[Dixielandjazz] Re: "Mood Indigo" (was Trummy in Sacramento)

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Dick,
Further to your firsthand account (lucky you) from Barney Bigard regarding
"Mood Indigo" [composed in 1930].
In the book 'With Louis And The Duke' by Barney Bigard, and edited by Barry
Martyn, (1985. Macmillan Press) he adds to the subject of authorship of the
tune by revealing that he didn't get any royalties for 28 years, as it had
been copyrighted under Ellington and Mills' name.
This was eventually cleared up legally and Barney enjoyed a deserved income
from the tune from then on. He even had an offer for $5000 plus 50% of any
forthcoming royalties, but did not take it.
Kind regards,
Bill.
PS: I still have that great photo of Barney and his wife Dottie which you
sent me 5 years ago (18 August 2000)!