Helen Teagarden

American pianist and teacher. Born January 31, 1890 in Texas. Died October 13, 1982 (92) Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother of pianist Norma Teagarden, trumpeter Charlie Teagarden, trombonist and bandleader Jack Teagarden, and drummer (Clois) Cubby Teagarden. After her husband Charles Sr. (Charles Woodbury Teagarden) died of influenza in 1918, Helen moved her family to Chappell, Nebraska, where she played at theaters during silent movies and taught music. She then moved the family to Oklahoma City. There her children started their music careers playing in local bands. Helen was an accomplished musician; she sang, read music, and played piano, guitar, and horn. At the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival, she performed with her children Jack, Norma, and Charlie.