HENRY RAGAS

(First Pianist with the O.D.J.B. - 1897-1919)

Henry Ragas did not live to see the fruits of his labor. He was the first of the group to go, little realizing the importance of his place in jazz history. Leaving New Orleans with drummer Johnny ("Hountha") Stein's band, the frail, short blond pianist found himself in a vortex of excitement and cahos.

double pneumonia terminated his short meteoric career. We are glad to report that Mrs. Ragas was at his side when the end came.

Fortunately, Henry Ragas was able to make every record which the band waxed before departing for London. Unfortunately, acoustical methods fail to bring out his true greatness on the piano. He does leave another heritage, however, in the form of one composition: -Bluin' the Blues This one tune will prevent Henry from being forgotten. It is one of jazzdoms most brilliant evergreens.

Victim of a debilitating disease the late hours and prohibition soon took their toll. Reservations aboard ship and the date of opening in England had to be suddenly postponed when he took sick with a high fever on the bandstand. After attempting to fight it out in a hotel room, a turn for the worse forced his physician to move him to a hospital. A few days later,

THE SECOND LINE, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1955

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