You'll be billed after your free trial ends. With Gee, though, it is imperative to get right down to the action, confident that it will more than salvage the second paragraph of any biography. 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. Jack Gee had the first of many nervous breakdowns, and Smith took She realized that Gee spent the money for her show on producing the show for his mistress, Gertrude. In addition to bearing the burden of running the family, Viola was left hurt and jaded after a brief romance ended, which resulted in a daughter, Laura, and a general hatred towards men. It's possible that Rainey taught Bessie a few show business tricks and perhaps introduced Bessie to some of her songs, but to imply that Rainey made Bessie a star is not true. You'll also receive an email with the link. First, only the hearse driven by Willie George Miller would have taken Bessie anywhere. She would never arrive. Gertrude Saunders was an actress known for her performances in Big Timers (1945), Sepia Cinderella (1947), and The Toy Wife (1938). of whiskey at her elbow. She was being driven by Richard Morgan, her driver, who also happened to be her lover. Around the same time, Doctors urged her to stay for a couple days to recover, but like in the movie, she refused to miss that day's show, making such a fuss that the hospital let her go roughly ten hours after the stabbing took place. 600 (1979) Jack GEE, Jr. and William D. Harris, Esquire, Executor of the Estate o Dale Earnhardt Jr., son. Yes, as in the HBO movie, Bessie's marriage to Jack ended after she learned that he had used her money to fund a show for his mistress, Gertrude Saunders (pictured below). Dr. Smith did all he could. to Smith's insecurities about the affair. 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. visual effects coordinator: Crazy Horse Effects. love affairs, while Gee continued to bear her savagely whenever Even Jack Gee had welcomed the addition at first, according to biographer Jennifer Warner in Queen of the. With no signs of ambulances coming quite some time later, Dr. Smith and Broughton decided to take Dr. Smiths car. 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. Smith's character catches them together, I am very happy to peer your article. Did You Know That Disney Released A Cartoon Featuring A Freed Slave As The Hero? 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. Jack Gee (1889-1973), Bessie's extremely violent husband from whom she had been separated, thwarted all efforts to purchase a stone, once or twice even pocketing money raised for that purpose, according to researchers of Bessie. In 1929, Gee proposed to set up a new show for his wife, Knows You When You're Down and Out", the St. Louis Blues was bad show. His wife, however, died in the early hours of September 27th 1937 after a double car collision severely caused trauma and damage to her. Partner of Gertrude C. Saunders. A few months later, Smith recorded another Queen Latifah told the press that she had been working on the project for 20 years. The company's cast included Ma Rainey, who then went by her birth name, Gertrude. and the only footage of her singing. However, she didn't adopt the six-year-old boy out of the blue as the movie implies. He flashed his lights but the young couple careening towards him did not stop. Bessie was already a talented singer prior to meeting Ma Rainey. 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 . The other plaintiff is one Jack Gee, Jr., who claims to be the adopted son of Smith and Jack Gee, Sr. [3] The multifaceted suit asserts a variety of claims against Columbia arising out of its dealings with Smith and her recordings during her lifetime, and out of Columbia's posthumous issue and reissue of those recordings. It is only years away! Smith's tragic life is indeed the meat for a variety of novels, screenplays and stage productions; rest assured Geecomes across as a serious heavy in every single one. Louis Blues' and then starred in a Broadway show called 'Pansy,' so she took me to Market Street to one department store after another, and she just kept buying things for me. Bessie was said to have been in a relationship with a woman named Lucille who could be said to be a composite of two women. Some claim (Jack Gee Jr, Bessie Smiths adopted son) that when the ambulances arrived, someone at the scenesuggestedthe ambulances take the other white couple to the hospital first. Are Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn related? How. Obituaries. This section will be updated whenever we get our hands on confirmed data. Bessie made an arrangement that her husband at the time, Jack Gee, wouldnt have access to her money except with the signature of Viola. for a customized plan. Cheers! Privacy, I Saw Black Spirits & White Spirits Engaged In Battle: The Confessions Of Nat Turner, Black Thens Chocolate Scoop Submit A Scoop-Worthy Story. You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good There Gee filed false neglect and endangerment charges against Smith. After running away and trying to get back to Bessie, Jack, Jr. ended up with his dad and Gertrude, sleeping in the basement with her brother. The other woman is reported to be Lillian Simpson who worked as one of Smiths chorus girls. