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 blues singer Dee Dee Hackett at the microphone with an unidentified band at the Union Club (also known as the Marine Club). The nearby audience is made up mainly of servicemen. The Union Club was located at First Avenue and Cherry Street.

The woman at lower right has been tentatively identified as Shirley Phelps.