Alabama
Based inMontgomery, AL
The Black Birds Of Paradise, an African American jazz band. active between 1925-1931. Several
members of this band had attended the nearby Tuskegee Institute and had been members
of the school band. Hall later taught trumpet to Dizzy Gillespie while Gillespie was a high school
student at the Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina.
FF
Skeets Morgan Orch.
Arkansas 
Arizona
California
Based in Los Angeles
Spikes Bros. Orchestra
Sonny Clay
Charlie Echols Band
Les Hite Orch.
Harlan Leonard's Kansas City Rockets, out of Kansas City, MO, where he had worked with Bennie Moten,.
Based in Oakland (across the bay from San Francisco).
Count Otis Matthews and His West Oakland Houserockers,, active ca 1939
Based in San Francisco
Curtis Moseby and His Dixie Blues Blowers
Sonny Clay's Plantation Orch.
Paul Howard Orch., (band was later used by Louis Armstrong)
Colorado
Based in Denver
George Morrison, an exceptional band that at times included such musicians as Andy
Kirk and Jimmy Lunceford.
Gordon Dooley Orch., 1948,
Shamrocks, The , quartet early 1950s,
Glenn Shull Big Band
Jay Wieder Orch, 1949
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Miami Area
(Alonzo) Ross's Deluxe Syncopators, (Where" Cootie" Williams began his career.)
Smiley Billy Stewart Band, toured northwards out of FL.
Collins' Jazz Band, was already active in Florida in 1921. A very young trombonist, Bill Rank, was
in the band (1921). Rank would play with a great many nationally
famous bands, but in
particular, achieved Jazz fame when he played with Bix Beiderbecke and Frankie Trumbauer
in the 1920s.
Georgia
Atlanta
J. Neal Montgomery
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Chicago, IL
Ike Ragon and his Orchestra . Isaac “Ike” Ragon, a trumpet player formerly with Boyd Raeburn in 1938–40, formed his own orchestra in 1936 and again in 1940.
DeKalb
The Big Bands Database Thanks "Betty" -- whose friend was Lewie Miller. Betty graciously
sent us Lewie Miller's memories, -- but sadly, in a computer crash, we lost Betty's family name
and her eMail address. So, we cannot properly credit her. (Betty... if you read this,
please do contact us.)
Betty said that Lewis recalled : "All these are Territory Bands working from the Northern Illinois
area around Dekalb, IL,. between 1935 to late '40s"
Mel Elliott Orch.
Elroy Budrow, drums
Mel Elliott, leader and piano
Warren Giles, Trombone
Sol Goldman, Sax. & clarinet,
Bill Jackman, Tenor/clarinet
Lewie Miller, sax/clarinet (w/Eddy Howard and Tiny Hill in '40s)
Bob Snyder, trumpet
Don Ulrey, trumpet
Elroy Budrow, bass.
Russ Nelson Orch
Palmer Brothers Orch., The
Herbie Palmer: Played and arranged for the Don McNeil Breakfast Club Radio show.
Dee Palmer had played Lead Trumpet for Ted Weems Orch. The last he knows of Dee
Palmer. he was fronting the Shrinenanigans, dance band at the Shrine temple in Rockford IL.
Betty continued: "I have a list of names of sidemen that Lewie has thought of. These people played in 1935 to late '40s" (per: Lewie Miller)
DRUMS---Warren Weeker-Phillip ("Sparky") Bunch- David Heckman. Roger Vogtman, Ray
Churchman and Jack Gilfoy.
VIOLIN---Dick Dennis..
GUITAR---Dale Nelson-Eddie Kritchlow-Norman Grace-Oscar Moore. Earl Bohnstadt, Fran Partello.
PIANO--Bobby Reed-Herb Weichsel-Neil Tweeden-Dick Sauer.Sid Traxler-Buster Moten. ( Bennie
Moten's brother. :"Buster" Moten Played accordion with Bennie's band.)
DRUMS----Warren Weeker, Phillip (Sparky) Bunch, David Heckman. Roger Vogtman, Ray Churchman,
and Jack Gilfoy.
GUITAR---Dale Nelson, Eddie Kritchlow, Norman Grace, Oscar Moore. Earl Bohnstadt, , Fran Partello.
SAX---------Jimmy Murphy, Dick Sauer, Art Hess, Fran Jarvis, Warren Jennerjohn, Warner Swanson,
Chet Miles, Arthur Henry, Arlene Hohenshell and Florence Cominsky (the last two played
with Ina Ray Hutton --Arlene & Florence)
Lewie Miller Quartet. At age 77. Lewie Miller: played with Eddy Howard and Tiny Hill in the 1940's.
He also played the accordian with his own quartet. In later years he had the Pyz Pat Band at Murat
Temple in Indianapolis. group.members included:
Bob Elliott, drums. He was with Les Elgart's orchestra.later.
Billy Edwards. alto sax, and he had been with the Phil Harris.Orch.
Ed Stevens, trumpet and he had been with Harry James Orch..
This group made in excess of $150,000, for the Crippled Childrens Hospitals.This can be documented through Don Edwards past Potentate, Murat Temple, and Vice President of Indiana National Bank/Bank One.
( Anyone with further information on these bands or musicians may contact us, so that we
may put them in touch with Betty).
Rockford, IL
Don Scott and His Orch
Indiana
Indiana - unknown area
Alex Jackson and His Plantation Orchestra, with such musicians as Alex Jackson (v) dir., Clarence
Wheeler, Lee Golden (t), Joe King (tb), Len Fields, Harold Scott (cl,as), Raymond Martin (ts),
Lonnie Small (p), Tommy Short (bjo), Bob Ysaguirre (bb), Dick Ward (d),
Tade Dolan's Singing Orchestra., (1920s). A young trombonist, Bill Rank, played with Dolan. Rank
later went on to Jazz fame when he participated on some classic
recordings with Bix Beiderbecke
and Frankie Trumbauer in the 1920's.
Elkhart IN
New Conn Dance Band, 1930s-40s, made up of "Conn Instruments Co." employees
Charles Rogers and His Orch., 1930s - ''50s, Most all sidemen worked at Conn Instru. factory
Iowa
Iowa - unknown area:
Aristocrats -The,
Smith Belding Orch., 1920s
Bromley and Frederick and Their Music
Hilton Copeland Orch. Western, IA
Elder's Street Washington Orch.
Vince Gallagher and His Orch.
John Halibar Orch.,1930s,
Hazel and Her Orch., Northern, IA 1930s
Harold Heinie, 1920s-30s,
Bob Mason and His Orch.
