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The Music Trade Review
18
Mrs. Nannie Ball Dies
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Mother of Late Composer Was the Inspiration
for Her Son's Famous "Mother Machree"
JANUARY 19, 1929
HERE IT IS!
The Song you've had so many calls for
and thought it was an old one.
BUT IT'S NOT—IT'S NEW
Mrs. Nannie Ball, mother of the renowned
and A NATURAL
composer, Ernest R. Ball, died suddenly at her
home in Beechhurst, L. I., on January 2, about
eighteen months after her son's passing.
Among those at the funeral were Julius P.
Witmark and Mrs. Witmark. The former was
one of the oldest friends of both mother and
son, besides being one of the principals of the
firm of M. Witmark & Sons, New York, which
published all of the composer's writings, several
hundred in number.
Some interesting facts regarding the strong
bonds between Ernest R. Ball and his mother
were disclosed this week by Mr. Witmark as
follows: "Mrs. Ball was a much-beloved woman
and possessed many sweet and gentle character-
istics. The unexpected death of Ernest Ball,
who was stricken in his dressing room in a
California theatre, where he was appearing at
the time in his famous singing act, was a
heartbreaking blow for Mrs. Ball, and she
never really recovered from the shock. Early
last year, anxious to see for herself the scene
of her son's passing, she journeyed to the.
Coast and there visited the theatre, the dress-
ing room, and spoke to the manager of the
house, who gave her all the details she desired
to learn.
"About the same time the now famous pic-
ture, 'Mother Machree,' was slated for release,
;ind Mrs. Ball hurried back East to be present
at the New York opening. This picture was
written around the immortal song composed by
Ernest R. Ball, a song that to-day is referred
U as just as sure of immortality as is 'Swanee
River.' Probably no ballad is more often sung
than this same 'Mother Machree.' Mrs. Ball
was its inspiration, just as she was for the
several other noteworthy 'Mother' songs that
flowed from her son's pen.
" 'Mother Machree' was first sung by Chaun-
cey Olcott in 1910 in a play called 'Barry of
liallymore.' Its. lyric is by Rida Johnson
Young, Who wrote that play. Soon after, the
song was made internationally famous by John
McCormack, who has been singing it ever
since in his inimitable way. Indeed, a McCor-
mack program without 'Mother Machree' is a
rarity. When Ernest Ball died 'Mother Mach-
ree' was sung at his funeral, and few news-
papers did not print appreciative editorials on
its vogue and appeal and the qualities of the
man who gave its music to an ever grateful
world."
To
RIGI
AR«
i»
Louis Mack, sheet music dealer at 363 Mor-
rison street, Portland, Ore., and one of the
best-known dealers of musical merchandise in
the Pacific northwest, has returned to his store
after a three weeks' sickness. This will be
gratifying news to his many trade friends.
Ft'
Dealers say —
It's the easiest thing
in the world to sell.
WORLD-FAMOUS
McKINLEY
MUSIC
Q 1
to
LEO
FEIXT.NC
231 w.40 St, New York
th
Watch It Grow
M. WITMARK & SONS
165O BROADWAY
NEW YORK
Abe Schlager Now With
Richmond Music Supply Go.
The Richmond Music Supply Corp., New
York, has secured the services of Abe Schlager,
who was for many years identified with this
firm in the past. Mr. Schlager has resumed his
former duties in the standard department of the
Richmond concern, a field in which he is ad-
mirably suited in view of his lifelong connec-
tion with musical affairs. Another noteworthy
addition to the Richmond ranks is that of
Walter Snydecker, who will devote himself to
sates activities among his many friends in the
retail trade. Mr. Snydecker is making trips
through the trade by automobile, according to
the new Richmond policy of supplying sales-
men with cars. Max Mayer, treasurer of the
firm, states that the firm is enjoying a pros-
perous season and that the future looks bright.
Walter Cooke and Clarence Smith have
organized the Cooke & Smith Music & Candy
Co. in Durango, Col. They will feature phono-
graph records in a store in the Gem Theatre
1'uilding.
With the Wonderful Catalog,
Fine Cabinet, Graded
Counter Portfolios,
Display Signs,
etc.,
IT SELLS
ITSELF!