In 1950 much happened.
Charlie Parker with strings headlined at the Apollo in Harlem with Stan Getz' big band and Shirley Horne as the singer.
I wasn't born yet which must have been kind of nice for everybody concerned.
Charlie Parker was already a big big star much admired by the budding jazz stars on Edgecombe Avenue. Parker played strings at the Apollo regularly for a radio broadcast, as well as lots of other place. How did he ever do it with all his psychological and medical problems, including depression and a massive heroine addiction.
In any case, many musicians used heroine in a vain attempt to be as good as he was. Some of them almost made it.
Both Faith and Barbara were married for the first time.
Aunt Barbara's wedding was big and fancy with elaborate dresses made by Momma Jones (Mme. Willi Posey, Faith and Barbara's mother). My father Earl Wallace, Author Taylor, Sonny Rollins and Jackie McLean all played at her wedding although pictures of this performance have disappeared. Mom says Birdie (stepdad) lost them showing them to friends.
Faith eloped with Earl.
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| Faith and Earl in 1946 on Edgecombe. Girlfriend and Boyfriend. |
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| Aunt Barbara and JoJo getting married in 1950. Annulment soon to follow. |
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| Wedding Party for Aunt Barbara in1950. Faith on the right in the shadows. Early siting crosslegged down front. |
They timed it to the availability of Momma T's apartment. Theodora Grant left for Guam with her second husband, Henry Grant, known to us as Chiefie. Faith and Earl married and took up their married life at 365 Edgecombe Avenue.
Meanwhile, Aunt Barbara's husband who everybody says was very sweet and called Jo Jo was actually married to another woman at the time. Her marriage was annulled, not sure when but she carried the name Knight for the rest of her life.
Also in 1950, Charlie Parker, who was a hero to them all was a big star, and according to Phil Schaap also playing at the Apollo with strings.
