Ira’s Holocaust experience in A Jazzman’s Blues explained

As Bayou was fighting for Leanne and his mother, he needed to understand that there are other ways he can help them. That’s where Ira came in, a Holocaust survivor who could relate to him.

The first time Bayou and his mother met Ira, he was introduced by Bayou’s half-brother, Willie Earl, as his manager. He looked pretty sick to Hattie Mae, and it all came true when he collapsed in front of them.

Willie Earl claimed he was a big-time manager and was going to give him a gig at Capitol Royale if he helped him with his health. That’s why he brought Ira to his mother.

Ira got better and did keep his promise, but during his time at Hattie Mae’s joint, he also noticed another talent in the form of Bayou and his voice.

When Bayou rekindled his romance with Leanne, her mother got the gist of it and sent Leanne’s husband and his sheriff brother to kill Bayou.

Hattie Mae panicked and sent her son with his half-brother and Ira to Chicago, promising she would deal with the Sheriff.

Ira shares his Holocaust experience with Bayou

Bayou felt bad for leaving his mother on her own. On their way to Chicago, he asked Ira to stop for a minute to reconsider his decision.

Ira was able to relate to what Bayou was feeling at that time. So he told him about his time in Germany with his family.

The German Army had sent Ira and his family to a place called the ghetto because they were Jews. Everything Ira and his family had, they lost, and conditions were bleak.

Ira's Holocaust experience in A Jazzman's Blues explained 1
Ira tells Bayou about his time in Germany

One morning, the Nazis came, waking up all the Jews and promising that they are being taken to a better place with better conditions.

What the Jews didn’t know at that time was that the German Army was ordered to kill anyone who is not fit to work.

Ira and his family, along with the other Jews, boarded train cattle cars. Ira, his wife, and their child were sent to a camp where they were tested to see if they are fit to work.

When his wife, Franca, was not able to go through the test as she was holding a baby in her hand, they killed her and their daughter.

Ira’s motive behind telling his story

Ira shared his Holocaust experience with Bayou, in order to encourage him to go on. So that he can come back one day and help his mother.

Ira was not able to help his family, but now, he thought he can help someone just like him, and his family, by getting Bayou a gig.

Ira's Holocaust experience in A Jazzman's Blues explained 2
Ira instructs Bayou to perform at Capitol Royale

During the auditions for Capitol Royale, Mr. Carney, who was taking care of the place, asked Ira to go away. A furious Willie Earl left, but Bayou didn’t and followed Ira’s instructions.

Bayou sang his heart out on the stage with no backup band and caught the attention of Mr. Carney, who offered him and Ira a job. Ira kept his promise, and eventually, Bayou became a star in his own right.


Also Read: A Jazzman’s Blues ending explained: What happens to Bayou and Leanne?

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