Grange

REMARKABLE PASSIONATE JOURNALISTIC GRIPPING “Death of a BeBop Wife” By Grange (Lady Haig) Rutan Published by Cadence Jazz Books, Redwood NY A review by R. Mayfield Phillips In a noteworthy book, part jazz history, part mystery, part autobiographical; the tragedy of an innocent’s (Bonnie Gallagher Haig) loss of life is portrayed in a style that informs, while astonishing the reader at the depth and breadth of its historical content. For jazz buffs, readers will find an intimate look into a somewhat disregarded period where jazz as bebop influenced a large segment of urban culture. The author gives us a first hand glimpse of such notables as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and the central figure, Al Haig. The author, once briefly married to Haig (and also victimized), is able to delve underneath the pleasing artistry of pianist Haig, and reveal a darker character with shadows of misogamy. The ultimate victim’s powerlessness at the hands of Haig reminds one of Charles Baudelaire’s observations in “Flowers of Evil” The Devil holds the string which moves us, In repugnant things we discover charms: Everyday we descend a step further toward Hell, Without horror, through gloom that stinks. By today’s standards and given current society’s awareness and prosecution of domestic abuse, Bonnie Haig’s death, the bumbling police work, and flawed legal proceedings (Haig is freed) seem to be hopelessly disconnected to the perceived tranquility and competency to be found in an affluent New York City suburb. Furthermore family members sounded alarm bells that went unheeded: Robert Rutan (father of Grange) found Haig “weird” and stated “He never bought it.” Maggi Gallagher (Bonnie’s mother) called Haig “sick, sick, sick” acknowledged being “scared to death” and revealed that “Al had beaten up my beautiful daughter.” What was it about that society that provided an alibi for the deviate behavior of certain artists and musicians? The book provides rather graphic insights of parallel cultures with differing standards living side by side. The author has been courageous in providing detail usually only available in a diary to insure credibility and objectivity. While she digs into the past “for both of us” the objective readers’ emotions move from sympathy to anger given Haig’s actions and final freedom. As Walter Benjamin stated in his “Thesis on the Philosophy of History.” The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that the ‘state of emergency’ in which we live is not the exception, but the rule. The author’s unique narrative style is at times from the perspective of an observer-participant dialectic (reminding us of Baudelaire’s flaneur), occasionally as the narrator, but always passionate and intimate journalist who spares no detail or observation as a result of her investigative prowess. The book is written in composition that juxtaposes time events in a non-linear arrangement constantly surprising and pleasing the reader. It is conversation which reaches backward then forward with flashes of anecdotes that charm and reinforce the passion of the author Whether it is the music historian, mystery lover, or biography buff, “BeBop Wife” is a story as unique as its author.

Dear Marcello, I see you have the John Frolich picture of Al Haig. Nice to know that someone in Paris, France has the picture that hangs in my hall. Grange Lady Haig Rutan

Allen, Al Haig's Wife Donna is from Chatham, Massachusetts, and Daniel, Al's second son, still lives there and always has. Brian lived there also until he committed suicide. Over the years, "Laddie" has visited his half sister but was always a guest at their home . I interviewed over 400 luminaries of the jazz world, and others...MiCHIGAN was never part of the equation. It was not until June of 1969 that Al wanted to speak with his children after he had been acquitted of the murder of his wife Bonnie to let them know his side of the story. Grange

Richard, Somehow I feel I am intruding as I come in on a reply to your comments when all day long I have been trying to reach Allen Lowe; I registered this morning after I read his comments and, it took ten minutes, and then, gone with the wind was my letter. On another site I have written to Allen, through you Richard, and I hope that you will be able to put my words up. I am new to this but you are not. I think, not only Allen, but his musical friends will want to read what I said. I felt his pain. Thank you. Grange Lady Haig Rutan