mother's side.Jack was born about 1891, full name was John Baber Pettis.His father was Samuel Arthur Pettis, mother was Cora.He had a sister named Molly.These were Illinois people.Jack's father, Samuel Arthur Pettis, was born in Alton, spent some growing up years in Fayette County, had three siblings.
My grandmother, Mattie Pettis Tracy (1870-1967), was a sister of Samuel Arthur Pettis; he was about four years older.So Jack Pettis, Samuel Arthur's son, was my mother's first cousin.I still have one uncle (my mother's youngest sister's husband) who is now about 87 years old and who actually knew Jack.
Jack, the saxophonist, married a woman named Molly (which was also his sister's name, which makes for some confusion).During the 1920s, he performed in dance bands, some of which were on the great transatlantic liners such as the Leviathan, and was said to have his own dance band for some of that time period.With his friend and co-musician Billy Meyers, he had a hand (so say the family legends) in writing "Bugle Call Rag" and also "I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now."Jack and Molly made Chicago their home.Jack died at a fairly young age, that is, probably before he was 50.And after his death, his friend Billy Meyers married Molly, Jack's widow.They also lived in Chicago.In time Billy Meyers died, and most certainly by now Molly has died as well.It is said that they owned a stylish white baby grand piano.
Let me know if this helps.
More Replies:
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in reply to J.M. Pettis about Jack Pettis - jazz saxophonist of the 20's
Enrico Borsetti 6/26/02
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Re: in reply to J.M. Pettis about Jack Pettis - jazz saxophonist of the 20's
James Marion Baker 6/26/02
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Re: in reply to J.M. Pettis about Jack Pettis - jazz saxophonist of the 20's