Pianist, Ida Mae Maples was one of Chicago's premier female band leaders during the 1920s. Ida and her orchestras provided entertainment and dance music for the booming nightlife of the city through the mid 30s.
- Nathan Lynn, Local and Family History
Ida Mae Baker was born to William S. Baker and Ida Mae Watts Baker in Paducah, KY around the turn of the 20th Century. Most of her life she listed her birth year as 1897 but later began claiming 1900. Her father was a minister and mother, a hair stylist and music teacher at Lincoln High School. The 1910 Census list Ida Mae working as a bell boy at a “Customs House.” The family resided on 513 51South 7th St.1
On October 16, 1908, Ida appeared in her first reported musical performance, a piano solo, “Silver Elves Caprice,” at the Paducah Odd Fellows Hall. Also, on the bill was fellow up and coming jazz legend Fate Clifford Marable. Ida attended Lincoln High School, where she also took part in theatrical productions. She later studied at State University in Louisville and Chicago Musical College.2
In July 1917, Ida appeared in the Chicago Defender for her travels to Milwaukee and was noted as, “our favorite pianist.” It was around this time that she made Chicago a permanent residence. She married fellow Paducahean, Dewey Maple, in Chicago, September 3, 1919. Dewey was born in Bardwell but grew up on Paducah’s South 9th St. He moved to the city around the same time and worked as a shipping clerk.3
By the mid-1920's, Ida had formed a group and was performing regularly. Frank Driggs in his Women in Jazz: A Survey, noted, “One of the most successful gig band leaders was Ida Mae Maples whose behind-the-scenes activities kept many a top-flight sideman working when no other jobs were available, from some time in the twenties until the end of the thirties. She was all-business and noted for her perfect tempo.”4
On February 14, 1925, the Chicago Defender, reported that Maple’s Melody Orchestra provided music for the local Hairdressers’ Union Dance. The same year, Ida Mae Maples and the Melody Makers performed on July 4, 1925, at the Chicago Bricklayers Ball.
The group played at other clubs’ engagements that year.5
In 1926, the group included fellow Paducah native and recent Chicago transplant Boyd Atkins playing first sax along with George R. James on other reeds. The band could be found doing civic and dance engagements on top of their club gigs.6
The June 12, 1926, Chicago Defender ran a highlight on Ida which read as follows. “MRS. IDA MAE MAPLES. Director oi Maples Melody Masters. Employed by Alvin Dansant, Theresa Dolan's dancing academy and the Aristo class. Ida Mae Maples was born In Paducah, Ky., famous for its feminine beauties and thoroughbred racehorses. Graduate of music of the state university at Louisville, Ky. Now taking a post-graduate at the Chicago Musical college of this city. Came to Chicago in 1919 and has been employed regularly, mostly in orchestras playing for dancing academies. Organized her own orchestra in the early part of 1925 at the suggestion of Alfonzo Young. Comes of a musical family, mother, Ida W. Baker, being very well known as a pianist of exceptional rank and a teacher in public schools of Paducah. Should be especially complimented for her ambition and efforts in successfully overcoming the obstacles which she met with in attempting to form and obtain engagements for her own orchestra. Orchestra consists of six members, featuring Boyd Atkins, saxophonist extraordinary and composer of the famous Heebie-Jeebie fox trot. She is married and an energetic and first-class housekeeper, finding time for domestic duties even in view of her extensive professional engagements. Having one night to herself and family, this being Sunday. “7
That August, the Defender noted, “Louis Armstrong and his have returned from Idlewild, Mich., where they spent the past two weeks well and Louis has promised to give the Chicago public some new figures in jazz, as he has had ample time to figure out some eccentric ones while loafing in his cottage in Idlewild. The afternoon orchestra at Tearney's Town club. Chicago has been laid off for a while due to poor summer business. Ida Mae Maple and her bunch were engaged by Ralph Brown for the engagement.”8
The first day of 1927 saw a new announcement, with Dewey advertising that he would begin hosting dance lessons. “Dewey Maple, one of the popular young men of Chicago, will open a deluxe dancing class Jan, 3, at the Alvin Dansant, 51st St. at Michigan Ave. Mr. Maple promises to give the dance public something new and novel, different from what they have been getting. At first a 10-piece orchestra, led by Ida Mae Maple, will dispense the music. This lady orchestra pilot has made good with her small combinations, and now Chicago is to hear her with a real, legitimate bunch of 10 players. The writer congratulates Mr. Maple for seeing this point, good music and plenty of it will pay.” A Grand Carnival was held where the Melody Masters played and Chicago’s most handsome man (voted on by seven women) received $25. The event lasted from 9 PM - 1 PM and highlighted Fox Trot, One Step and Waltz.9