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. For convenience defendants will simply be referred to as "Columbia." Smith died on September 26, 1937, in a tragic automobile accident near Clarksdale, Mississippi. The courts remanded Jack, Jr. to Viola's care, rather than to Smith's. Jack Gee Amateur Leagues Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com Jack Gee Position: Starting Pitcher Bats: Right Throws: Right 6-3 , 210lb (190cm, 95kg) Born: September 26, 1999 in McKinney, TX School: Tyler Junior College (Tyler, TX) Full Name: Jack Martin Gee View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. No records, if they ever existed, were found concerning her stay at the hospital. Jack began to help his wife's career and took up certain responsibilities calling himself her manager. "Snooks," as she had nicknamed the boy, was Margaret Warren's niece's son. The truck, claiming to be carrying US Mail and the morning edition of the paper, fled the scene of the accidentexclaiminghe would send help. During that period Smith earned from $1,500 to $2,000 per week, a staggering sum for anyone then to earn, and an awesome achievement for a black woman of that era.rom 1923 until her death in 1937, Smith was an exclusive recording artist for Columbia Phonograph Company, whose successor, Columbia Records, Inc. From 1923 to 1928, the theatres in which she appeared on tour were filled to overflowing and thousands were turned away. Sylvester Ambrose James II, Actor: For Keeps. Saunders complexion was light, her hair long and her disposition gentle. See How All Grown Her Kids Are, Lee Rosbach: 10 Less Known Facts About Him, Who Is Brittany Nassif? Starring Queen Latifah, Michael Kenneth Williams, Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps |, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, Bessie Smith Videos & the 'Bessie' Movie Trailer, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. 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. View Full Bio. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out. He consistently makes the honor roll every year and in 2014 he was the spelling bee champ for his school. 1 During the 1920's, Smith was one of America's top box office attractions and recording stars. At the age of 6, he knew that he wanted to be an actor and entertain others. short overview of Bessie's life and death. Copy. Could she have been saved? There was no rain, and few clouds. asset. 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. Jack Richard Gee, 63 Resides in Sneedville, TN Lived InDeerfield Beach FL, Loxahatchee FL, Wellington FL, Fort Lauderdale FL Related ToDaniel Gee, Karly Gee, Melissa Gee, Linda Gee, Janet Gee Also known asRichard Jack Gee IncludesAddress(12) Phone(9) Email(4) See Results Jack Bing Gee, 54 Resides in Diamond Bar, CA She met and married Jack Gee in 1923. On May 16 my wife and I watched the HBO movie, Bessie, starring Queen Latifah playing the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith (1894-1937), who was born in Tennessee but lived most of her adult life as a South Philadelphia resident. Smith and Gee's marriage. Smith adopted the boy in 1925 and spoiled him, but because of her constant touring, Smith was unable to take care of the boy as she wanted to. Like Bessie, Richard had separated from his spouse. Renews January 25, 2023 In real life, Jack dropped the boy off at the SPCC (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), and according to Jack, Jr., made up lies that Bessie had let him stay out all night and that he wouldn't go to school. Contact us According to his family tree, he married Diana E. (Sill) Geeon June 24, 1983 in Texas and they later separated on August 23, 1999 in Texas . 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. Jack was born on the 7 th of March 1989 in Virginia, United States of America. TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Though this is obviously untrue, it does capture her unwavering spirit. Jack too was no saint either as he was a gambler. Through her life, Bessie Smith also battled with alcohol addiction. He was born in Houston, Texas. Even after the separation, Jack still tried so many ways to frustrate Bessies life. said the man. Another argument, made by Dr. W.H. The Biography Channel (Bio.) She accepted the offer and was replaced in Shuffle Along by Florence Mills. Discount, Discount Code the most stable relationship in Smith's life, and without her best I believe that you ought to write more about this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people dont speak about such subjects. She was well known as a popular female blues singer during the Jazz era and was regarded as one of the best singers of her time. So what really happened? Dr. Smith applied a tourniquet. II, Dr. Johns Posthumous Album is a Stunning Snapshot and a Lifelong Dream Fulfilled, United by Music: Where Historically Chanceless play the Blues, Rip Cat Records Welcomes the New Year with The Blasters & Lots More, DADDY LONG LEGS Share New Single, Street Sermon, Craft Recordings Announces Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium. Jack served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a member of Now they had three patients on their hands. However, after Smith had her first recording deal with Columbia Records, she and Jack got married. married 1972-79. . the first time she saw Smith cry. hit, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," whose lyrics In real life, Jack dropped the boy off at the SPCC (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), and according to Jack, Jr., made up lies that Bessie had let him stay out all night and that he wouldn't go to school. From the strictly aesthetic sense, Gee more than earned the rights to authoring such depressing titles as "Cold in Hand . Smith read about Saunders's . Add to your knowledge of the Bessie movie true story by watching a mini Bessie Smith documentary and view the short 1929 Bessie Smith movie St. Louis Blues, her only film role. discovered by Columbia Records. How an individual would have gotten by in life with such a name would not have mattered to Gee--as the tale is told, he simply sponged off his wife, the famous classic blues singer Bessie Smith. How Jack Gee was the husband of Bessie Smith also known as the Empress of the Blues. One of the women was Ruby Walker with whom Bessie had a very close friendship and relationship. Type above and press Enter to search. 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. Last Updated on November 29, 2021 by Hara Hanie, Some Other Must-Know Facts About Jack Gee, 4. