Newspaper advertisement for the Alabama Theater,Birmingham News, April 27, 1929. The advertised screening ofYes, My Darling Daughter("1939's Most Daring Heart-to-Heart Story of Young Love ... Positively NOT RECOMMENDED For Children!") is accompanied…
Newspaper advertisements promoting appearances by the Rhythm Four at Birmingham's Lyric Theater, October 1939 - December 1940. The popular Birmingham quartet, directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), appeared in vaudeville packages alongside…
Newspaper advertisements for the Rhythm Four and other groups performing at the Pizitz department store's open house, 1940-1941.For National Retail Demonstration Week, the Pizitz hosted an open house, inviting the public to view their latest…
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 advertisement for Fess Whatley's 12-Piece Orchestra in an "Exclusive Colored Dance" at Birmingham's City Auditorium, Birmingham News, February 7, 1940.
In 1941, the Black-owned Weekly Review ran a readers' poll to determine the best swing band in Birmingham. Contenders included the bands of Fess Whatley, Howard Funderburg, and Frank Hines; the Society Troubadours; and Teddie's Honey Boys.Weekly…
Newspaper advertisement for the opening of Club Congo, "Birmingham's Finest Nite Club, offering a flashy presentation with Sonny Blount's Orchestra featuring JO BAKER of Chicago's Club Delisa.Weekly Review, November 14, 1941.
Newspaper advertisement for Benny Carter's 15-Piece Orchestra, featuring Maxine Sullivan, at Birmingham's City Auditorium, presented by local promoters Earl Ensley and Biblo Cammack.Weekly Review, July 18, 1941.
Newspaper photo and caption for a homecoming show by Erskine Hawkins at Birmingham's Masonic Temple. "'Hawk', as are all the rest of his men are Birmingham products, most of whom were trained under 'Fess' John T. Whatley."Weekly Review, July 11,…
Newspaper advertisement for Fess Whatley and His band at the Masonic Temple's Halloween Ball. "WITCHES! WITCHES! WITCHES!"Weekly Review, October 31, 1942.