Mississippi Six,, The,
Don Rhines Orch, Central, IA
Rhythm Majors, The
Ames, IA
Woody Allen band, 1930s
Bloomfield , IA
The Esquires, booked out of Bloomfield, IA 1930s,
Boone, IA
Bob Duncan Band, active 1926,
Cedar Falls, IA
Univ. Of Northern Iowa Jazz Band, 1930s,
Cedar Rapids, IA
2 early low power stations were combined into WMT, which became powerhouse of Midwestern
Radio. (5000 watts)
Cedar Valley Hillbillies (C&W), 1920s,
George Cervenka Orch, 1920s,
Guy Clark (11 pc) Modern Dance Band, 1920s,
Del Clayton, 1920s,
Wray's Collegians, played at Templar Park ballroom nr Cedar Rapids also worked
with Ronnie Brown also worked with Rex Lien's Mississippi Six
Joey Deutschspielers, 1920s,
Tony Dvorak, future leader 1st played with Don Roth Orch. 1920s,
Nate Estes, future leader 1st played with Don Roth Orch. 1920s,
Joe Fisher and His Orch., , First heard on station WMT.
Al Geradi Orch., 1920s,
John Getty, future leader 1st played with Don Roth Orch. 1920s,
Leo Greco and His Orch., 1920s,
Les Hartman Orch, 1920s,
Kenny Hofer and His Midwesterners
Court Hussey Orch, 1920s,
Robert Long, future leader 1st played with Don Roth Orch. 1920s,
Freddie Mauck and His Orch., 1920s,
WMT (radio sta.) Bohemian Orch., 1920s,
Shieks, The (El Kahir Shrine Temple) 1985
Ralph Slade, (photo: Courtesy Lee Barron) Shirley Rae voc. 1920s,
Verle Stirsky, future leader 1st played with Don Roth Orch. 1920s,
"Sheriff" Tom Owens Band (C&W), 1920s,
Bob Zila, future leader 1st played with Don Roth Orch. 1920s,
Clarion, IA
Iowa Revelers Dance Band, beginning 1931,
Davenport, IA
Ken Paulsen Orch,,
Paulsen's Dutchmen, 1968 Polka Band
Ray Alderson and His Orch., , 1920s, 1936
Art Braun and His Novelty Boys,, A 1920s,
Joe Costa and His Band, , 1920s,
Don and His Ragtime Pals, 1920s,
Carlisle Evans Band, 1920s (Leon Roppolo and Emmett Hardy played with the band)
Lawrence Foster and His Orch., 1920s,
Paul Hemmer and His Orch., , 1920s,
Bill Neardon Orch.,, Iowa City A, (Iowa Univ Campus band )
Joe Paradiso and His Orch., , 1920s,
Luke Ritz and His Orch., 1920s,
Doc Stanley and His Orch., , 1920s,
Earl Wood's Majestic Syncopaters,, 1920s, Ray Alderson Orch
Jack Wright and His Ambassadors,, 1920s,
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines had a great many fine musicians, - not too many road bands.
PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF BOTH BANDLEADERS AND MUSICIANS IN
THE DES MOINES AREA, LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. THE INDIVIDUAL MUSICIANS
ARE NOT CONNECTED WITH THE BAND NAMES IMMEDIATELY ABOVE OR BELOW
THEIR NAMES.
Eddie Allen Band,
Tommy Allison, Trumpet, A musician, later went with Boyd Raeburn Orch. He was an FAA Inspector.)
Pat Arser Band (Northern A early 1930s),
Barney Barnard Orch. 1930s,
Bobby Beers, A musician, was singing at local club before joining Lawrence Welk Orch.
Crosby - Bickel Band.,
Barney Bigard Band, 1930s, (The "old dixielander")
Horace Booth, A musician,
Jim Bowen, Alto sax, A musician, later went with Boyd Raeburn Orch.
Jim Bowermaster, Drums A musician, w/Calrl Colby, Lee Williams, Bennett-Greten Band,
West Dixieland Band
Jim Brown, alto sax, A musician, w/Wickwire radio band,
Bank Buchello, A musician, w/Wickwire radio band,
Ken Carpenter, A musician, directed Air Force band in Pacific WWII, also in China-Burma-India
Bob Carpenter Orch., A, (1936-'41) same band as Bob Throckmorton Orch (1931-'36) The band
once played a gig on a cruise ship to Europe.- the HMS Georgio, and on the way back, played
on the HMS Soykia.
Cato's Vagabonds,
Bob Cole, A musician,
Jack Cole Orch,
Leo Cordovia Band, 1930s,
Ed Darlington, A musician,
Lloyd Dundling Combo, 1930s,
Don East, A musician,
Cal Eleven, , 1930s,
Hub Ellis, A musician,
Jules Fisher, A musician, with Eddy Norton Band.
Bob Fitzpatrick A musician, joined Stan Kenton
Joe Gazzo Band.,
Dave Gould, A musician,
Aaron Hale, A musician, with Eddy Norton Band.
Bob Hoy, A musician,
Don Hoy Orch., 1930s,
Al Hudson and His Orch.
Sam Kaplan, A musician, with Eddy Norton Band. and later with James.
Roger Keith, A musician, then went to Ford Motors Co.
Dale Kever, A musician,
Keith Killenger A musician, became director of the Ringling Bros. Circus Band.
Keith Killinger Orch., 1930s
Wayne Lage, A musician,
Pappy Laird, Tenor sax, A musician, w/Johnny Haliburton's band., w/Wickwire radio band,
and with Eddy Norton Band.
Kilan Landis Band, 1930s,
Bill Lee, musician and vocals, A musician, went to Red Nichols, later voice-overs in Hollywood.
Jack Lester, guitar A musician, w/ Doc Lawson, then radio staff musician, still plays banjo.
Arnie Liddell and His Orch., 1930s,
Gail Marquardt, A musician, w/Johnny Haliburton's band.
Nick Maughan, A musician,
Bob McGrew's Band, 1930s, (heard coast to coast on Fitch Bandwagon show)
Ross McKinney, A musician, w/Wickwire radio band,
Dick Mills and His Orch., ,
Jack Mills, drums, A musician,
Harold Morgan Orch., 1930s,
Ann Morrow and Her Morrows Melodians, 1930s, (All-Girl band),
Stewart Olson, A musician,
Bobby Parker, drums, A musician, w/Lloyd Hunter road band, then just local combos.
Arnie Paulsen and His Band, 1940s
Larry Philbrick (name??) and his Merry Men, 1930s
Ray Phillips, A musician, w/Johnny Haliburton's band.
Larry Philpatrick Orch., 1930s,
Bill Power, tenor sax, A musician,
Howard Price A musician, went with Horace Heidt Orch.
Harry Prosper, tpt, A musician,
Cy Reeves, reeds, A musician,
Jiggs Renner, drums, A musician, w/Johnny Haliburton's band.
Glen Rhoades, alto sax, A musician, w/Johnny Haliburton's band.
Jim Ritter, A musician,
Frank Robinson and His Orch.
Al Rockwell, guitar, A musician, w/Wickwire radio band,
Jim Romaine, A musician,
Bill Scarpino, A musician,
Hank Schooley Orch
Melvin Schwartz, alto sax, A musician, w/Wickwire radio band,
Shorty Selland, A musician,
George Shubeck, A musician, with Eddy Norton Band.
Don Simpson A musician, joined Stan Kenton and wrote many of Kenton's arrangements.
