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.

Some of the Jackson Street nightclubs featured a floor show. Tap-dancing men in tuxedos and "shake-dancing" women entertained the crowd between sets. Comedians told jokes; then the band would "chase" the entertainers off with a quick riff and start another set. Musicians themselves were often multitalented entertainers--singing, dancing, and doing comedy between acts.