100 years ago this month, in April 1923, Joe "King" Oliver's Creole Jazz Band was touring the country. This item is an ad for their show at the Silver Beach Pavillion in Benton Harbor. "Recording for Okeh, Columbia and Gennett Records."
Mamie Smith was a pioneering blues and jazz singer. Her recording of Perry Bradford's "Cray Blues" sold over a million copies in the first year. Over time, her Jazz Hounds included many famous musicians.
Richmond Palladium and Sun-Telegram, 21-April-1921
Okeh made many records aimed at minority groups. These were often referred to as "race records." Jazz and blues artists
Louis Armstrong and Victoria Spivey made many records for the company.
Okeh also produced dance records and operatic records.
Texas Alexander was a guitar playing blues singer.
I can't find much about Blue Belle. Her original name was Bessie Mae Smith. She may have recorded using a number of names. Here is Blind Blake's version of "Boa Constrictor Blues."
I can't find much about Mark Fisher either. Here is organist Jesse Crawford's version of "Baby Feet Go Pitter Patter."
Seger Ellis played the piano and sang. His style is an acquired taste. I haven't acquired it.
Frankie Trumbauer was a saxophone player who wrote, arranged and lead. His orchestra usually included his friend, cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. Bix was a major figure in 1920s jazz. He influenced many later trumpet players. "I'm Coming, Virginia" also featured guitarist Eddie Lang, who is listed above as "Ed."
Miff Mole was a jazz trombonist who often led bands.
Boyd Senter was a reed player who frequently led a group called the Senterpedes. Eddie Lang was a pioneering jazz guitar soloist.
Violinist Joe Venuti frequently worked with Eddie Lang. Joe Venuti was famous for his quirky sense of humor. He sent Wingy Manone, the one-armed trumpet player, a gift of one cufflink.
Okeh made many records aimed at minority groups. Jazz and blues artists Louis Armstrong and Victoria Spivey made many records for the company. Okeh also produced dance records and operatic records.
The five dance records listed on the left-hand page are by six different groups, or at least six different names. Actually, Justin Ring's Okeh Orchestra, the Gotham Troubadors and Billy Hays and His Orchestra are all Sam Lanin and his Famous Players. The Royal Music Makers are the Joe Green Orchestra. Emmy Bettendorf was a German opera and operetta performer.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.
Okeh made many records aimed at minority groups. Jazz and blues artists Louis Armstrong and Victoria Spivey made many records for the company. Okeh 40966 featured Frankie Trumbauer and his Orchestra. Trumbauer was a saxophone player who wrote, arranged and lead. The band on this session included his friend cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. Bix was a major figure in 1920s jazz. He influenced many later trumpet players
Be sure to click on this ad from Talking Machine World to see a larger version. I like the John Held, Jr-derived images.
Both sides of 40966 are available on YouTube:
Justin Ring was a pseudonym used by Sam Lanin. Lanin was a popular orchestra leader who made many records during the 1920s. His brother Lester became a famous leader in the 1930s and beyond. The two sides of Okeh 40977 are also YouTube:
Seger Ellis played the piano and sang. I did not look too hard to find any of the items on the two records listed. His style is an acquired taste. I haven't acquired it.