Bob Throckmorton and His Orch.,A, 1931-'36, Same band as Bob Carpenter's 1936-'41 Band
.(Throckmorton later to Harvard Law School).
Davey Trambauer, A musician, w/Johnny Haliburton's band. (Davey was Frankie Trambauer's son.
Frankie had come off the road and was working as an FAA Inspector.)
Eddie Truman, piano, A musician, w/Wickwire radio band,
Eddy Turner, tpt, A musician,
West Dixieland Band, 1930s,
Walt Wickwire Radio Band, 1930s,
Wilcox Bros, Tpt and T'bone, musicians, w/Johnny Haliburton's band.
Bob Williams, A musician,
Don Wilson. A musician, went with Horace Heidt Orch.
Dubuque, IA
Ray Alderson and His Orch., 1920s, 1936
Art Braun and His Novelty Boys, A 1920s,
Joe Costa and His Band, 1920s,
Don and His Ragtime Pals, 1920s,
Lawrence Foster and His Orch., 1920s,
Greenley's Palace Players, A pre-1920s, (among earliest players in Dubuque.)
Hawkeyes, The
Paul Hemmer and His Orch., 1920s,
Joe Paradiso and His Orch., 1920s,
Luke Ritz and His Orch., 1920s,
Doc Stanley and His Orch., 1920s,
Earl Wood's Majestic Syncopaters, 1920s, Ray Alderson Orch
Jack Wright and His Ambassadors, 1920s,
Grinell, IA
The Grinell College Band ca. 1925,
Iowa City, IA
Len Carroll and His Orch., 1930s. (All students U-Iowa. All went on to other careers upon graduating.)
Bill Neardon Orch., Iowa City A, (Iowa Univ Campus band ) Davenport, A
Irling, IA
Earl Russell Band, 1947- 1987
Mason City, IA
Carl Bean and His Orch., Orig Mason City, IA, then, A,
Jimmy Craft and His Orch, 1945,
Bobby Griggs and His Shaker Rhythm, 1930s -40s,
Billy Hughes and His Orch., 1930s -40s,
Earl Hunt and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Karl Kalsow Club 400 Band, 1930s-'40s,
Don Kolda Band, 1945, Playing at the 'Surf Ballroom'
Pete Kuhl and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Don Lee and His Orch., 1939,
Jack Mathis and His Orch.,1939,
Carl Nebbe Band, 1945,
Huck Schaffer and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Jimmy Smith and His Orch, 1930s-'40s,
Art Stocks and His Band In Demand, 1930s -40s
Don Strickland and His Orch. 1930s-'40s,
Phil Williams and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Rapid City, iA
Monte Schlepp Band. He played with Lee Barron; Art Kassel; Alvino Rey. Also played role
of Bunny Berigan in movie "The Gene Krupa Story". was Leading a group in in 1987
Sanborn, IA
Eddie Norton Orch., 1930s
Biilly Redman Orch,
Sioux City, IA
Eddie Skeets and His Orch., now based in Sioux City A 1930s-1980s, Eddie's son
"Jeff", last led the band.
Waterloo, IA
Dean and Duane's Caravan,
Jerry Gates Orch., , 1930s
J Harold Lyman Orch 1920s-30s,
Gene Harlan and His Orch., 1920s-30s,
Cal Meyer and His Orch, d. 1978
Dave Townsend and His Orch. 1920s-30s,
Kansas
Kansas -unknown area
Red Graham and His Orch.,, Popular band at Univ Missouri. Tillie Newell
later took over band.
Tommy Jordan and His Surging Rhythm, 1930s-'40s
Dale Larson and His Orch., Kansas, and Omaha, NE. 1930s,
"Tillie" Newell and His "Music in the New-ell Manner", was orig. the 'Red Graham
and his Orch'.
Al Sky and His Musical Stars
Myron Sommerfield and His Orch,, Kansas area still active 1987, (started in Gackle ND)
Alexandria, KS
The Alexandria Big Band,, formed 1961, taught by Rick Temple when he moved
to Alexandria
Kansas City KS
The Emil Chaquette Orchestra, Emil was a popular society violinist.
The Kuhn-Chaquette Orchestra, Shortly after 1920, Emil teamed with pianist. and fellow bandleader Eddie Kuhn. to form this seven-piece band. One member was a young saxophonist, Loren McMurray, who would later lead his own "McMurray's California Thumpers" band. (recorded for Gennett)
Based in Salinas
Art Bronson's Bostonians.
Tommy Mac Orch.Salina, KS 1988
Wichita, KS
"The town had a great many excellent musicians for a city of it's size. When WWII broke out,
the various aircraft plants in the area made work available for many great musicians who were not
able toenter the armed forces. Consequently, Wichita bands were exceptionally fine orchestras
in every way."
Bob Bashford and His Orch., 1930s - '40s,
Les Brown and His Brownies,, 1930s - '40s, ( NOT the Les Brown of Bob Hope Show ) Les was
a trombonist (Do not confuse with Bill Brown and his Brownies in LA.)
Virgil Chambers and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Earl Coburn and His Orch., 1920s - '30s, "Shorty" Coburn leader.
Walter Duerksen, trombones
Wayne Euchner and His Orch., 1930s-'40,
Rene Gouldner and His Orch., mid - 1930s,
Newton Graber and His Orch., 1940 - 1970s,
Dick King organized a HS Band, then a College band (Wichita U) in the1930s. Then during WWII
he formed the 'Beech Aircraft Factory Orchestra'.. Some of the men working in that band were"
Buck Buchanan
Ruth Carnahan
Herb Crawford
Sy Cummins
Chuck Dooling
Vince Fessler
Stan Guber
Gordon Huey
Duke Larkin
Chuck Mackey
Clovis Miller
Junior Nicholson
Bill Oaks
Art Pizzinger
Bob Tindal
Dwight Travis
Paul Zimmerman
After the war, King disbanded and went into the insurance business.
Another popular band was the Hal Newman Band with such sidemen as:
Ed Beriman, drums
Harlin Bond, trumpets
Les Brown, trombones
Walter Duerksen, trombones
Dick Helt, saxes
Kenny Matson, saxes
Kenny McAdams, Bass
Max Sanford, saxes
Kenny McAdams, Bass
Ray Shelley, piano
Cliff Sproul, trumpets
Charles Talman, trumpets
Jerry Woods, saxes
Steve Lowe and His Orch., 1960s,
"Butch" Martin and His Orch.,1930s-'40,
Chuck McDaniels Orch., - KS area 30s;-'40s,
Mell-O-Lane Orch., The,- Kansas City, MO late-1940s, and this
All Black Orch was still playing in 1987,
Hal Newman Band with such sidemen as:
Junior Nicholson
Verne Nydegger and His Orch., (and Verne Nydegger Septet) 1930s-'40,
Nadine West (Kinney) was Nydegger's vocalist.
