I decided to have a little fun with this post. In the years since Jazz Baby first saw publication, some readers have been curious as to what happened to Emily Ann “Baby” Teegarten. Did she ever make it to New York? Were her dreams of singing jazz professionally ever realized? Did she find success? Well, presented here, is an interview with Baby Teegarten, which takes place ten years after the novel ends. This is meant to be a glimpse into the life our protagonist may have created for herself.
The Baby Teegarten Interview!
April 15, 1935
She chose the meeting place. I could lie and tell you readers that I arrived thirty minutes early just to get a feel for the room. But the truth of the matter is, I get a little nervous with this one. Most of you have been reading my column for the better part of 15 years. You know the names that have graced my page: Babe Ruth, Harry Houdini, Clara Bow, Harold Lloyd—even Charlie Chaplin agreed to a sit-down chat back in 1924.
Still, this one is different.
The she I’m referring to is popular jazz vocalist Baby Teegarten. They don’t come any bigger than Baby these days. Three consecutive years as the country’s highest-paid entertainer proves this fact.
I lock down a table at the rear of McSorley’s Tavern on East 7th Street—which also happens to hold a strict policy for not allowing women inside.
But Baby Teegarten, well, she’s not just any woman.
“This is her neighborhood,” the fellow tending bar tells me. “She has a swanky place overlooking Central Park. Bought it from Babe Ruth himself.”
It’s the Babe who introduced Baby to McSorley’s.
“Nobody bothers her in here,” the barkeep explains. “Besides, if she’s pals with the Babe, she’s all right by us.”
I knock back a Scotch and soda. It’s what steadies my nerves. Only Mae West ever had me taking a nip before an interview.
I’ve seen Baby perform a dozen times easily—this going back to those first shows she did at Swelby’s Joint. Two thousand patrons lined up every night just to witness the Baby. She’d been just shy of her fourteenth birthday back in those early shows. But any fool with eyes and ears could tell she was special.
Oh, sure, we all recall the backlash at allowing a mere child up on those club stages. But nobody could—or would—stand in that girl’s way. No, sir. She’d have busted any full-grown man in the chops, should one be so bold as to try.
Prompt, this one. She arrives at 3 o’clock sharp, with her entourage in tow. By entourage I mean her manager, Abe Horowitz, and Job Pritchett, husband of Baby.
Mr. Pritchett, he’s a large fellow, to be sure. Tall and wide, real sturdy; the sort of man who likely spent his youth throwing bales of hay around the farm, maybe even punching cows—literally. Hollywood handsome: blond hair worn messy, pale blue eyes, an easy laugh. He’s more threatening than threatened. Famous in his own right, he’s known the world over for his paintings and sculptures.
Baby is a true vision, greeting patrons by name up by the front door. She’s resplendent in a violet-colored summer dress that falls just below her knees. Diamonds sparkle on her fingers and wrists, her ears, at her delicate throat. There’s even a gold bracelet on her right ankle.
Eyes as green as emeralds track me down in my corner.
There’s a subtle sweetness in her scent.
Lilacs.
“Hey, there,” she says. “I’m supposed to talk with you today?”
I’m lost for words in this moment, so I just nod like a mute fool.
“You don’t mind it here, do you?” Her accent is rich, wrapping her every word in a southern twang thicker than molasses—and just as sweet.
My voice carries a slight tremble, but I manage a quick, “No, ma’am.”
Baby Teegarten settles on a bar stool next to mine. “This is Mister Pritchett, my husband,” she says.
Job Pritchett’s massive hand takes mine with a gentle squeeze. “Good to meet you,” he tells me in a boyish tone. A lucky fellow, this one.
Abe Horowitz needs no introduction: Club owner, manager of a handful of singers and musicians. Connected. He mined gold when he discovered Baby Teegarten.
Job’s lips brush Baby’s lips. His voice comes soft, almost a soothing thing. “Me and Abe will be up at the bar—if you need us.”
It passes there in the space between them: his subtle caress of her cheek, her gentle squeeze of his hand. These two are infatuated with one another.
“Lord a-mercy, I love that boy,” she says, once we’re alone. “We got our tenth anniversary coming this summer.” She waves her right hand in my face. “He just got me this one right here.”
She means the full five carat diamond set in white gold on her ring finger.
“What does it feel like to make more money than the president of the United States?” I ask, leading us into the interview.
Her petite shoulders give up a shrug. “Just means I can buy whatever I want—’Cept Jobie’s the one buys my jewelry. That boy makes nearly as much as me.”
She’s a tiny thing, maybe five foot two. I’m guessing it might take an extra big lunch to push her past a hundred pounds. And though she doesn’t mention it, this day is her twenty-third birthday.
I ask, “When did you first start singing?”
