Browse Items (77 total)

The_Birmingham_News_Thu__Apr_27__1939_.jpg
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…

The_Birmingham_News_Wed__Oct_4__1939_.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for the Rhythm Four, the popular Birmingham quartet led by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra).

The_Birmingham_News_Sun__Oct_22__1939_.jpg
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…

The_Birmingham_News_Sun__Sep_15__1940_.jpg
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…

The_Birmingham_News_Thu__Oct_17__1940_.jpg
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…

The_Birmingham_News_Tue__Dec_10__1940_.jpg
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_Birmingham_News_Wed__Feb_7__1940_.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for Fess Whatley's 12-Piece Orchestra in an "Exclusive Colored Dance" at Birmingham's City Auditorium, Birmingham News, February 7, 1940.

The_Weekly_Review_Fri__Dec_20__1940_.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for a Christmas dance with Fess Whatley's Vibra-Cathedral Orchestra,Weekly Review, December 2, 1940.

The_Weekly_Review_Fri__Jan_31__1941_ copy.jpg
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…

The_Weekly_Review_Fri__Apr_11__1941_.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for an Easter night dance featuring Fess Whatley's Vibra-Cathedral Orchestra.

The_Weekly_Review_Fri__Nov_14__1941_.jpg
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.

The_Weekly_Review_Fri__Jul_18__1941_.jpg
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.

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Jul_11__1942_.jpg
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,…

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Aug_8__1942_ copy.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for Jimmie Lunceford at the Birmingham City Auditorium.Weekly Review, August 8, 1942.

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Aug_14__1943_.jpg
"Lunceford Opens Engagements Here,"Weekly Review, August 14, 1943.

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Oct_31__1942_.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for Fess Whatley and His band at the Masonic Temple's Halloween Ball. "WITCHES! WITCHES! WITCHES!"Weekly Review, October 31, 1942.
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