Rolly Sears and His Orch.1920s,
Leonard Snider and His Orch.,1930s - '40s,
Bill Strout and His Orch.,1960s,
Sully Sullivan and His Orch., 930s-'40,
Temple's Orchestra, 1930s-'40s, (Charles Temple on Banjo)
Bill Walker and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Frank Waterhouse and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Wichita Kansas Shrine Band, 1930s-'60s,
Kentucky
Louisiana
LA - unknown area
Bill Brown and His Brownies , 1930s.
(Don't confuse with Bill Brown's Oompah Band in New Ulm, MN..)
At times,the band had Bill Brown on Trombone; Oliver Tines, Reggie Brown,
on drums; Bill Caine, Norman Lester on Piano; George DeLeon, John Kirby on
Brass Bass; Billy Hicks, Charlie Johnson, Ovie Alston (also vocs) on Trumpet;
Ralph James, Gene Johnson, Rupert Cole on Clarinet, and Saxes;
Harry Stevens, Donald Tatim on Banjo;
Listen to the Brownies playing " Hot Lips" , composed: Jack Lange and Lou Davis. Rec'd: March 17, 1927. Brunswick 7003-B E-21989.
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Based in Boston
Sabby Lewis Orchestra.
Mal Hallett
Michigan
Daggett Area
"Dick Lucky and His Arcadians Dance Orchestra Unique".,
In private correspondence, Jennifer Moran has noted: " ...(my
great-grandfather) Richard Lucke was a Vaudeville musician, and I believe
they performed primarily in the midwest. I know that he frequently travelled
to Elkhart, Indiana to purchase instruments from Conn Instruments for his
band and for his music store. He used the Conn name on his advertisements,
noting that he used their pieces exclusively. "
( Anyone with further information on this band may contact us, so that we
may put them in touch with Ms. Moran,).
Detroit Area
"Thies Detroit Ritz Orchestra, they were recorded Nov. 11, 1921
Minnesota
MN Area
Dot Kay's All Girl Band1930s
Alexandria, MN
Duke Schneider's Gloom Chasers,
This band was booked out of Alexandria MN 1920s-30s,
Austin
The Chuck Hall Orch.
Saxophonist Chuck Hall led his band from a base in Austin, MN. From
about the mid-1940s to the end of the Big Band era, he played mostly
mid-west locations such as the; Band Box in Omaha,
Henry Charles and His Orch. 1940s to 1964 disbanded,
Rollo Sissel and His Orch., (location band - rarely traveled)
Cosmos, MN
George Marcus and the High Hats - Cosmos, MN 1930s
Detroit Lakes
Jack Mills and His Orch. booked out of Detroit Lakes, MN
Hutchinson, MN
Lester Schuft and the Country Dutchmen, 1969 Polka Band
Mankato, MN
Ernie Coopman and The Jolly Brewers - Mankato, MN 1963 (Polka Band)
The Katzenjammers - N. Mankato, MN 1968 Polka band
Minneapolis-St. Paul. MN
Dance Spots included
The Marigold Ballroom
The Coliseum
(St. Paul) Boulevards of Paris
(St. Paul) The Plantation
The Big Bands played
The Minneapolis Athletic Club
The Excelsior Amusement Park
White Agency: - booked the Howard White (Omaha): and Sternie Sternberg Orchestras.
Lloyd Hall Agency: booked the Sammy Haven Orch,, The Chesterfield Orch,, Tiny Little Orch,, Cliff
Kyes Orch,, and Lee Barron Orch.
Vic Schroeder Agency Omaha (VSA bands):
Grossman and Schmidt Agency (Des Moines, IA):
The Jeffers Ballroom in North Platte, named after the Pres. Union Pacific RR that owned the Pavilion,
located in the RR yard, under the viaduct near the downtown area.
Albert Lea, MN
Skipper Berg and The Viking Accordion Band, Albert Lea, MN 1950 (Polka Band)
Canby, MN
Woody Howard Orch
Gibbon MN
Melvin Grewe Orch 1942 (Polka Band)
Lakefield, MN,
Little Joe's Dance Band, Lakefield, MN, 1963 (Polka Band)
LeSurer, MN
Norm Wilke and the Little Fishermen, LeSurer, MN, 1950s Polka Band
Minneapolis-St. Paul MN
Bill Bergeron and His Orch., 1930s - '60s,
Joe Billo Orch., 1930s,
Harry Blons and His Gentlemen of Dixie, 1930s,
Lou Breeze (Calabrese), early 1920s, -led Pit Band
Frankie Chermak and Orch
Red Clark and His Marigold Playboys, 1930s
Carl Colby and his Orch., 1930s, went into Coma as a result auto accident. and died
several years later in a Fargo NM Nursing Home.
Frank Coultier, early 1920s,
Guy DeLeo and His Orch., 1930s-'40s,
Matt DeLong Orch. early 1930s, (Stecker Bros. Agency)
Detroiters - The, 1930s - '40s,
Wally Drieling and His Orch., 1930s,
Dubinsky Actors and Players, 1920s - '30s,
Mel Eidsmoe and His Orch., late 1930s early 40s,
"Swifty" Ellickson Orch., 1930s,
Wally Erickson, early 1920s,
Bob Farley Orch., 1930s,
Dick Finch Orch 1948 - 195x
Darrell Fischer and the Minnesota Lumberjacks, late 30s early 40s,
Buddy Fisher and His Orch., 1930s,
Freddie Frederich and His Orch., 1951-'76,
Tom Gates, early 1920s,
Harry Given and His Orch., 1930s,
French Graffolier and His Orch., 1930s, (A location band - very little traveling)
Chuck Hall and His Orch., 1938-'40s,
Hands Club Royale Orch., early 1920s,
Harvey Heffron and His Band, 1930s,
Jules Herman and His Orch., active in Kansas area 1930s - late '80s, , worked with Lawrence Welk
band for 3 years -then with "Scat" Davis band one year, then 4 yrs w/Griff Williams, back to
Welk short per. then with Wayne King 5 years. Married Lois West - one of the Champagne Ladies.
Brandts Hot Points, 1920s, Fred Brandt died 1929, age 42
Cec Hurst Orch., 1930s,
Sammy Jensen and His Orch., 1930s - '40s, d: Jan. 4, 1984
Ted Johnson and His Nordvest Skandinavisk Orch.(Polka Band)
Lynn Kern and His Rhythm Club Orch., 1930s - '40s
Ray King and His Komi-Kings, 1930s
Red Knapton and His Orch., 1930s,
Billie Kugler and His Orch., early 1920s,
Cliff Kyes and His Orch., 1932-'40s,
Hal Leonard and His Orch., late 1930s-mid '40s,
"Tiny" Little and His Orch., 1940s, aka: Tiny Little and His Texas Toe Teasers
Dick Long Orch., early 1920s,
Hal McIntyre and His Orch., 1930s -'40s,
Al Menke and His Orch., 1940s,
Amby Meyer and His Orch., 1930s - '40s,
Norvy Mulligan Band, early 1920s,
Al Noyee Band, 1954 - 1961 Minneapolis Marigole Ballroom
Olinger Brothers Orch., 1930s, ( see also: Original Glad Olinger Orch. below.)