“Since I can recollect. Pastor Pritchett first had me up in front of the congregation when I was just five. That’s when I took to singing for other folks who ain’t just my kin.”
“Mississippi, right?”
Her head tips a short nod. “Down Rayford—up a piece from Biloxi.”
“A Delta girl, huh? You pick cotton down there?”
A silver cigarette case finds her hand. “Picked a bunch. Mister Kuiper used to pay me a dime for each sack I managed. I made a dollar a day most days.”
“Doesn’t sound like much.”
“It does to a little girl ain’t got much of nothin’.”
A Lucky Strike settles between her lips. Smoke rolls from her dainty nose.
Questions my editor suggested filter through the small talk. “You’re working a lot with George Gershwin. How’d that come about?”
“Georgie’s sweet,” she says, sending smoke rings chasing after her words. “His family knows Mister Horowitz’s family. He liked my voice and wrote some songs for me—’Cept I’m the one writes the words, since I’m the one has to sing ’em.”
Sales figures wedge their way into the conversation—nobody sells more phonograph records than Baby Teegarten.
“A million,” she offers. Says it as if she doesn’t really believe it herself. “I mean, a person can reach into his pocket, grab a hundred of something, and toss it on the floor and say, ‘Yep. That’s a hundred.’ But nobody can throw a million anything on the floor and count that.”
She’s had three of them reach that plateau in recent years.
“Where’s your favorite place to play?” I ask, scratching off another one from my editor.
“Paris is nice.” Her hand gives up an abbreviated wave, catching the barkeep’s attention. “What’s so amazing there is, those folks don’t speak no English, but they sure know all the words to my songs.”
A bottle arrives at our table. Not exactly what I expected.
“Co-cola,” she says, drawing a long pull. “Mister Horowitz don’t like for me to drink liquor while I’m gabbing with newspaper fellas. He says I just might talk too much.”
I feign shock. “Secrets?”
There’s an endearing sweetness in her giggle. “Oh, I got plenty of secrets.”
“Horowitz really looks after you, huh?”
“He’s the best. Like a second daddy. Doesn’t let anybody get close enough to take advantage.”
She spends a lot of time on the road, traveling by train, singing in places like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Big theaters, is where she sings these days. Gone are the smoke-filled clubs with dance floors and drunken revelers.
“I like the theaters,” she says. “And I really like seeing different places. But I do miss the New York clubs. I could do two shows a night and be at home with Mister Pritchett by one in the morning. Now, I do one show for five thousand people—nobody drinking or dancing—a night at a hotel, then up before the devil and off to the train station and the next city.”
There’s a weary tone creeping into her answers. Well, maybe weary isn’t the right word. Cautious, perhaps.
“Do you ever take time off? Maybe stay home for a while?”
She does—but only because the men in her life force her to do so.
“Once Mister Pritchett and Mister Horowitz get together, they’re worse than two fathers.”
Baby Teegarten will soon add actress to her resume. She just this week signed to play a role in a new James Cagney movie.
“It’s only a small part,” she explains. “I play a singer in a jazz club. I’ll sing two new songs they wrote just for the film.”
“Any lines?”
Just one. But that’s fine by her. “I ain’t no movie star.”
No, she’s not. But that doesn’t stop the real movie stars from turning out wherever Baby Teegarten treads a stage. It’s fashionable to be seen at her shows.
“Jean Harlow got my autograph last summer in Chicago.” She says it like it’s a normal thing that happens to most people.
“How’d you come to be friendly with Babe Ruth?”
That shrug raises her shoulders again. “He came to my shows most nights he was in town—back when I still played the clubs. Once he decided to buy a house in the country, I bought his apartment.”
“I guess that makes you a Yankees fan, huh?”
It’s a playful thing, that sideways glance she throws at me. “Ain’t no self-respecting Mississippi girl gonna ever cheer on no Yankees.”
Abe Horowitz’s approach signals a wrap to our discussion. I’d been promised twenty minutes, Baby gave me thirty.
“Gotta get ready for the trip to Hollywood,” she says, gaining her feet.
She offers a handshake, which abruptly becomes a friendly hug.
Job Pritchett, arm around Baby’s shoulders, sweeps the girl away, following Abe Horowitz out the front door, into the crowd moving along 7th Street.
It takes a few moments for my head to clear itself of her scent, her voice, her very presence. It’s not a difficult thing to see why so many have fallen for this lovely young woman.
“She just has a way about her,” the barkeep says as I make my getaway.
She certainly does, I tell myself. She certainly does.
Yay! So happy to see it all worked out for Baby! Really loved this interview and hope to hear more from her!
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Thanks for stopping by, D. L. I’m so glad you liked the interview. I’m guessing we’ll be hearing more from Baby in the future.
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I have Jazz Baby and after reading this, I feel compelled to read it sooner than later. Great way to recap for some and spark new interest in others! Have fun today!
