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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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774 results for: "al smith collection"

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Image of Hazel Scott at the piano at the Civic Auditorium, Seattle, October 11, 1947
Photograph

Hazel Scott at the piano at the Civic Auditorium, Seattle, October 11, 1947

Hazel Scott, a classical and jazz pianist, performed at Seattle's Civic Auditorium on October 11, 1947. Scott refused to perform in segregated theaters, saying, “Why would anyone come to hear me, a Negro, and refuse to sit beside someone just like me?” Handwritten on negative sleeve: Hazel Scott 10/11/47
ID Number:2014.49.002.014.0043
Date:1947
Image of Unidentified jazz band, 1947
Photograph

Unidentified jazz band, 1947

A five-piece jazz band poses in the room of a house, for what may be a publicity shot. Floyd Franklin plays the trumpet, and Al Larkin plays the piano. The other players are unidentified.
ID Number:2014.49.002.014.0044
Date:1947
Image of Oscar Holden Sr. at the piano, Seattle, June 9, 1952
Photograph

Oscar Holden Sr. at the piano, Seattle, June 9, 1952

Nashville native Oscar Holden arrived in Seattle in 1925, by way of Chicago and Vancouver, and quickly became an important figure in the city's jazz scene. Here, he sits at his piano at home, with a drum set in the background. The Holden's home was the scene of monthly jam sessions. Caption information source: HistoryLink essay 11074
ID Number:2014.49.002.015.0047
Date:1952
Image of Count Basie at the piano, Seattle, November 27, 1946
Photograph

Count Basie at the piano, Seattle, November 27, 1946

Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, with their popularity peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of musicians and patrons, then returning the following week to sell prints. On this occasion, Smith photographed Big Band pianist Count…
ID Number:2014.49.002.016.0049
Date:1946
Image of Count Basie orchestra with Jimmy Rushing singing, November 27, 1947
Photograph

Count Basie orchestra with Jimmy Rushing singing, November 27, 1947

In this photo, Jimmy Rushing is at the microphone with Count Basie's orchestra at the Civic Auditorium at 321 Mercer St. An unidentified saxophonist and another musician are behind Jimmy. Handwritten on negative page: Count Basie 11-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.016.0051
Date:1947
Image of Woman singing with Count Basie orchestra, November 27, 1947
Photograph

Woman singing with Count Basie orchestra, November 27, 1947

A female singer for the Count Basie orchestra sings into the microphone, while the audience crowds the edge of the stage during a performance at the Civic Auditorium. Handwritten on negative page: Count Basie 11-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.016.0052
Date:1947
Image of Harry James and his orchestra, Seattle, September 26, 1947
Photograph

Harry James and his orchestra, Seattle, September 26, 1947

The Harry James Orchestra played at Seattle's Civic Auditorium on September 6, 1947. Here, James (left) plays trumpet along with saxophonists Flip Philips (next to James) and Willie Smith (right). The middle sax player is unidentified. Handwritten on negative sleeve: Harry James 9-26-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.017.0054
Date:1947
Image of Duke Ellington on piano, August 27, 1947
Photograph

Duke Ellington on piano, August 27, 1947

The Duke Ellington Orchestra played at Seattle's Civic Auditorium on August 27, 1947. Here, Ellington smiles at his rapt audience members as an unidentified trumpet player looks on. Handwritten on negative page: Duke & band 8-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.018.0056
Date:1947
Image of Duke Ellington band, with Sonny Greer on drums, August 27, 1947
Photograph

Duke Ellington band, with Sonny Greer on drums, August 27, 1947

Sonny Greer was Duke Ellington's original drummer and played with the orchestra for more than 30 years. Here, on August 27, 1947, Greer plays with a flourish on his elaborate drum set at Seattle's Civic Auditorium. Handwritten on negative page: Duke & band 8-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.018.0057
Date:1947
Image of Al Sears on tenor saxophone, August 27, 1947
Photograph

Al Sears on tenor saxophone, August 27, 1947

This photo shows Al Sears playing tenor saxophone with the Duke Ellington band at the Civic Auditorium in Seattle, with the crowd leaning on the edge of the stage. Sears joined Ellington's band in 1944. Handwritten on negative page: Duke & band 8-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.018.0058
Date:1947
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