Sev Olson Orch.,1930s, --featured Peggy Lee on vocals,
Original Glad Olinger Orch., 1930s,
George Osborn, early 1920s,
Bob Owens Orch.,1930s,
Radiolians, The,1920s - '30s, Lawrence Welk may have worked with the Radiolian before
forming his own band.
"Slats" Randall, early 1920s,
Eli Rice Orch., early 1930s, (Stecker Bros. Agency band)
Dave Rubinoff, early 1920s, (violinist) - led Pit band,
Jack Russell and Their Music, 1930s - '40s,
Red Sievers and His Orch., late 30s early 40s,
Nick St. Marie and The Royal Filipino Orch., 1930s,
Wit Thoma and His Orch., 1930s -'40s, (aka: Wit Thoma and His Princetonians) 1st band in '20s)
Jimmy Thomas and His Orch., 1930s - '60s,
Wally Way and His Orch., late 1930s-'40s, booked by National Service Orchestras agency.
Vern Wellington Orch., 1930s,
Red Wolfe and His Orch., 1930s,
Moorhead, MN
The KVOX Co-op Shoppers Moorhead, MN,
New Prague, MN
Len Shimota Orch New Prague, MN
New Ulm, MN
6 Fat Dutchmen (Polka Band), 1941 (AKA: Six Fat Dutchmen, )
Bill Brown's Oompah Town , (Polka Band) active 1960. (Don't confuse with Bill Brown and
his Brownies in Louisiana.)
Christy Hengel (Polka Band), 1964
Slim Kalz Band 1950 Polka Band
Slim Kalz Band 1950 Polka Band
Don Morris and The Jolly Germans, 1970 (Polka Band)
Harold Picka 1950s Polka Band
Bruno Randles and His Jolly Brewers 1954 Polka Band
The Roamers, , 1946 Polka Band,
Elmer Scheid and his Hoolerie Band,, 1959 Polka Band still active 1964
Babe Wagner Band,, 1940s (Polka Band)
Eddie Wilfahrt Band,, 1930s Polka Band
Norwood, MN,
Ivan Kahle Band (Polka Band) Norwood, MN, 1971
Owatonna, MN
Lenny Wavrin Band, 1949 Polka band
Chic Racek Band (Polka Band) 1949 Polka Band
Redwood Falls MN
Roger Kodet and "The Cards",, booked out of Redwood Falls MN 1930s - 40s
Rochester MN
Bennett - Greten Band, 1932 -1946, (Fuzz Greten and Lloyd Bennett),
Round Lake MN
Tompy Thomsen and His Orch., 1920s,
Sleepy Eye, MN
Vic Schroeder Orch. 1921 Polka Band
Smith's Mill, MN
Howard's Concertina Orch., Smith's Mill, MN 1939 (Polka Band)
Springfield MN
Sota Band, Springfield MN 1958
St. Cloud MN
The Nocturnes, 1980s,
St. Paul, MN
Whoopee John Band, St. Paul, MN 1935 Polka Band
St. Peter, MN
Red Birds, 1967 Polka Band
Cliff Hermel and the Valley Dutchmen , 1957 (Polka Band) still active 1971 (aka: Cliff Hermel
Combo )
Tracy, MN
Dale and Darold Nissel Concertina Band Tracy, MN 1967 (Polka Band)
Wabasso, MN
Mike Turbes Concertina, Wabasso, MN, 1967, (Polka Band) also as:
Turbe's Tunefull Toilers,Wabasso, MN, 1950 (Polka Band
Webster, MN
Roman Rezac Band, Webster, MN 1949 Polka Band
Mississippi
Missouri
Kansas City, MO
It may have been due to the political corruption, but Kansas City was an important musical center. From the 1920s until '38 Mayor Tom Pendergast ran the town until he was indicted for income tax fraud. Nothing seemed to matter in KC, - not the deep world-wide economic Depression of the 1930s. not even the prohibition of alcohol or its repeal. During the height of Prohibition, 30 or more Night Clubs continued operating, --and dispensing! KC was an incubator of "Black" Jazz talent. Among the most important bands were those of Bennie Moten (1923-32), Alphonso Trent (out of Texas), and Walter Page's Blue Devils (out of Oklahoma City). Composer-arranger- bandleader Jesse Stone must also me mentioned. He was still composing and arranging both R&B and 'Soul' into the 19'50s--'60s. . A popular white band, the 'Coon/Sanders Nighthawks' became famous broadcasting from KC. Harlan Leonard, who had worked for Moten, later emerged with his "Rockets", while Basie took over remnants of Moten's band. Among the singers who achieved fame included the singing bartender "Big Joe" Turner, Basie's Jimmy Rushing, Julia Lee (pianist and singer with her brother's band - George E Lee), and Walter Brown,
Among those early bands were;
Jasper "Jap" Allen's Southern Troubadours , AKA: 'Jap Allen's Cotton
Club Orchestra', and also' Jap Allen's Troubadours'. Yet another one of the
"Black" Kansas City bands.. Jap's brother, Clifton Allen, was a saxophonist.
While in high school, Jap Allen studied music underMajor N. Clark Smith, and
first. began playing the violin, switched to Tuba, and eventually to String
Bass. After graduating high school, he played professionally in the 'Hod
Carriers Band' before joining 'Paul Banks Band' for a year beginning in 1927.
One of Allen's sidemen was ayouthful saxist named Ben Webster (who had left
Bennie Moten for Allen.) In 1932, duringthe worldwide economic depression,
Allen disbanded. At that time, bandleader/vocalist Blanche Calloway (Cab
Calloway's sister) picked up a half-dozen of Allen's sidemen, including Ben
Webster, Allen then played briefly with Tommy Douglas, before relocating
to St. Louis where he provided music in a Chinese restaurant., and also
gigged with players such as Dewey Jackson and Fate Marable, In the late
1930s, Allen was in Chicago playing with bandleader and trumpeter King
Kolax. In the '1950s, he bought a farm in North Carolina,and in his spare
time gigged around the Durham area.
Paul Banks' 10 Rhythm Aces , Another of the "Black" Kansas City bands
Bob Burkee and His Orch. In private correspondence, one reader, Carl
"Papa" Sterling, has noted:that he has a transcription of his remote bcast from
the Muehlbach Hotel in Kansas City, MO.Carl's 70 year old friend told him that
Burkee also toured the mid-west every year.
Dick Wickman Orch.
Carl Sterling (as mentioned above in the Bob Burkee Orch entry) also said
" ....... his 70 year old friend spoke to Bob Burkee who was resident for years
at the Muehlbach Hotel, in Kansas City, . Burkee told him that Wickman was
his main competition."
George Ewing Lee's Singing Orchestra.
One ofthe early "Black" Kansas City bands most popular in the 1920s, and
featured George's sister, pianist-singer Julia Lee
Troy Floyd Orchestra.