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Thanks, Linda! The book takes Baby down some dark roads, but this is meant to show she does rise up.
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Great interview, Beem! So glad that Baby got there in the end. Great book 🙂
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Thanks, Harmz. Glad you stopped by!
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What a great way to introduce everyone to your work Beem. I loved the interview. I have Jazz Baby on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading it.
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This is where Baby is at ten years later. It’s a long and dark road that brings her to New York. I am glad you stopped by, Lizzie.
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Always knew she’d make it! 😀 Great character interview, Beem and it’s always nice to come over to your stylish place to listen to the Blues – hope you get a ton of visitors enjoying the Teegarten experience today! 😎
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Thank you, Jan! Your comments put a huge smile on my face this afternoon! Thanks for visiting.
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Great post and interview. Looking forward to reading the book now.
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Thank you for stopping by and visiting.
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This was fantastic, Beem! I love seeing Baby later down the road, knowing she made it big. Congrats on an awesome day in the Block Party!! 🙂
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Thank you, Mar! I appreciate your support.
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Fantastic, Beem! This was such a delight to read. As you know, I loved Jazz Baby…so having a glimpse of her future life was a special treat. I hope you are writing the sequel – your readers need more than just a taste. 🙂
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Thanks, Gwen. I do have plans for a sequel. I have to finish what I’m currently working on first. Hopefully it will be in the works within a year.
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A really neat “world” you have created. I love anything from early-mid 1900s
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Thanks, Rob. I appreciate the visit.
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I haven’t read your book but will put it on my want to read list which seems to get longer and longer all the time. The interview with your main character is an interesting way to let readers into her world. She sounds like a gutsy person.
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I do hope you get to read the book. The interview takes place ten years after the book, so she is quite different from the girl in Jazz Baby. Thanks for stopping by, Marjorie.
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That was amazing. I like to revisit characters, sometimes I write it out, sometimes it’s a daydream. Hope it draws a bunch of attention today.
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Thanks, Craig. Glad to see your comments here.
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Beem, this is Jazz Baby all over again! 😀 What about writing a sequel out of this? Wow! You could, you know! … Anyway, have a great party, and enjoy your day. 🙂
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Yes, Joy. A sequel is in the future. Thanks for stopping by and bringing the sunshine with you! I am always happy to see your comments here.
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Fun interview!
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Thanks, Charles. I appreciate your visit.
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Great post and fascinating interview – loved it! Glad I stopped by! 🙂
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I’m so glad you stopped by, Lynn. Thank you.
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Hello there Mr. Beem Weeks! Love the interview. Read a similar story last year, only about a pianist, and loved it. I’ll have to give Jazz Baby a read. Great party. Hope you’re having as much fun as I am interacting with old friends and meeting a few new ones. Party on, Beem!
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I am having a blast with the Block Party, Larry! Thanks for visiting.
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Hi Beem! I enjoyed Baby’s interview. 😀 Hope you’re having a great party.
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I appreciate your stopping by, Kim. Thank you.
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My pleasure! 😀
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i’m glad you did that interview with Baby. I was dying to know if she’d make it to the big time. Although, I guessed she’d have a decent live married to Job. Boy what she went through during the course of Jazz Baby. Nice and creative interview.
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Wow, Annie! Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. There will eventually be a sequel, so we’ll get to know the adult Baby Teegarten, living in New York. Hopefully that will come within the next year. Thanks for stopping by.
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Great post, Beem. I enjoyed reading about your protagonist. It’s always fun to imagine them after your book ends. 😊
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I agree, Yvette. So many people ask about Emily. So I decided to do this post. The sequel will eventually arrive.
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Very cool Beem – love that interview! Enjoy the blog party!
MikeL
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Always a pleasure to hear from you, Mike. Thanks for visiting.
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Excellent interview, Beem. I haven’t read Jazz Baby yet but it’s on my TBR. This interview completely transported me to another place and time. I loved it!
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I am glad you enjoyed this interview, Mae. Thank you for the visit.
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What an exquisite scene. Thanks for sharing it. You’ve tapped into one of my very favorite time periods. Jazz Baby is going on my tbr.
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Hi, Flossie! Though the interview takes place in 1935, the novel is set in 1925. These are my favorite time periods as well. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
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Fabulous!. I loved Jazz Baby and eagerly await anything Beem writes – he is a master storyteller. Highly recommend all his books.
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You are far too kind, Wendy. You’ve gone and made me blush! So glad you stopped by. Thank you so much.
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Reblogged this on Room With Books.
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Whoa Been. The interview was terrific. I think I’ve fallen for her myself. Nice job.
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Thanks, John. My hope was to make this character retain the same quality but ten years older. Writing a character at vastly differing age periods is not as easy as I thought it would be. Thanks for stopping by.
