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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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1183 results for: Black/African American

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Image of Saxophone section of Jive Bombers, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Saxophone section of Jive Bombers, Seattle, circa 1944

During World War II, Black musicians were recruited from across the country to officially serve as musicians in the U.S. Navy. Trained to play in big bands at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, the men formed 25-piece bands to tour naval bases and boost morale. One of the bands was transferred to the Sand Point Naval Air Station…
ID Number:2014.49.002.037.0234
Date:Circa 1944
Image of Trumpet section of Jive Bombers, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Trumpet section of Jive Bombers, Seattle, circa 1944

During World War II, Black musicians were recruited from across the country to officially serve as musicians in the U.S. Navy. Trained to play in big bands at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, the men formed 25-piece bands to tour naval bases and boost morale. One of the bands was transferred to the Sand Point Naval Air Station…
ID Number:2014.49.002.037.0235
Date:Circa 1944
Image of Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, Seattle, circa 1952
Photograph

Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, Seattle, circa 1952

Saxophonist Billy Tolles (1924-2005) began studying music at age 10 beginning with piano, and later played trumpet in the Garfield High School marching band. In 1941, then a saxophone player, Tolles formed the teenaged swing band Savoy Boys (also known as the Men of Jive) with Sonny Booker and Gerald Brashear. In college, Tolles continued gigging, performing with established jazz…
ID Number:2014.49.002.038.0179
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Billy Tolles band with woman singing, Seattle, circa 1952
Photograph

Billy Tolles band with woman singing, Seattle, circa 1952

Saxophonist Billy Tolles (1924-2005) began studying music at age 10 beginning with piano, and later played trumpet in the Garfield High School marching band. In 1941, then a saxophone player, Tolles formed the teenaged swing band Savoy Boys (also known as the Men of Jive) with Sonny Booker and Gerald Brashear. In college, Tolles continued gigging, performing with established jazz…
ID Number:2014.49.002.038.0181
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, Seattle, circa 1952
Photograph

Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, Seattle, circa 1952

Saxophonist Billy Tolles (1924-2005) began studying music at age 10 beginning with piano, and later played trumpet in the Garfield High School marching band. In 1941, then a saxophone player, Tolles formed the teenaged swing band Savoy Boys (also known as the Men of Jive) with Sonny Booker and Gerald Brashear. In college, Tolles continued gigging, performing with established jazz…
ID Number:2014.49.002.038.0184
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, circa 1952
Photograph

Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, circa 1952

Saxophonist Billy Tolles (1924-2005) began studying music at age 10 beginning with piano, and later played trumpet in the Garfield High School marching band. In 1941, then a saxophone player, Tolles formed the teenaged swing band Savoy Boys (also known as the Men of Jive) with Sonny Booker and Gerald Brashear. In college, Tolles continued gigging, performing with established jazz…
ID Number:2014.49.002.038.0185
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, circa 1952
Photograph

Billy Tolles band performing at the Trianon, circa 1952

Saxophonist Billy Tolles (1924-2005) began studying music at age 10 beginning with piano, and later played trumpet in the Garfield High School marching band. In 1941, then a saxophone player, Tolles formed the teenaged swing band Savoy Boys (also known as the Men of Jive) with Sonny Booker and Gerald Brashear. In college, Tolles continued gigging, performing with established jazz…
ID Number:2014.49.002.038.0186
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Fats Waller at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, July 13, 1941
Photograph

Fats Waller at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, July 13, 1941

Jazz pianist Fats Waller played in Seattle only once, on July 13, 1941, at the Moore Theatre. Here, he sings and plays onstage in front of a packed audience. Written on negative page: Fats Waller's
ID Number:2014.49.002.039.0188
Date:1941
Image of Fats Waller at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, July 13, 1941
Photograph

Fats Waller at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, July 13, 1941

Jazz pianist Fats Waller played in Seattle only once, on July 13, 1941, at the Moore Theatre. Here, he sings and plays onstage in front of a packed audience. Written on negative page: Fats Waller's
ID Number:2014.49.002.039.0189
Date:1941
Image of Fats Waller at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, July 13, 1941
Photograph

Fats Waller at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, July 13, 1941

Jazz pianist Fats Waller played in Seattle only once, on July 13, 1941, at the Moore Theatre. Here, he sings and plays onstage in front of a packed audience. Al Smith's camera also picked up a reflection of the stage lights. Written on negative page: Fats Waller's
ID Number:2014.49.002.039.0192
Date:1941
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
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