Many musicians, and others, have allowed us to copy images. Some of these appeared in Before Motown or other feature pieces. Below is a sample.
One of many Orchestra’s who were part of Jean Goldkette’s empire during the 1920s. They would have been used on a radio program sponsored by Skelly Motor Oil. Sippi Jazz Master Percussionist, J.C. Heard, Manhattan, c.1945 J.C. returned to Detroit around 1968 after years of gigging in S.E. Asia. He gave Toshiko Akiyoshi her big break while playing in Japan. Alma Smith was a piano prodigy. She left home to go on the road with Johnny Faire, bass and Curtis Wilder (Joe’s brother), guitar. The Arcadia Ballroom was located on Woodward near Stimson. Finzel’s band likely recorded at the Arcadia around 1923. The Flame Show Bar (1949-?63) was Detroit’s primary outlet for national African American vocalists during the 1950s. A young Berry Gordy helped his sister’s with the photo concession. …his other leg will have a Bass Saxophone Taken at the Royal Blue Bar. Porter was a fixture at the club around 1947-48. Guitar wizard Johnnie Bassett and B-3 ace Benjamin Schubert Baber BoMac’s, c1991