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She sounds like someone we should read more about . 🙂
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Beem.
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Been, Beem, Beam, Cool Dude…I’ll answer to any of those names.
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Ha haha.
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Good evening, Beem. What a wonderful update to Baby’s story! Thank you for filling us in on what she’s been doing.
Thank you for the #RRBC Springtime Book & Blog Block Party post!
~Patricia Green~
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Thank YOU, Patricia. Comments like yours really make these Block Parties so much fun.
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Hi Beem, I love your background–trying to figure out which bridge it is. This was clever!! Funny I did the same thing on my next blog post. This was so enticing I fear Jazz Baby is going to be leaping to the top any day now. I know the sequel will be awesome!!
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Hi, Micki! Always an honor to find your comments here. I’m not sure which bridge this is. I’ve tried to find out, but nothing yet. Yes, there will certainly be a sequel. I think writing this character as a young woman–versus the young teen she was in Jazz Baby–will be quite fun. Thanks a bunch for stopping by.
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I look forward to reading this fine book. I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings. I wish the best in keeping up the good work in the future.
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Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Jerry. I truly appreciate it.
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Enjoyable interview Beem. So nice to see that she is moving into the Hollywood scene and I guess maybe a new book??
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Yep. There will certainly be a sequel, Mary. I’m hoping by the next year. Thank you for visiting.
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Welcome. Thanks for posting with Patricia Guthrie today, April 16. I can’t leave a comment or log in/subscribe to her blog due to some glitch. I do agree with all the points in writing reviews.
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That was awesome, Beem! My first taste of ‘Baby’ and you captured me immediately with that marvelous need to learn more. The time and place has always intrigued me, now can’t wait to begin “Jazz Baby”. 🙂
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Hi, Soooz! I always enjoy reading your comments. Thank you for the visit.
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Hi Beem,
Nice to meet you and what a great way to be introduced to your work! Great premise to the story, too. Love the trailer!
Have a great evening!
Suzanne
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Hello, Suzanne. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the interview and trailer. Thanks for the visit.
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Always a unique approach sharing your books. Insightful.
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Hi, Gracie. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your support.
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Beem I could have sworn that I visited your blog but evidently not. I’ve been so distracted in my personal life. Have a wonderful holiday!
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I’m just glad to find your comment here, Shirley. It wouldn’t be a Block Party without your visit. Happy Easter to you.
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Oh my goodness, Beem! I know I’m late to the party but spent the day at a book festival and couldn’t get into your site late last night. At any rate, I absolutely LOVED this. It is exactly as I imagined for Baby! Thanks for a glimpse into her future. Awesome post!!
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You’re never late, Jan! You made it in and that’s all that matters! Thank you for the support. I honestly appreciate it.
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Hi Beem. I’m so sorry I’m late to the party, but so glad I got to read this post. The interview was fantastic! I just love reading stuff like that. Happy Easter, I hope you’re having a blessed day. *Hugs*
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Thank you, Rhani. Happy Easter to you as well. You’re never late. You’re right on time!
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Sorry I’m late to your party, Beem. Love the interview!
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Better late than never, Michelle. Thanks for stopping by.
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Fantastic post, Beem! I loved Jazz Baby and highly recommend it. So sorry I’m late to your party, but so glad I didn’t miss it. Thanks for sharing this with us. Cheers! 🙂
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I am so glad to see you made it, Natalie! I appreciate your visit.
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Thanks so much for stopping by my blog – I have had a wicked chest cold for two weeks, and am doing the blog hop late and in reverse! Hope you had a great time. Party on!
PS Jazz Baby – what a GREAT title!
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Thank you so much for stopping by! Sending you healing vibes for your chest cold!
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Funny you should say that, since my grandmother used to stick a mustard plaster on my chest when I had a cold as a kid. She slathered it on (smelled ugh) than covered it with cotton batting and then a piece of flannel. I had to go to school that way!
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Sounds like some of the remedies that my mother used on me. The irony is that it worked sometimes better than taking pills.
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Who needs movie gift cards when you can receive a copy of Jazz Baby? The book sounds terrific!
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Think I saw her selling used Kias down at the lot ’bout twenty years back. Good to see she done good for a fictional character. You can’t make this stuff–oh, you can, and you done it good. Thanks for the update on a beloved character. Reblogged this on SephenGeez.com
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Why, thanks a bunch, Mr. Geez! I appreciate your visit. She was selling Kias, huh? I lost track of her in the 1990s! I’ll track her down again.
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Reblogged this on Stephen Geez Blog and commented:
Enjoy this followup to Beem Weeks’s Jazz Baby. If you’ve not read the book, get it now; then come back and enjoy this followup.
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Reblogged this on Book Island and commented:
I’m sharing this interview because Jazz Baby happens to be one of my all-time favorite books!
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