[Dixielandjazz] message for Ben Windham

[Don Ingle]

I worked at Jazz Ltd. in the house band (trumpet) from '63-'68, and for 
a short stay Preacher was on drums -- replacing N.O. drummer Freddie 
Kolhman and in turn replaced by Barrett Deems. Late listmate Jim Beebe 
was on the band for part of that stay.
Ruth was half Japanese, and half Irish (mother's side. She had this 
strong New YAWK accent and ran the room with an iron grip -- no jacket, 
no stay, no single women at the bar, ever, and those who over-imbibed 
and caused any trouble were quickly escorted out the door -- often by 
Ruth. She was a great gal -- loved to play the ponies, and sometimes 
when she had a few bad days, the band's pay checks might be a few days 
late -- but never not paid. (Bill never knew that part.) Both are gone 
now. Bill remarried after Ruth died (she had also gone blind before her 
death.) Bill died a few years ago in San Diego.
Nice to hear Bill and Ruth mentioned. It was a hard gig - five nights a 
week, six hours a night and Bill's idea of sound level was F, FF, and 
FFF most of the time. (Noy on his vovals, though.)
The off night band was led by Lil Armstrong or Art Hodes at different 
times.I sometimes got called in to sub with them both -- a real treat.
Thanks for the name dropping; some good memories there.
Don Ingle

Suzy wrote:
>  Hi Ben,
>
> I am Don Barber, former radio and TV man in Atlanta and Miami. I've just completed my autobiography and one of my stories mentions my relationship with Preacher Rollo, Tony Parenti, and Joe Venuti. I lived in Miami and was on TV there from 1950-1963, and we were all friends. I had met Tony in New Orleans after the War, and when he moved to Miami to work with Preacher Rollo, we all got together frequently. Tony would come out to our house in North Miami and cook Italian food for us. It was great!  In 1958 I visited New York and Tony had moved there, and he introduced me to Joe Venuti. We all went to Tony's house where once again he whipped up a marvelous dinner for us. Later I moved to Atlanta and was on the air there until 1975, then returned to Miami in 1976. "Preach" had by then married a mail-order bride from Korea, named Suc-So. She was probably a sweet lady but couldn't understand a word of English. We had them to our house for dinner and I'm sure she felt awkward. Appar
>  ently he could make her understand enough---
> Another dear friend was Ginny Roble, whose brother, Bill Reinhardt, owned a jazz club in Chicago. Ginny died about 1981 and Bill stayed at our house. Ginny's memorial service included Preacher's recordings, at her request. Bill's wife was Japanese, but she did not attend the memorial. Another lady mistook Suc-So for Ruth  Reinhardt, and began talking to her non-stop. All Suc-So did was bow and smile.
> When Tony was dying in Metairie, LA., he is said to have asked his wife, Ethel, "Does Don Barber know?" I was always so flattered that he would think of me at such a time. He was a great player and a dear friend. I lost touch with Rollo over the years. I have some early recordings which I still play and treasure. Glad to know I am not alone! I will be 87 in June.
>
> Don Barber
> flafolkus at cfl.rr.com
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