Egbert Van Alstyne was a great composer, no doubt. With regards to
"Pretty Baby", he is credited with this tune, although it was Tony
Jackson who composed it. Van Alstyne was better known outside of New
Orleans, and to sell the song it was agreed he would put his name to it.
Tony, it is said, was THE great entertainer of his day by far.
Steve Bentley
[ I've heard that a new verse was composed by Van Alstyne to go
[ with the refrain by Tony Jackson, and maybe some added lyrics by
[ Gus Kahn. Tracy, can you tell us more about the saga of "Pretty
[ Baby" and Tony Jackson? -- Robbie
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