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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.
Nat Towles
Nat Towles was a prominent big band leader in Omaha during the 1940s and 1950s.
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.
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…
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.
Savoy Seven at The Music Box
The "Savoy Seven," with bandleader Basie Givens, at The Music Box in Omaha, Nebraska.
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.
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.
Anna Mae Winburn and The International Sweethearts of Rhythm
Former Omahan, Anna Mae Winburn, standing right in this photograph, leading The International Sweethearts of Rhythm. The International Sweethearts of Rhythm performed their jazz and Big Band hits at The Dreamland Ballroom during the 1940s.
The Lucky Millinder Orchestra, circa 1948
This photograph shows The Lucky Millinder Orchestra performing popular Big Band and jazz music at the Dreamland Ballroom, ca. 1948. Performances such as The Lucky Millinder Orchestra drew large crowds at The Dreamland Ballroom during the 1940s and…