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…
Photo postcard of the Watkins Brothers and the Mother's Best Red Hat Kids, circa 1950s, WVOK, Birmingham, Alabama. Pictured left to right are Curley Fagan, Richard Watkins, Bobby Watkins, announcer Joe Rumore, Jimmie Watkins, Robert [?], and Tommy…
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…
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…
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 photo and caption: "Negro debutantes of 1950 presented" at Birmingham Municipal Auditorium: "Fess Whatley's Orchestra furnished music."Birmingham News, December 23, 1950.
Photo of radio personality, businessman, and concert promoter Dan Brennan (1930-2020), WVOK, Birmingham, Alabama. Born in Brickyard, Alabama, Brennan — along with his older brothers Bill and Cyril — belonged to a powerful family of radio…
Newspaper article by J. B. "Jay" Sims on the retirement of John T. "Fess" Whatley. One of Whatley's early students, Sims was an early member of the Bama State Collegians; a bandleader, musician, and emcee; an educator; and a longtime social and…
Newspaper advertisement for a Victory Jubilee Dance ("An All-Star Jubilee Special") at Birmingham's Masonic Temple. On occasions like this, the Masonic Temple -- a center for Black life in segregated Birmingham, and a key venue for top local and…
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…
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…