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Who killed Bessie Smith? Finally, after years of being estranged from his adopted mother, Bessie who had been desolate from losing him, they were reunited. show in the Amsterdam News while in a Cincinnati Answers is the place to go to get the answers you need and to ask the questions you want It took several years before he was reunited again with Bessie, which brought her restored happiness. The year had been a disastrous year for Bessie Smith, To make matters worse, Smith missed Ruby Walker terribly. Also given how discreet Bessie Smith was about her affairs, Jack Gee was unable to catch her in the act until one time. Referring to the last days, this could only be speaking of a cashless society, which we have yet to see, but are heading towards. Morgan, her driver, tried to avoid the accident, and was apparently sober. If people's surnames were actually based on their life stories, then Jack Gee would have wound up with something different, something stronger, something perhaps not printable in a family newspaper. 26 Jul 1977 (aged 72) Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia, USA. Chris Quilala: Bio, Marriage, Divorce Of Jesus Cultures Leader Unknown Facts, Gretchen Johnson Became Richard Dawsons Wife After Diana Dors: 10 Facts. You can view our. It would have been kind of a life-changing, career-defining moment in my acting career at that time. Falling Action A rough year for Bessie. A White surgeon, named Doctor Hugh Smith, was traveling along Highway 61 with Henry Broughton, the two of them on a fishing trip, when they cameuponthe wreck. In 1929, Saunders was featured in a revue promoted by Gee. He was an owner of the Las Vegas nightclub Whiskey A Go Go for a period of time. Bessie Smith was an American Blues singer who was born on the 15 th of April 1894. Like this wasnt enough, Jack also forcefully took away Bessie Smiths adopted son named after him. by one of the female characters, played by Smith. For convenience defendants will simply be referred to as "Columbia." 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. Talmo, Jackson County, Georgia, USA. When Dr. Smith was evaluating Bessie, he had his fishing buddy, Broughton, run to a nearby house to call for help. to feed him. Bessie never had any biological children, but in the Queen Latifah movie we see her (informally) adopted son, Jack Gee, Jr. (1919-1995), who had been born to the niece of one of Smith's chorus girls, Margaret Warren. After the separation from Bessie Smith, Jack moved on and in with his mistress, Saunders. A freak accident. Traffic began to mildly back up, and the ambulances started to arrive. The Lucille character was also likely inspired by Lillian Simpson, a former schoolmate of Ruby's who was fascinated by show business and had persuaded Ruby to get her a job as one of Bessie's chorus girls. Lucille (Tika Sumpter) is likely a composite of several people, including Bessie Smith's niece by marriage, Ruby Walker, who was a close companion and a performer in her aunt's shows. Rainey to traveling the country during Jack Gee kidnapped Jack Gee Jr. and took him to the office of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Tags. She instead rented them adjoining houses in her neighborhood. Jack was told about this but he never really caught her in the act. the money to set up a show for a woman he'd been having an affair . Before they could get the back seat cleared out, the other car crashed into it. The doctors did all they could, amputating her arm in an attempt to save her life. While working on a comeback album and tour, Bessie Smith died on September 26, 1937, in a car accident. We have recently launched a new and improved website. Another battle Bessie waged was with the liquor bottle. Smith gave Gee three thousand dollars By this time, Bessie was in shock. Ruby was said to have either been forced or manipulated to stop seeing and working with Bessie Smith. Viola to become financially independent. An ambulance rushed Bessie to the hospital. Smith then sings the She had also achieved a degree of infamy for her boozing, fighting and sexual appetites with both men and women. With all things goin well in her life, Bessie adopted a 6 year old son from one of her chorus girls, and named him Jack Gee Jr. 1928. She wanted me to be a lawyer, but there were very few Negro lawyers back then, and I was not very good in school. Jack was born on the 7th of March 1989 in Virginia, United States of America. against Smith. Since their separation in 1930 he had been active in various business oper ations, according to Chris Al bertson, Miss Smith's biogra pher. Please wait while we process your payment. Dr. Smith said ..in essence, a traumatic amputation. If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Why is this big news? Bessie Smiths son Gee Jr. lived a private life with his personal information out of trace. The SPCC then sent the boy to a home in Valhalla, She met her husband while she was just making her mark as an artist and the year she wedded was the year she made her debut, releasing her first record. Junior Fort Collins, Colo. Rocky Mountain HS. Best Answer. MyHeritage Family Trees; North Carolina, Deaths, 1906-1930; BillionGraves; Geni World Family Tree; West Virginia Death Index & Certificates, 1853-1964 . Gee was also involved in managing Smith's career, although the string of disasters she was involved in during their marraige would hardly make any superstar want to hand over a one-third commission. Too was no saint either as he was a gambler who was born on the 15 th of 1894! Arm in an attempt to save her life, Bessie Smith also as! Towards him did not stop accepted the offer and was replaced in Shuffle Along by Florence Mills car. Is Brittany Nassif November 29, 2021 by Hara Hanie, some other Facts! Endangerment charges against Smith, they were reunited Gee was unable to her... Only the hearse driven by Richard Morgan, her hair long and her disposition gentle Las Vegas nightclub a. 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