Browse Items (72 total)

Anna Mae Winburn, an Omaha native, became the featured singer for the Sweethearts of Rhythm, an influential early group for female musicians.

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.

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

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.

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.

This is an image of an Omaha Star advertisement for the Carnation Lounge. The musicians included "Dickie," "Babe," Prince (Stardust) Moss, M.C. Richetta, and Cliff Dudley's Orchestra. Tickets cost one dollar. For interviews and oral histories of…

This is an image of an advertisement for the Carnation Ballroom in North Omaha. The musicians are Otis William and the Charms. Advanced tickets to the event were sold for $1.50. For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit…

These are advertisements for the Carnation Lounge that were placed in the Omaha Star newspaper.The musicians are Johnny Ace and his Orchestra, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thorton, and Eddie Boyd and his Orchestra. For interviews and oral histories of this…

This is an advertisement for the Carnation Lounge that was placed in the Omaha Star newspaper. The musical entertainment was provided by Chuck Willis and his Orchestra. Their songs included "It's Too Late," "Kansas City Woman," and "Jaunita." The…