Teddy Kudrick, 52, died Oct. 19. He had served as captain of Duffy for 32 years and had been inducted into the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Hall of Fame. Kudrick succeeded his father, Henry, who led the band from 1959 until he died in 1994. On New Year’s Day, a third generation of Kudricks will produce the next captain: Teddy’s 11-year-old son, Jake. He will be the youngest captain in the history of string bands, according to Duffy president Charles Kochensky.
After death of his father, 11-year-old takes over Duffy String Band
Jake, You don’t know me but my Uncle marched for South Philly String Band for over 60 years and I always pull for SPSB but you have a new fan with me. I am proud of you. I lost my Father when I was young but what you did, in such a short time, under a very difficult situation, was amazing!! I am so sorry about your Father but I know he is so proud of you. I will always love my SPSB but will definitely, be pulling for you and the Duffy String Band. The Duffy String band, to let you lead, are a bunch of classy people. God Bless yous and may yous have many years of strutting my man and this goes for the rest of the members of The Duffy String Band!!
Jakes you was awsome you made your dad grandmother n grandfather proud keep your head up high buddy
Jake did amazing awesome job in the parade…. I cried when I watched him lay the flowers down and kiss to the sky…. Jake keep your head up sweetie… Your dad is very proud of you sweetheart
I CRIED WATCHING HIM ESPECIALLY WHEN HE LAID DOWN THE FLOWERS AND POINTED UP
HIS DAD MUST BE WATCHING AND IS VERY PROUD.
JAKE YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB.
Well done today, Jake. You made your family & Philly proud. See you again next year!
OMG!!!!!! I just love this kid!!!! I knew he was Captain material when I saw his strut!!!!!! I will be definetly rooting for him & Duffy Stringband this year!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS JAKE!!!!!!!