Browse Items (17 total)

Patricia Barron's father, Basie Givens, led a succession of popular jazz bands during the 1950s and 1960s. His first band, The Jungle Rhythm Boys, was formed with friends in the 1930s. The bandmembers are shown with their homemade and hand-me-down…

Big Mama’s Kitchen was featured on the Sundance Channel’s cooking show, “Ludo Bites America.” This poster was used to advertise Ludo’s visit, which took place on May 21, 2011. The episode aired on July 26, 2011.

The "Savoy Seven," with bandleader Basie Givens, at The Music Box in Omaha, Nebraska.

The business card for Big Mama’s Kitchen serves as a colorful flyer for the restaurant. The card reflects her national notoriety, with one side dedicated to her television appearances. This was the restaurant’s current business card in the autumn of…

This photograph was taken at a beauty contest and features a number of members of the St. John's Baptist Church women's group. Patricia Barron's grandmother, Lillie Johnson, is far right in this photo.

Children in Patricia Barron's North Omaha neighborhood.

Nat Towles was a prominent big band leader in Omaha during the 1940s and 1950s.

Following the historic electoral victory of Barack Obama, the nation's first African American president, a local resident created this work of art. The painting commemorates the important moment in American history and features Dr. Martin Luther King…

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…

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.