Andy Kirk & his 12 Clouds of Joy Orchestra , A major band by 1929-
due to Mary Lou Williams' piano and arrangements. The 1944 edition of the
band featured both "Fats" Navarro and Howard McGhee on trumpets.
Jay McShann Orch. , Active in the early 1930s,formed his "big band" 1937
The Dave Lewis Band , Another of the "Black" Kansas City bands
Tommy Douglas and His Orch, ( Photo courtesy of Ed Fenner and the
Department of Special Collections, University of Missouri - Kansas City)
Scroggin's Band- In private correspondence, Ms Nancy Chapman has said:
"My grandfather was Gene Hugh Fields, --he played with the Kuhn-Chaquette
Orchestra, with the Jack Chapman and with the (spelling?-) Schroggin's
band. We have my grandfathers 5 string banjo and a postcard dated Sep 22,
1922. (The Jack Chapman is not related to us) "
( Anyone with further information on this band may contact us,
so that we may put them in touch with Ms. Chapman,).
Jesse Stone Band
Had the "Lloyd Hunter Serenaders" vocal group - later fronted by vocalist.
Anna Mae Winburn. She later (1941) led the 'Int'l
Sweethearts of Rhythm'
until their dissolution in late 1940's (and Lloyd Hunter later had his own
band as well, - in Omaha).
Alphonso "Al or Fonnie" Trent Orchestra,
one of the best known "Black" orchestras of KC "Fonnie" was born in Arkansas,
studied in St. Louis, and played mostly in Texas. His was the first "Black"
band to be heard on Broadcast (WFAA, Texas - 50,000 watts.) The Trent Band
was also the first Black band to integrate the prestigious Adolphus Hotel
in Texas. (We are listing him in Kansas City as well as in Texas)
Based in Springfield, MO
Jerry Pettit Orchestra
Active in the 1930s, Members included: Paul Villepigue arranging for the band.
Allyn Cassel and His Orchestra, Late 1930s,--based in Chanute, MO ?
Based in St. Louis, MO
Oliver Cobb Band
Charlie Creath Orchestra.
George Hudson Orchestra,
Believed to be operating in or around St. Louis, MO, during 1943-'45 Members
included: George Hudson, Cyrus Stones, Benny Starks (tp); Joe "Mones" Orange,
Robert Horne (tb); Sam Long, Al Guichard (as); Kimball Dial, Brad Nichols (ts);
William Rollins (bs); Robert "Bonky" Parker (p); Singleton Palmer (b); and
Earl Martin (d).
Dewey Jackson Peacock Orchestra, a 'Black" band operating during 1925-'26.
Members included: Dewey Jackson (cnt); Albert Snaer (tp); William Luper (tb);
Thornthon Blue (cl, as); Cliff Cochran (as); Willie Humphrey (ts); Burrogh
Lovingood (p); Pete Robinson (bjo); Cecil White (b) and or "Pops" Foster (b);
Floyd Campbell (d,vo). On june 21, 1926 in St. Louis, .three tunes recorded
for the "Vocalion" label.
Floyd "Candy" Johnson's Orchestra.
One of the members of his band was the young drummer Ed Thigpen (né;:Edmund
Leonard Thigpen, b. Dec. 28, 1930, Chicago, IL, USA). His father, drummer Ben Thigpen,
was based in Kansas City with 'Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy'. At age 20, Ed went
on the road with tenor saxophonist Floyd "Candy" Johnson's territory band,
which also then included organist Jack Mcduff
Frank Trumbauer Orchestra, with Bix on Cornet. (Musicians find it extremely difficult to think of
the Frankie Trumbauer band as "local")
Eddie Simmond Band St. Louis MO,
The Jeter-Pillars Orch., a find 'Black' group formed 1934 by James Jeter (alto) and Hayes Pillars
(tenor), both out of the Alphonso Trent band.
The Missourians, Blanche and Cab Calloway were
both associated with this wonderful band that had an interesting history.
"Buggs" Roberts Band. a 'Black' group active during, 1945-'50. Members included: Clarence Delk,
Bob Merrill, John ,Bugs" Hamilton (tp); Sam Long (as); Clifford Byrdlong, Brad Nichols (ts); David
Wright (bs); "Buggs" Roberts (p, arr); Leroy Wickman (b); George Spotts (d). Buggs passed
in 1950, Rollins and Sam Long took over the band until 1955.
Montana
Nebraska
Ansley, NE
Paul Butler Orch. (later: Tom Butler Band) Ansley, NE 1930s
Grand Island, NE
Jimmy Caton and His Orch,
Harry Collins and his Orch
Jess Gayer and His Orch,
Elmer Hall Band ,-- Sammy Havens was the "Front Man",
Sammy Haven and His Orch,
Johnny Kuker and His California Nighthawks
John Kuker,
Bobby Mills and His Orch,
Eddie Osborne and His Orch, 1930s and Post WWII
Klif Riggs and His Orch.,,
Sternie Sternberg and His Orch,
Earle Thomas Band, 1937 - 38
Pick's Top Hatters Band,
Vern Wilson and His Orch
Lincloln, NE
The Mel White Agency in Omaha, NE, booked many of the bands. While some bands
traveled extensively in their sleeper buses, ranging as far as Grand Island, Hastings, Norfolk,,
and St. Joe, MO. But probably, most others played mostly in the Lincoln area.
Popular dance spots included the Lindell Hotel Ballroom, Rosewild, Avalon, Moonlight, Merrigold,
Antelope Park, Kings, The Pla-Mor, The Turnpike and East Hills Ballrooms.
Some of the musicians who went on to National fame included:
movie actor Robert Taylor, (Played drums )
Lee Bennett (sang with Jan Garber Orch.),
Ruth Etting, famed vocalist - worldwide.
Don Purvience (with Fred Waring),
The Coffee Sisters (with Benny Meroff's band),
Donna Ray Cooper (with Fred Waring),
Bonnie Parsons (with Anson Weeks orch.),
Virginia Parker (with Arthur Godfrey),
Paul Collins (with Red Nichols), and
Jack Teagarden.(What is there left to say. )
Lyell Bremser and Lyle DeMoss both went on to successful radio careers in Omaha.
Some of the orchestras who were booked out of Lincoln included:
Joyce Ayres Orch., ca. early 1930s
Leo Beck Band started 1928
George Belshaw Orch, ca. early 1920s
Vern Buethe Orch
Howie Christensen and His Orch., ca. early 1930s
The Collegians, ca. early 1920s, then to Grand Forks, ND
Johnny Cox, 1930s
Ralph Fetterman Orch. ca. 1913-19
Dr. Harold Heinz Orch. 1930s (also at Grand Lake, CO in 1931)
Dave Haun and His Orch., ca. early 1930s
The Ingenue's (All Girls.) ca. early 1920s Played the RKO Circuit),
Bobby Layne and His Orch. 1930s , Trudy DuMay , voc.