While Dewey tried his hand at promoting dances, Ida continued her life as a band leader and pianist, employing lots of musicians. The group had numerous players over the years including Harry Dial and Jimmy Cobb. A 1986 article in jazz magazine, “Storyville,” stated that according to Dial, "Ida was a good-looking chick from Paducah, Kentucky. She had most of the club dates on the South Side." This is yet another aspect of jazz history which one could not learn from merely listening to the records.10
From 1927-1930 Maples’ Melody Masters were a mainstay at Appomattox Club events. They performed at all kinds of festivities there, including their notable Saturday afternoon dinner dances. In July of 1929 the group played with Jimmy Cobb on cornet from Midnight until 3:30 AM at the Kappa Alpha Psi House. That September, Ida Mae was presented with a loving cup by the Century club in recognition of cooperation to the club along with her orchestral leadership. She found work performing at private parties, YMCA functions, club events, and benefits.11
The 1930 census list Ida Mae and Dewey living at 5522 Indiana Ave, Chicago, Il. She is listed as a musician working with a band and he is listed as a steam engineer for a steam boiler.12
1930-32 found the group playing numerous club dance parties at halls like Warwick Hall, the Blaga, the Savoy, and the Vincennes. In May 1931, the group played for 1000 people at the Savoy Ballroom. In 1932, the Melody Masters could be found playing Friday nights for the Century Civic Club dances at Chicago’s historic Warwick. That May they performed at the Savoy Ballroom as part of what was billed as, “the greatest galaxy of dance bands ever assembled under one roof.” The event was hosted by Musicians Union 208 and featured Maples, along with Earl Hines, Eddie South and more. Ida also found solo work continuing to perform at civic events throughout the city. 13
In 1933, Maples was worked with help from booking by R. K. Scott and continued to perform steadily. Then in May of 1934, the Defender reported that Ida was injured when the taxi in which she was riding collided with another vehicle, injuring the muscles on the left side of her neck.14
Despite the accident, Ida continued to play in 1934. Bill Andre joined the band on drums and in June the band was performing nightly at the Nix Buffett, 29th and Michigan Ave. By the fall, they had moved to the Southsides, Annex Buffet. The band featured Maples and Andre along with George Wesson, Edmund Duff, and William Anderson. They were joined by featured artist, Joyce Tucker, and comedian, Chippie Hill.15
The stay at the Appex extended, and in May 1935, Billy Mitchell joined the show. Hailed the ‘King of Night Clubs, Mithcell brought new energy to the nightly entertainment. The Chicago Defender noted that the show was, “... about the finest ever presented to lovers of night life.”16
Unfortunately, not much is known about the Maples’ lives in the late 1930s. At this time, little to no information appears in searches past 1935. While Ida was able to provide work for herself and so many musicians over the years, it's inevitable to ignore the effects the Great Depression had on many Americans. In February 1942, the Chicago Defender reported the Ida had gotten a divorce from Dewey. Dewey worked different jobs, including custodial work before dying September 17, 1945, in Chicago, Il. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.17
At the time of this article, mixed evidence leads to speculation about Ida’s life after the Melody Makers. Despite her dedication and accolades, no obituary could be found for Ida. "Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1871-1998,” via Family Search, shows an Ida Mae Owens, born December 30, 1900, in Paducah, KY, dying on May 10, 1958 in Chicago, and buried in Rest Vale Cemetery near Chicago. It lists her parents as W. S. Baker and Ida Watts. It also lists her husband as Clarence P Owens. 18
While no marriage certificate was found, the 1950 census list Clarene (Shipping Clerk) and Ida living in Chicago with a visiting lodger, former Paducah resident, Ida Mae Brown Coppins. Further research finds that Clarence was a Chicago orchestra musician with his own amazing story from previous centuries. 19
During the early 1950s, Ida Mae Owen was engaged in community and civic organizations and an organ player at Emmanuel Baptist Church located at 46th and Drexel Blvd. 20
For more information on Ida Mae and other McCracken County musicians, visit at the McCracken County Public Library Local and Family History Department.
- Nathan Lynn
Footnotes:
1Kentucky Department For Libraries and Archives; Frankfort, Kentucky; Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm (1852-1910); Roll: 994046
Year: 1910; Census Place: Paducah Ward 4, McCracken, Kentucky; Roll: T624_493; Page: 19a; Enumeration District: 0120; FHL microfilm: 1374506. Source Information Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: NARA.
Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Original sources vary according to directory. The title of the specific directory being viewed is listed at the top of the image viewer page. Check the directory title page image for full title and publication information.
