[AFRICAN AMERICANA] -- [MUSIC]. Vintage photographs of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

A group of 43 items, containing 42 photographs, incl. multiple copies of many of the images, (copies plus originals), 10 x 7 3/4 in. or smaller. Ca early 20th century.

[With:] Contemporary ad for the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, which notes: "The orchestra was first organized as a unit to play popular music at the Piney Woods School in Piney Woods, Mississippi. Talented girls of practically every race on the face of the earth go to school there. The band was so outstanding that the girls decided to go professional, and did."

"In an interview, Rae Lee Jones, the only Negro woman in America who is manager of a dance orchestra, said the band is composed of girls who are, to name a few, Chinese, Negro, Mexican and part American Indian."

They "climbed from obscurity to national fame... in less than 12 months, in theatres, night clubs, ballrooms and establishments of every description."

Images include a collage from various performances overseas; Toby Butler, Featured Soloist on trumpet; another soloist on trombone; the upright bass player; Anna Mae Winburn, Director, and the Trumpet Section; a saxophone soloist; the brass section; the rhythm section; plus five other group shots (not identified).

Per the consignor, these are from the estate of Marian McPartland, jazz pianist and historian, who was instrumental in getting the group (whoever was still available) included in the third annual Women's Jazz Festival in Kansas City in 1980. Presumably many of these photos were reproduced for that occasion.

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Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography

[AFRICAN AMERICANA] -- [MUSIC]. Vintage photographs of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

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