Ed Legate's Orch, ca. early 1920s
Julius Ludlam and His Orch., 1930s
Jac Melton and his Orch., 1930s
Jean Moyer and His Orch., 1930s
KFAB Orch. , 1930s then Omaha, NE
Kristy's Serenaders ca. early 1920s
Majestic Theater Band, The 1907
Nebraskan's The, ca. early 1920s
Mel Pester and His Orch., ca. early 1930s
Billy Quick Orch., ca. 1913-19
Merrill Reeh Orch., 1930s (and Colorado Springs, CO)
Romancer's The, ca. early 1920s
Southern Rag-A-Jazz Orch,, The 1930s (played the Chatauqua Circuit)
Stuart Theatre Orch., 1930s
Univ.of Nebraska Collegians., 1930s,
Blondy Vaughn's Band, ca. early 1920s
Russ Walters and His Orch,
Eddie Yungbluth Orch, ca. early 1930s
Norfolk, NE
Johnny Carson grew up in Norfolk, NE, near King's Ballroom. Plays drums at home.
Based in Omaha
Frank "Red" Perkins Dixie Ramblers (most all the sidemen could double on
other instruments.Thus, they could make the band sound larger that it really was.)
Lloyd Hunter's Serenaders (Lloyd also worked with Jessie Stone in KC) One
of several black territory bands based in Omaha, Nebraska from the 1920s to the
1940s. In 1924, Trumpeter Lloyd Hunterformed his own 6 piece band. In 1927, it
had become an 8 piece band; Lloyd Hunter, trumpet; Elmer Crumbley, trombone; Noble
Floyd, clarinet, alto sax; Bob Welch, trombone, tenor sax, bass sax; Burton Brewer,
piano; Julius Alexander, banjo; Wallace Wright, tuba; Amos Clayton,drums. As was
usual, the band toured their southwestern area playing one nighters. By 1929, the
band was heardon radio stations KGBZ, York, Nebraska; KFAB, Lincoln, Nebraska; and
on WOW, Omaha, NB. The 1931 (12 piece) band undertook a national tour that featured
Victoria Spivey, a very well known Blues singer. At the time, Spivey was married to
Hunter's second trumpet Rueben Floyd. The tour was less than successful and by 1932
Hunter was back in Omaha, which would be his homebase for the next 10 years. However,
the band did record for Vocalion label in New York City. Later, drummer Johnny Otis
and saxist Preston Love were in the band.
Ted Adams Orch,
Skippy Anderson and His Skip Along Music, 1930s,
Ray Bachman Orch., 1930s,
Ronnie Barkley Orch,
Lee Barron and His Belltone Music,. (Betty Bilunas, voc. w. Lee Barron Orch.
aka: Miss Betty B as piano soloist), (Pennee Brown voc., Janie Greer (née:
Norma Gruenig, voc. Carm Holland (sideman- lead alto w Lee Barron band. Benny Pugsley
(drums and asst leader Lee Barron Orch) aka: Lee Barron and His Orch.
Jay Bellaire (Joe Russo) Orch,
Tommy Bishop Orch
Bobby Bowman Orch,
Tony Bradley (Tony Tribulato) Orch,
Mickey Bride Orch,
Dick Brown Orch,
"Jug" Brown Orch,
Tracy Brown Orch,
Glenn Buhl Orch 1930s - '40s
Vern Byers and His Orch. , 1930s,
Don Colburn Orch,
Don Cosey (Cosentino) Orch.
Dan Desdunes Concert and Marching Band,
Cliff Dudley Orch, , 1930s,
Freddy Ebener and His Orch., One of Omaha's best in early 1930s
Norrie Egger Orch.
Don Falconer Orch
Web Feierman and His Orch,
Hal Gardiner Orch,
Earl Gardner Orch.x
Eddy Haddad and His Orch,, 1930s,
Larry Herman
Frank Hodek Orch. 1930s,
Lloyd Hunter's Serenaders ca. 1930s
Little John Beecher and His Orch., 1930s
Jimmy Jones Orch.,
The Jungle Rhythm Boys,, 1930s, (Black Quintet)
Bernie King Orch.
Ray Larson and His Orch.,, 1930s, and (orig.) Fargo, ND
Clarence Love
Preston Love Orch., , 1930s, Black leader, sax (Later 1st Sax Count Basie)
Deb Lyon and His Orch.,, 1930s,
Anna Mae Winburn and The International Sweethearts, , 1930s, (Black All-Girl band)
Walter Mertie Orch,
Paul Moorhead and His Hotel Paxton Orch., Omaha, NE, 1930s, (Jerrine Racek, voc. later
with various Denver bands )
Eddie Morrissey Orch,
Ed Mueller and His Dixie Seven, 1987,
Joe Mueller Orch.,, 1930s,
Omar's Nightowls,, 1930s,
Frank Ormsby Orch, , 1930s,
Jerry Paulk and His Orch.,, 1930s,
Mavis Payne Orch.
Red Perkins' Dixie Ramblers., 1930s, (Black Orch)
Gene Pieper and His Orch.,, 1930s,
Art Pray Orch.,, 1930s,
Jackie Ray (Kozmicek) Orch., , 1930s,
Ross Richard Orch., ca. 1930s
Jack Ross (Cavaleri) and His Orch.,
Greg Spivak Orch., , 1930s,
Paul Spor Orch.,, 1930s,
Sammy Stevens Orch,
Jack Swanson Orch., 1930s,
Nat Towles Orch. This 1930s, (Black Orch) left us very few recordings. (Some say that he didn't
want to record much due to his fear that the 'big' (better paying) bands would lure his good
musicians away.)
Lumir Urban Orch.,, 1930s,
Franklin Vincent and His Orch., 1930s,
Orville Von Seggern Orch.,, 1930s,
Lloyd Wells and His Band, , 1930s,
Mort Wells and His Dixieland Band,, 1930s,
Dennis Wesley Orch., , 1930s,
Dick Wickman Orch,
Lee Williams and His Orch., 1930s,
Hank Winder and His Orch., 1930s,
Nevada
Reno, NV
Bill Clifford Orchestra , House band at the Riverside Hotel in Reno from 1951 to 1958 He was replaced by Eddie Fitzpatrick in Sept. of 1958. (Thanks to Dwayne Kling for this entry)
New Hampshire
Granite State Mountaineers Playing Wilton, New Hampshire. Tel: 82 ca '30ssee: granite.jpg
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Based in Charlotte
Bill Davis Orchestra
Frankie and Johnnie Orchestra, led by John, "Johnnie" Gilliland
Jimmy Gunn's Dixieland Serenaders, his orchestras, the Jimmie Gunn Orchestra and
the Dixie Serenaders, toured mainly in the Carolinas and Georgia. In 1940, Gunn decided
to quit music and devote his life to teaching in the Charlotte schools. Charlotte's J. P. Gunn
Elementary is named after him, a memorial to his years of service as an educator.