Source Citation : Year: 1920; Census Place: Paducah, McCracken, Kentucky; Roll: T625_588; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 139. Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: NARA. Note: Enumeration Districts 819-839 are on roll 323 (Chicago City).
“The Schools....” The Paducah Evening Sun Feb 3, 1902, Vol. 9, No. 28 edition. https://paducahsun.newspapers.com/image/71012383/?match=1&clipping_id=new
2 “Musical at the Colored....” The Paducah Evening Sun Oct 15, 1908, Vol. 2, No. 91 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/71302743/?clipping_id=new
“Lincoln School....” The Paducah Evening Sun, Mar 28, 1910, Vol. 27, No. 74 edition. https://paducahsun.newspapers.com/image/71160677/?match=1&clipping_id=new
“Baker, Ida Mae (Aka Ida Mae Maple).” Notable Kentucky African American Database. University of Kentucky, August 16, 2017. https://nkaa.uky.edu/nkaa/items/show/3184.
“Paducah, Ky., July...” The Chicago Defender, Jul 28, 1917, Vol. 12, No. 30 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136120671/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Baker%22
3“Paducah, Ky., July...” The Chicago Defender, Jul 28, 1917, Vol. 12, No. 30 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136120671/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Baker%22
Year: 1900; Census Place: Bardwell, Carlisle, Kentucky; Roll: 513; Page: 10; Enumeration District: 0021. Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.
Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Original sources vary according to directory. The title of the specific directory being viewed is listed at the top of the image viewer page. Check the directory title page image for full title and publication information
Registration State: Illinois; Registration County: Cook. Source Information: Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.
Year: 1910; Census Place: Paducah Ward 4, McCracken, Kentucky; Roll: T624_493; Page: 25b; Enumeration District: 0120; FHL microfilm: 1374506: Source Information Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: NARA.
Ancestry.com. Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriages Index, 1871-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: “Illinois, Cook County Marriages, 1871–1920.” Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010. Illinois Department of Public Health records. "Marriage Records, 1871–present." Division of Vital Records, Springfield, Illinois.
U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards
4 "Women in Jazz: A Survey", Leonard Feather papers, IJC MG 2, University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, , Idaho Harvester, Special Collections and Archives, University of Idaho Library https://harvester.lib.uidaho.edu/collection/items/lumber1571.html
5 “Popularity Dance Contest.” The Chicago Defender, Feb 14, 1925. Vol. 20, No. 7 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135891722/?match=1&terms=%22Maple%20Melody%22
“Brickies to Give...” The Chicago Defender, Jun 27, 1925 Vol. 21, No. 8 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135892863/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
6“Records ‘Heebie Jeebies.’” The Black Dispatch, May 06, 1926, Vol. 11, No. 24 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/872012116/?match=1&terms=%22Boyd%20Atkins%22 .
“Blackbirds Musician is...” The Chicago Defender, Apr 7, 1934 Vol. 29, No. 50 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136312237/?match=1&clipping_id=new
7 “Four Women Lead Bands...’” The Chicago Defender, June 12, 1926, Vol. 22, No. 6 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136581253/
8 “Armstrongs Back.” The Chicago Defender, Aug 28, 1926, Vol. 22, No. 17 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135650313/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maple%22
9 “Opens Dancing School.” The Chicago Defender, Jan 1, 1927, Vol. 22, No. 35 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1138453140/?clipping_id=new
“An Innovation in....” The Chicago Defender, Jan 8, 1927, Vol. 22, No. 36 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1138453504/?match=1&clipping_id=new
10 Hillman, C., & Tovey, M. (1986). Chicago Southside 1927 - 1932. Storyville, 126(August-September), 209–209. https://nationaljazzarchive.org.uk/explore/journals/storyville/storyville-126/1264599?q=duke%20ellington
11 Stephens, Frank “Appomatox Club.” The Chicago Defender, Dec 17, 1927, Vol. 23, No. 33 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135700677/?match=1&terms=%22Maples%20Melody%22
“'Too Tight’ Barn Dance.” The Chicago Defender, Jul 27, 1929, Vol. 25, No. 13 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135857679/?terms=%22Ida%20Maple%22&match=1
“Century Club Presents Cup....” The Chicago Defender, Sep 29, 1929, Vol. 25, No. 19 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135858187/?match=1&clipping_id=new
“Miss Gwendolyn Sturgis Honor....” The Chicago Defender, Aug 4, 1928, Vol. 24, No. 14 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136135788/?match=1&clipping_id=new
“High School Girls....” The Chicago Defender, June 1, 1929, Vol. 25, No. 5 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135956096/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
“Binga Speaks.” The Chicago Defender, Aug 17, 1929, Vol. 25, No. 16 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135857990/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
“The A.B.C. Woman’s....” The Chicago Defender, Dec 28, 1929, Vol. 25, No. 35 edition. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135859291/?match=1&clipping_id=new
“Memorial Benefit.” The Chicago Defender, Nov 20, 1929, Vol. 25, No. 31 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135858953/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maple%22
12 Year: 1930; Census Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0191; FHL microfilm: 2340157. Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.
