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 in Seattle and became the jazz ensemble the "Jive Bombers." The band performed weekly at bond rallies at "Victory Square" in downtown Seattle, participated in parades, and performed at various Navy functions, and at other events for servicemen and defense workers. The band also performed, out of uniform, at private functions, often with local jazz musicians.

This photograph focuses on the saxophone section of the Jive Bombers during a performance at an unidentified venue. Judging by the men in uniform and women in gowns dancing together in the background, this was probably a military ball for servicemen.

Caption information source: Jive Bombers jazz band of World War II by Jacqueline Lawson, HistoryLink.org Essay 7392 https://www.historylink.org/File/7392

Written on negative page: Trainon Ball Room / 1944 / Evelyn Williamson & Lionel Hampton
Written on individual negative sleeve: 4-10-44