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Basie Givens and His Orchestra
Patricia Barron’s father, Basie Givens, was a prominent bass player and band leader in Omaha during the 1940s-1960s. He was in a number of bands throughout his life, and his orchestra, pictured here, gained regional notoriety.
Basie Givens
Patricia Barron’s father, Basie Givens, was a prominent bass player and band leader in Omaha during the 1940s-1960s. He was in a number of bands throughout his life, and his orchestra gained regional notoriety.
Savoy Seven at The Music Box
The "Savoy Seven," with bandleader Basie Givens, at The Music Box in Omaha, Nebraska.
Cats of Rhythm promotional photo
This promotional photo of the "Cats of Rhythm" before their performance at the Dreamland Ballroom in 1943-44. The band featured Betty Givens on vocals and Joe Genovesie on sax.
Dan Desdunes Original Concert Band
Dan Desdunes was a prominent jazz musician and band leader when he moved to Omaha from New Orleans just after the turn of the twentieth century. In Omaha, he directed several bands and trained the younger generation of bandleaders in Omaha. The Dan…
Anna Mae Winburn
Anna Mae Winburn, an Omaha native, became the featured singer for the Sweethearts of Rhythm, an influential early group for female musicians.
Nat Towles
Nat Towles was a prominent big band leader in Omaha during the 1940s and 1950s.
Anna Mae Winburn
This is a head-shot of Anna Mae Winburn, a former resident of North Omaha, who was the lead singer for the girls' group, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm. The International Sweethearts of Rhythm performed their jazz and Big Band hits at The…
Walter Barnes, "Chicago's King of Dance Rhythm" and the Royal Creolians
This photograph of Walter Barnes shown with a clarinet, was known as "Chicago's King of Dance Rhythm." He performed at venues like The Dreamland Ballroom with his "nationally famous" Royal Creolians.
Preston Love Sr. and his Orchestra, 1954
This is a photograph of native Omahan Preston Love, Sr. and his Orchestra in 1954. In 1954 they played backup for the popular jazz band, The Clovers, at The Dreamland Ballroom in North Omaha.