Browse Items (77 total)

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…

Watkins Brothers (w: Joe Rumore).jpeg
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…

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Aug_8__1942_.jpg
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…

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Jul_24__1943_.jpg
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…

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_Birmingham_News_Sat__Dec_23__1950_.jpg
Newspaper photo and caption: "Negro debutantes of 1950 presented" at Birmingham Municipal Auditorium: "Fess Whatley's Orchestra furnished music."Birmingham News, December 23, 1950.

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

The_Weekly_Review_Sat__Feb_23__1946_.jpg
Newspaper article regarding Count Basie's 1946 appearance at Birmingham's Masonic Temple.

1998 AJHOF Induction.jpeg
Drummer Foxxy Fatts and Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame founder J. L. Lowe at the hall of fame's 1998 induction ceremony, Birmingham, Alabama.

Dan Brennan 2.jpg
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…

The_Huntsville_Mirror_Sat__Jan_28__1956_.jpg
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…

Birmingham_Post_Herald_Thu__Mar_8__1956_.jpg
Newspaper article on the retirement of John T. "Fess" Whatley,Birmingham Post Herald, March 8, 1956.

The_Birmingham_News_Sun__Sep_23__1945_.jpg
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…

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_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_Wed__Oct_4__1939_.jpg
Newspaper advertisement for the Rhythm Four, the popular Birmingham quartet led by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra).

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