Peg Meyer's Melody Kings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peg Meyer’s Melody Kings
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| Origin | Cape Girardeau Missouri |
| Genres | Swing, jazz |
| Years active | 1919 – c. 1925 |
| Members | Jess Stacy (piano) Martell Lovell(violin/trombone) Bergman Snider(drums) Peg Meyer (saxophone) Bill Gadbois(clarinet) |
The Peg Meyer’s Melody Kings was a cool swing and jazz band from Missouri. They played music in the late 1910s and early 1920s. This band started in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and became known for their lively sound.
Contents
How the Band Started
The band began in 1919 at Cape Central High School. It was during lunch break in the gym. At first, they called themselves the Agony Four.
Original Band Members
The first four members were:
- Jess Stacy on piano
- Martell Lovell on violin and trombone
- Bergman Snider on drums
- Peg Meyer on soprano saxophone
Later that year, Bill Gadbois joined the group. He played the clarinet. The name Agony Four did not last long. Soon, they chose the more popular name, Peg Meyer's Melody Kings.
Learning to Play Music
Like many new bands, the Agony Four practiced wherever they could. They needed a place with a piano that was in tune. They often practiced at Cape Central High School. Other spots included the Bluebird Confectionery and the Sweet Shop.
How They Learned Songs
The musicians did not have many sheet music arrangements. So, they learned most of their songs by listening. They spent hours listening to the new invention, the radio. They also spent time at the local record store. Some songs they knew well were “Fidgety Feet,” “Clarinet Marmalade,” and “Tiger Rag.”
Fun Times in the Roaring Twenties
The band played during the exciting time known as the Roaring Twenties. They enjoyed the fun and wild spirit of the era. Berg Snider had over 50 hats. He would wear different ones to their concerts. Jess Stacy became very good at playing the piano. He could even play while squatting on the piano stool!
The Band's Only Album
The Peg Meyer Melody Kings, or Agony Four, only made one album. Peg Meyer said a company made special aluminum discs. These discs were soft enough to record sounds. Jess Stacy’s father, Fred Stacy, helped record the music.
Who Played on the Album
Sadly, this album has been lost over time. But we know who played on it. Jess Stacy was on piano, Lovell on violin, Meyer on saxophone, and Snider on drums.
The Band Breaks Up
The band unofficially broke up in the spring of 1921. This happened when Meyer and Stacy got jobs playing on the Majestic steamboat. They joined the Harvey Berry band. They only played as Peg Meyer’s Melody Kings when they were back home.
Life After the Band
Later, Berg Snider joined Meyer and Stacy. They moved from the Majestic to playing on packet boats. This lasted a few years. Then, the band members went their separate ways.
Jess Stacy's Success
Jess Stacy moved to Chicago to become a professional musician. He became very successful. He even played at Carnegie Hall with the Benny Goodman Orchestra.
Peg Meyer's Later Life
Peg Meyer stayed on the riverboats for a few more years. There, he met Helen Evans. He moved back to Cape Girardeau and married her. Peg Meyer later worked at and co-owned Shivelbine’s. This is a music store that has been open in Cape Girardeau for over 50 years.
Recording the Band's History
The story of the band was written down by Peg Meyer. It is in a book called Backwoods Jazz in the Twenties. Raymond F. “Peg” Meyer wrote it. Frank Nickell edited it. The Center for Regional History and Cultural Heritage at Southeast Missouri State University published it in 1989.
