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 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 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.
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 Fess Whatley's 12-Piece Orchestra in an "Exclusive Colored Dance" at Birmingham's City Auditorium, Birmingham News, February 7, 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 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…
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 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 advertisement for Count Basie at the Birmingham City Auditorium, Weekly Review, September 1940.J. Earle Hensley, one of the event's promoters, was a longtime entertainment promoter in Birmingham's Black community.
Newspaper advertisement for Fats Waller at the City Auditorium,Birmingham News, February 4, 1938. As the ad notes, Waller would also appear "in an exclusive colored engagement" at Birmingham's Colored Masonic Temple on Valentines' Day, February 14.