James Fletcher Hamilton Henderson was an American pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer, important in the development of big band jazz and swing music. He was one of the most prolific black musical arrangers and, along with Duke Ellington, is considered one of the most influential arrangers and bandleaders in jazz history. Henderson's influence was vast. He helped bridge the gap between the Dixieland and the swing eras. He was often known as "Smack" Henderson.
Donald Matthew Redman was an American jazz musician, arranger, bandleader, and composer.
McKinney's Cotton Pickers were an American jazz band, founded in Detroit, Michigan, United States in 1926, and led by William McKinney, who expanded his Synco Septet to ten players. Cuba Austin took over for McKinney on drums, with the latter becoming the band's manager. Between 1927 and 1931, they were one of the most popular African American bands. Many of their records for Victor were bestsellers.
William Robert Dixon was an American composer and educator. Dixon was one of the seminal figures in free jazz and late twentieth-century contemporary music. His was also a prominent activist for artist's rights and African American music tradition. He played the trumpet, flugelhorn, and piano, often using electronic delay and reverb.
Locksley Wellington Hampton was an American jazz trombonist, composer and arranger. As his nickname implies, Hampton's main instrument was slide trombone, but he also occasionally played tuba and flugelhorn.
Billy Hart is an American jazz drummer and educator. He is known internationally for his work with Herbie Hancock's "Mwandishi" band in the early 1970s, as well with Shirley Horn, Stan Getz, and Quest, among others.
George "Little Mitch" Mitchell was an American jazz cornet player active in the 1920s.
Otto James "Toby" Hardwicke was an American saxophone player associated with Duke Ellington.
Fess Williams(néStanley R. Williams; April 10, 1894 – December 17, 1975) was an American jazz musician.
Johnny Dunn was an American traditional jazz trumpeter and vaudeville performer, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He is probably best known for his work during the 1920s with musicians such as Perry Bradford or Noble Sissle. He has been compared in sound and style to both King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. In 1922, he recorded as a member of Mamie Smith's Jazz Hounds, together with Garvin Bushell, Coleman Hawkins, Everett Robbins, Bubber Miley and Herb Flemming.
Samuel David Wooding was an American jazz pianist, arranger and bandleader living and performing in Europe and the United States.
Samuel Charles Lanin was an American jazz bandleader.
Joseph Copeland Garland was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger, best known for writing "In the Mood".
James Henry Harrison was an American jazz trombonist.
Clifton Luther Jackson was an American stride pianist.
Dallas Elmer Chambers, also called Frog and Muffle Jaws Chambers was an American jazz trumpeter.
Albert W. "Happy" Caldwell was an American jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist.
Joe "Fox" Smith(néJoseph Emory Smith; June 28, 1902 – December 2, 1937) was an American jazz trumpeter.
Prince Robinson was an American jazz reed player. He was known for soloing on both tenor saxophone and clarinet in the same recording.
William H. Challis was an American jazz arranger, best known for his association with the Paul Whiteman orchestra.
