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Big Jim Folsom's Strawberry Pickers at Birmingham Radio Station WTNB
Governor “Big Jim” Folsom’s Strawberry Pickers at Birmingham radio station WTNB, c. 1947.
Folsom promised the members of his campaign band that he would provide them all jobs with the State of Alabama, if he was elected. Following Folsom's 1947…
Folsom promised the members of his campaign band that he would provide them all jobs with the State of Alabama, if he was elected. Following Folsom's 1947…
Slim Byrant
Interview with Slim Bryant, recorded by Darwin Lee Hill, May 24, 1996. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1908, songwriter, singer, and guitarist Thomas Hoyt “Slim” Bryant made his first recordings in 1928 as a member of the Harmony Boys string band. He…
Johnson Family Business Correspondence
Two letters to prospective sponsors of the Johnson Family radio broadcasts, including an endorsement by Sand Mountain Truck and Tractor and Company, a regular sponsor of the show.
Also included is a list of sponsorship rates and a business card…
Also included is a list of sponsorship rates and a business card…
Johnson Family Radio Set Lists, 1951
Select setlists for the Johnson Family's weekly Saturday night radio broadcasts, prepared by guitarist and emcee Ras Johnson.
Each week, the Johnsons received piles of fan mail, often including requests; Ras Johnson's typewritten set lists…
Each week, the Johnsons received piles of fan mail, often including requests; Ras Johnson's typewritten set lists…
Johnson Family Photo (1)
The Johnson Family Band. Standing, left to right: Leon Johnson, H. Johnson, Bert Stewart, Ras Johnson, Aldous Johnson. Seated left to right: Imogene Pledger, Elma Johnson, Ella Johnson.
Photo courtesy George Johnson.
Photo courtesy George Johnson.
Johnson Family Photo (2)
Photo courtesy George Johnson.
Photo: The Johnson Family with Pianist Del Wood
This photo captures a visit to the Johnson Family by Grand Ole Opry star Del Wood, who made a guest appearance on one of the Johnsons' weekly radio broadcasts in the early 1950s. Wood scored a major hit on the Billboard pop and country charts in 1951…
Photo: The Johnson Family, with Dancers
Photo courtesy George Johnson.
Johnson Family Radio Setlists, January 1952
Select setlists for the Johnson Family radio broadcasts, prepared by guitarist and emcee Ras Johnson.
Each week, the Johnsons received piles of fan mail, often including requests; Ras Johnson's typewritten set lists include notes about fan…
Each week, the Johnsons received piles of fan mail, often including requests; Ras Johnson's typewritten set lists include notes about fan…
Johnson Family Radio Setlists, March 1952
Select setlists for the Johnson Family radio broadcasts, prepared by guitarist and emcee Ras Johnson.
Each week, the Johnsons received piles of fan mail, often including requests; Ras Johnson's typewritten setlists include notes about fan…
Each week, the Johnsons received piles of fan mail, often including requests; Ras Johnson's typewritten setlists include notes about fan…
Uncle Bob Helton's Blue Ridge Boys
Uncle Bob Helton and his Blue Ridge Boys at Montgomery radio station WMGY, circa 1940s. Left to right: Luke Sheahan, George Mayhew, Cuss Thorpe, "Uncle" Bob Helton, Duff Sherer, Todd Williams, and Kilroy Entreken. Helton’s band performed and…
Big Bill Lister Interview
Interview with Big Bill Lister (1923-2009), recorded by Darwin Lee Hill, July 15, 2001.
Texas-born Big Bill Lister was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, Capitol recording artist, and close associate of Hank Williams, with whom he toured and…
The Ripple Rhythm Four: "Making Name In The Radio World"
Newspaper photo, with caption, featuring the Ripple Rhythm Four, a popular quartet directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra, seen here second from left). Originally the Rhythm Four, the group's name here reflects a sponsorship by the Ripple…
Newspaper Photo & Article: "Ripple Rhythm Four Gets Contract"
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Ad: The Rhythm Four (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…
5 Cartoon Ads: The Rhythm Four on WSGN (1939-1941)
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 quartet, directed by Sonny Blount (the future Sun Ra), was popular with both Black and white local audiences, as contemporary newspaper…
Photo & Caption: Rhythm Four Radio Stars (1942)
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…
Photo & Caption: Rhythm Four ("They Do Jive Differently") (1943)
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…
Doc Williams Interview
Interview with Doc Williams (1914-2011), conducted over the phone by Darwin Lee Hill. A full print transcript is included, along with the audio.
Happy Wilson and His Golden River Boys
Photo of Happy Wilson and his Golden River Boys, Birmingham, Alabama. Pictured left to right are Billy Tucker, Ted Crabtree, Sammy Pruett, Louise Linard, Happy Wilson, and Jim O’Day. Sponsors identified in the photo are White Tulip Corn Meal and…