13 “Guests Enjoy Affair....” The Chicago Defender, Mar 1, 1930, Vol. 25, No. 44 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136302490/?match=1&terms=%22Maples%20Melody%22
“Enjoy Semper Fidelis....” The Chicago Defender, May 16, 1931, Vol. 27, No. 3 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135720421/?match=1&clipping_id=new
“Beautiful Tip Top....” The Chicago Defender, Jan 10, 1931, Vol. 26, No. 37 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135719058/?match=1&terms=%22Maples%20Melody%22
“Show Folks in....” The Call, Mar 11, 1932, Vol. 13, No. 46 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1005286154/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
“’Gentle Jimmy’s’ Chicagoland....” The New Pittsburg Courier, May 21, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 20 https://www.newspapers.com/image/39682606/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
Carter, Fred, “Appomattox Club.” The Chicago Defender, Jul 2, 1932, Vol. 28, No. 10 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136028207/?match=1
14Ellis, Jack, “The Orchestras.” The Chicago Defender, Apr 8, 1933, Vol. 28, No. 50 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135709758/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
“Mrs. Ida Mae....” The Chicago Defender, May 19 1934, Vol. 30, No. 3 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136313526/
15 Ellis, Jack, “The Orchestras.” The Chicago Defender, June 9, 1934, Vol. 30, No. 6 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1142548493/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
Ellis, Jack, “The Orchestras.” The Chicago Defender, June 30, 1934, Vol. 30, No. 9 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136314420/?match=1
“Annex Buffet Moves....” The Chicago Defender, Oct 27, 1934, Vol. 30, No. 26 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136113607/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
“Annex Buffet” The Chicago Defender, Nov 17, 1934, Vol. 30, No. 29 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136114076/?match=1
Ellis, Jack, “The Orchestras.” The Chicago Defender, Dec 1, 1934, Vol. 30, No. 31 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1142520914/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
16 “Bill Mithcell Still....” The Chicago Defender, May 25, 1935 , Vol. 31, No. 4 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1142314103/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Maples%22
17 Nose, Ole. “Everybody Goes When....” The Chicago Defender, Feb 7, 1942 , Vol. 37, No. 42 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135888147/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Maples%22
Ancestry.com. Illinois, U.S., Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916–1947." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010. Index entries derived from digital copies of original records.
18 "Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1871-1998", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVRN-9VCP : Sat Aug 23 02:01:20 UTC 2025), Entry for Ida Mae Owens and W S Baker, 10 May 1958.
19 Source Citation: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Roll: 517; Page: 75; Enumeration District: 103-745: Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1950 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2022. Original data: Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. 1913-1/1/1972. Population Schedules for the 1950 Census, 1950 - 1950. Washington, DC: National Archives at Washington, DC. Population Schedules for the 1950 Census, 1950 - 1950. NAID: 43290879. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, Record Group 29. National Archives at Washington, DC., Washington, DC.
Source Citation: Year: 1940; Census Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Roll: m-t0627-00925; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 103-138. Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls.
20 "Bethesda Clubs Win....” The Chicago Defender, Jul 27, 1957 , Vol. 53, No. 13 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135845339/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Mae%20Owen%22
"Dr. Watts Is...” The Chicago Defender, Mar 23, 1957, Vol. 52, No. 47 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135738453/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Owen%22
"Rev. Harvey To...” The Chicago Defender, Mar 16, 1957, Vol. 52, No. 46 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135738441/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Owen%22
"Church Roundup...” The Chicago Defender, Jun 23, 1956, Vol. 52, No. 8 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136050059/?match=1&clipping_id=new
"Plan Women’s Day...” The Chicago Defender, May 12, 1956, Vol. 52, No. 2 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1136048282/?match=1&clipping_id=new
"Set Cornerstone....” The Chicago Defender, Nov 15 1958, Vol. 54, No. 29 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135917879/?match=1&clipping_id=new
"Set Homecoming At ....” The Chicago Defender, Dec 1 1956, Vol. 52, No. 31 https://www.newspapers.com/image/1135735277/?match=1&terms=%22Ida%20Owens%22