Frankie Reynolds And His Orchestra
"Smiling" Billy Stewart
Hod Williams And His Orchestra
Based in Fayetteville,
Kelly's Jazz Hounds , active early 1930s
Based in Raleigh
Capitol City Aces
North Dakota
Bismark, ND
Arnold's Serenaders
Otto Dahn and the Syncopators 1930s
Emile Doctier Orch
Fritz Green Orch
Johnny Hider Band,
Royal Kings The,
Ralph Law Orch, 1926
Sam and His City Fellers 1930s, then to Fargo, ND
Silver Moon Orch- The, (band co-led by Dahn Bros.),
Charles Richter Orch,
Harry Turner and His Orch.,, 1st:formed in Bismark, ND,, 2nd Rapid City, then Billings, MT
Fairmount, ND
Oren Budky and His Tempo Kings
Fargo ND
The Avalon Ballroom Orchestra Fargo, ND
The Crystal Ballroom - Fargo ND
Abbie Andrews and The Fargo Red Jackets 1932
Mike Doty and The Fargo Red Jackets
Fargo Red Jackets
Cappy Guttenbert, Accordionist
Rudy Hehr and His Orch.
Tedda Jones All Stars
Lloyd Keller and His Orch.
No. Dak. State Univ. - Statesmen Orch 1947
Morry Olson and His Collegians,
Original Orient Band , The , (later aka: The Fargo Red Jackets)
George Schoen and His Orch,
Wen Schuh and his Orch.
Frank Scott and His Famous WDAY Band,
Harry Smith and The Fargo Red Jackets
Statesmen Orch., 1947 (ND State Univ.)
Grand Forks, ND
Country Gentlemen, The
Harry Hall and His Orch.
Jack Hannah Orch.
Dick King and The Classic Swing Band, started 1974,
Bill Lee Orch.Grand Forks, aka: Bill Lee and The Dakota Hotel Entertainers
Kermit Myhre and His Orch.,
Si Perkins & his Cornhuskers,
Snorky and The City Slickers,(managed and booked by Lee Barron)
Minot, ND
Kings Entertainers (orig from ca. early 1920s)
Ohio
Ohio - unknown area
Donald Dewey Orch. In private correspondence, Ms Kristin Dewey , has noted that:
" my great grandfather who was a band leader from Ohio by the name of Donald Dewey. I can
tell you what I know. He was a banjoist and guitarist and also sang tenor with such leaders
as: Ben Bernie, Henry Theis, Ted Fio Rito, Paul Specht, Freddie Burger, Earl Burtnett and Henry
Biagini. He directed his own orchestra for two years and also sang from radio station WLW
under the name "Admiral of the Air." He also had some albums out. "
( Anyone with further information on this band may contact us, so that we may put them in
touch with Ms. Dewey,).
Based in Cincinnati
Zack Whyte and his Chocolate Beau Brummels.
Chubb-Steinberg Orch.
Based in Cleveland
Ev Jones Orch. In 1927, a very young Alvin McBurney was playing guitar with the band.
He later went on to play with the bands of Russ Morgan, Freddy Martin, Phil Spitalny,
and Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights, He then left Heidt, and using the name of
Alvino Rey, found fame leading his own orchestra.
Mendon Frank Foye Orch. In private correspondence Andrew M.. Merkel has noted that:
" Mendon Frank Foye, leader/tenor sax, b. . Marion Ohio, USA, d. Dec. 18, 1953. (heart attack
"while running to catch a bus) Foye led his own "territory" band, that played in Cleveland,
"Columbus, Chicago, Pittsburgh..the old Northeast North central vaudeville circuit, if you will,
and was a" warm up" orchestra for all of the big bands like Benny Goodman, The Dorseys, etc.
Mr. Merkel is still seeking information on Mendon F. Foye, "who was my Dad's first cousin".
( Anyone with further information on this band may contact us, so that we may put them in
touch with Mr. Merkel,).
Based in Springfield
Lloyd Scott's Orch. In 1927, This band was active, along with his brother Cecil Scott. The trombonist was Dickie Wells, who later led his own band, and who was a co-owner of a Harlem (NY) club ('The Theatrical Grill' - near 134th Street)
Cecil Scott's Bright Boys In 1927, This band was active, along with his brother Lloyd Scott.
In 1929, the band featured trumpeters Frankie Newton and Bill Coleman.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Eugene Crookes Orch.
Walter Page Blue Devils, whose sidemen and leader eventually became important in the
development of the Bennie Moten and Count Basie bands.
Harry Trimble and His Oklahomans., Robert Wood often on vocals.
Tulsa, OK
Kuhn-Chaquette Orchestra -- Tulsa, OK
Oregon
Pennsylvania
based in Sewickly, PA
Hal Curtis Orchestra
Rhode Island
Shein's Band, In private correspondence, Dave (Bowers) Smith, has noted that:
" Shein's Band was the featured act on WJAR Radio Brodcasts
(Providence, RI) for (The OUTLET Company - I think). 1944/45
featured Vocalist was Buddy Bowers (My Father). They were the
house band for Local supper club, The Farm, owned by "OBy" O'Brien
.....(a) man shot (allegedly) on his lawn to silence his knowledge
of the Brinks robbery by local mob members."
( Anyone with further information on this band can contact us,
so that we may put them in touch with Mr. Bowers,).
South Carolina
Carolina Cotton Pickers, - toured extensively; recorded occasionally. Good
Hot Jazz; lively arangements. "Cat" Anderson got his start here.
Later played with Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington.
South Dakota
Bill Klitz and His Melody Boys
Johnnie Kaye and His Orch. , originally in SD then Peru, IL 1948 (Alicia Hamilton voc)
Elmer Roubinek and His Orch.,
Buddy Bair and His Orch ( Jackque Bair voc )
Johnnie Kaye Orch. Orig SD then Peru, IL
Aberdeen, SD
Harry Eisele and His Orch.
Ray Palmer
Loren Towne and His "Talk of the Town" Orch. Aberdeen, SD
Menno, SD
Johnnie Arthur Orch Menno, SD 1927
Pierre SD,
George Doran and His band
Ramona SD
The Manthey Meadowlark Band Ramona, SD 1930s, (5 girls - 2 boys),
Sioux Falls, SD
DeLong Askew Orch.
Jimmy Barnet Band Led by Jimmy Thomas ( Esther Todd, voc. )
Sonny Bronson and His Orch,
Fats Carlson and His Orch.
Fred Chappell and His Orch.
Wally Jerome Orch.,
Johnny Sayer Orch.
Vermillion, SD
Don Fejfar Orch
Watertown SD
John Cavacas Band Watertown SD band 1988, (later renowned
composer/conductor/arranger)
The Watertown, South Dakata Big Band , (Tommy Matthews and Leo
Fortin)
White River, SD
Tommy Matthews and His Orch, Orig: White River, SD
Yankton, SD
WNAX Bohemian Band,, Yankton, SD, 1950 (Polka Band)
Tennessee
Texas
Texas - unknown area
Mart Britt & His Orchestra
Slim Lamar & His Southerners
Blue Steele & His Orchestra
Based in Dallas
Alphonso Trent Band
, perhaps the best of the Territory bands.
rld of Information!
TERRITORY BANDS
