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Johnson Family Full Radio Broadcast
Radio broadcast by the Johnson Family, 1950s. Transferred from a cassette recording of the original broadcast. Courtesy George Johnson.
Walter Miller at Joe (1989 Radio Broadcast)
1989 radio broadcast featuring pianist Walter Miller live at the Birmingham bar and bistro Joe (sometimes known as Joe Bar).As a trumpeter, Miller performed for many years in the bands of Lionel Hampton, Ray Charles, and Sun Ra. Sun Ra in particular…
Photo & Caption: Rhythm Four ("They Do Jive Differently") (1943)
Newspaper photo and caption depicting the Rhythm Four: "They Do Jive Differently." The popular quartet, originally founded by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), had likely undergone some personnel changes since this collection's earlier photos of the…
Photo & Caption: Rhythm Four Radio Stars (1942)
Newspaper photo and caption depicting the Rhythm Four. The popular quartet, originally founded by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), had likely undergone some personnel changes since this collection's earlier photos of the group.Weekly Review, August…
5 Cartoon Ads: The Rhythm Four on WSGN (1939-1941)
Five cartoon newspaper advertisements for the Rhythm Four on Birmingham radio station WSGN, 1939-1941.
The quartet, directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), was popular with both Black and white local audiences, as contemporary newspaper…
The quartet, directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), was popular with both Black and white local audiences, as contemporary newspaper…
Ad: The Rhythm Four (1940)
COMPLETE FULL CAPTIONNewspaper advertisement for "B'ham's Favorite Quartet," the Rhythm Four on radio station WSGN,Birmingham News, October 17, 1940.The Rhythm Four, directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), was popular among both Black and white…
Newspaper Photo & Article: "Ripple Rhythm Four Gets Contract"
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The Ripple Rhythm Four: "Making Name In The Radio World"
Newspaper photo, with caption, featuring the Ripple Rhythm Four, a popular quartet directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra, seen here second from left). Originally the Rhythm Four, the group's name here reflects a sponsorship by the Ripple…
Ad: The Rhythm Four (1939)
Newspaper advertisement for the Rhythm Four, the popular Birmingham quartet led by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra).
Ad: Sonny Blount on WSGN (1935)
Newspaper advertisement for Sonny Blount (Sun Ra) and his Orchestra on radio station WSGN.Birmingham Age-Herald, August 23, 1935. Though no Sun Ra recordings are known from this era, the reference here to "His Famous Recording Orchestra" is notable.
Big Bill Lister Interview
Interview with Big Bill Lister (1923-2009), recorded by Darwin Lee Hill, July 15, 2001.
Texas-born Big Bill Lister was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, Capitol recording artist, and close associate of Hank Williams, with whom he toured and…
Uncle Bob Helton's Blue Ridge Boys
Uncle Bob Helton and his Blue Ridge Boys at Montgomery radio station WMGY, circa 1940s. Left to right: Luke Sheahan, George Mayhew, Cuss Thorpe, "Uncle" Bob Helton, Duff Sherer, Todd Williams, and Kilroy Entreken. Helton’s band performed and…