[Vertigo58]

Not sure if there is a topic for old musicians or bands so merge if you need to. My uncle (in white jacket/left) played in a swing band in the late 1940's and early 50's. I am not sure what dance hall this was at but I was told it was on Main Street possibly near what is known as the Near Northside. Most of the dance clubs no longer exist but they sure did swing in their day! Too bad they didnt snap photos of the folks dancing. It's Houston's past!

This post has been edited by Vertigo58: Friday, July 27, 2007 at 3:30 PM

[Don Julio]

Great pic!

What was the name of this orchestra? And who is who?

This topic could occupy hundreds of posts...

So far I've posted 176 photos from my collection of Texas string bands and orchestras 1930s-1950s (including many Houston groups) on Flicker, in case anyone's interested:

http://flickr.com/photos/30643196@N00/

[KimberlySayWhat]

That's so cool. It reminds me of Ricky Ricardo.

My grandfather played in a cajun band with Ted Kennedy's future father-in-law, but that was in Louisiana.

[editor]

Don Julio, on Friday, July 27th, 2007 @ 9:02pm, said:

Great pic!

What was the name of this orchestra? And who is who?

This topic could occupy hundreds of posts...

So far I've posted 176 photos from my collection of Texas string bands and orchestras 1930s-1950s (including many Houston groups) on Flicker, in case anyone's interested:

http://flickr.com/photos/30643196@N00/

Wow, you've got some great pictures in there. You should donate them to a museum when you die. I especially like this one:

I know what WAOI is, but TON/TQN is unfamiliar. Any idea what that was? (sorry, I'm an ex-radio nerd)

[nm5k]

Here is the oldest "band" photo I have so far, that was actually in Houston..
Was taken in 1921..


MK

This post has been edited by nm5k: Monday, December 31, 2007 at 7:13 PM

[gonzo1976]

My great-great aunt was Ventura Alonzo, also known as also known as "la reina de la acordeón." Her and her husband, Frank, formed Alonzo y Sus Rancheros. In Houston, their band played at The American Legion Hall, The Union Hall, The Acapulco, El Tropical, The Log Cabin, Salon Juarez, The Palladium, The Blossom Heath and the Azteca Theatre. In 1956, they opened La Terraza, a ballroom located at 1515 McCarty Drive (info from here). She's was also grandmother to state Sen. Mario Gallegos.

Here's a mural in her honor that (last time I checked in 2000) was behind the Firestone Tire at 1601 Harrisburg at Macario Garcia Drive.

[Don Julio]

editor, on Friday, July 27th, 2007 @ 9:39pm, said:

I know what WOAI is, but TON/TQN is unfamiliar. Any idea what that was? (sorry, I'm an ex-radio nerd)

TQN = Texas Quality Network

From the Handbook of Texas Online:

"In 1934 the state's four largest stations, WBAP in Fort Worth, WFAA in Dallas, WOAI in San Antonio, and KPRC of Houston, formed the Texas Quality Group Network. The stations were connected by telephone lines, established the capacity for simultaneous broadcasts, and commanded a combined night-time power of 101,000 watts. A major factor in the push to share programming was the popularity of the Light Crust Doughboys radio show. The Texas Quality Group Network (or TQN) also featured other regular programs such as "Riding with the Texas Rangers" sponsored by Kellogg and the "Pepper-Uppers" for Dr Pepper. TQN eventually included stations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana and continued broadcasting into the 1950s."

[Don Julio]

gonzo1976, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 2:06am, said:

My great-great aunt was Ventura Alonzo, also known as also known as "la reina de la acordeón." Her and her husband, Frank, formed Alonzo y Sus Rancheros. In Houston, their band played at The American Legion Hall, The Union Hall, The Acapulco, El Tropical, The Log Cabin, Salon Juarez, The Palladium, The Blossom Heath and the Azteca Theatre. In 1956, they opened La Terraza, a ballroom located at 1515 McCarty Drive (info from here). She's was also grandmother to state Sen. Mario Gallegos.

Here's a mural in her honor that (last time I checked in 2000) was behind the Firestone Tire at 1601 Harrisburg at Macario Garcia Drive.

Alonzo y sus Rancheros were pretty big in this area, no doubt. They also made some records for labels like Alameda, Rio, Falcon, and Ideal.

La Terraza was actually just a revised version of the old Autotel Blue Room, which had been a live music hotspot since at least the early 1940s.

[gonzo1976]

Don Julio, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 9:42am, said:

Alonzo y sus Rancheros were pretty big in this area, no doubt. They also made some records for labels like Alameda, Rio, Falcon, and Ideal.

La Terraza was actually just a revised version of the old Autotel Blue Room, which had been a live music hotspot since at least the early 1940s.

Are their records still available? I'm not sure where I could find one.

[editor]

gonzo1976, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 12:27pm, said:

Are their records still available? I'm not sure where I could find one.

I bet some of them are out of copyright by now. You might try the Library of Congress web site, or archive.org. There are a few other sites that specialize in old recordings.

[Don Julio]

gonzo1976, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 12:27pm, said:

Are their records still available? I'm not sure where I could find one.

No, but I've got some. Send me your address and I'll mail you a CD.

editor, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 3:10pm, said:

You might try the Library of Congress web site, or archive.org. There are a few other sites that specialize in old recordings.

Are you serious? Those clowns don't have anything like this.

Arhoolie is the only record company who reissues Tejano music from the vintage days. They have one CD with an Alonzo recording on it:

http://www.arhoolie....itles/376.shtml

[Vertigo58]

nm5k, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 1:51am, said:

Here is the oldest "band" photo I have so far, that was actually in Houston..
Was taken in 1921..


MK

Man, that is one cool photograph!

There was another great one in the Emancipation Park topic!

[Vertigo58]

gonzo1976, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 2:06am, said:

My great-great aunt was Ventura Alonzo, also known as also known as "la reina de la acordeón." Her and her husband, Frank, formed Alonzo y Sus Rancheros. In Houston, their band played at The American Legion Hall, The Union Hall, The Acapulco, El Tropical, The Log Cabin, Salon Juarez, The Palladium, The Blossom Heath and the Azteca Theatre. In 1956, they opened La Terraza, a ballroom located at 1515 McCarty Drive (info from here). She's was also grandmother to state Sen. Mario Gallegos.

Here's a mural in her honor that (last time I checked in 2000) was behind the Firestone Tire at 1601 Harrisburg at Macario Garcia Drive.

I have to print these names and ask mom, she said The Blossom Heath was a real high class swinging place in it's day. They went there often and I am sure they danced to some of these folks music. Your the only person I know that has ever mentioned the Blossom, amazing! The Aragon Ballroom ran a close 2nd. It was way before my time too. The Stardust on Fulton and The Starlight were the place to be in the 60's/70's. All are history now. Look at Historic Houston Hotels and you will see how women used to doll up to go dancing at these places.

[sevfiv]

Houston/Galveston big-band leader Manny Green dies:

Quote

Galveston-born big band leader Manny Green died Monday after one of the longest musical careers in Texas history. He was 86.

The orchestra founded by the World War II hero in 1948 drew throngs of dancers to the floors of every major venue in Texas. The Manny Green Orchestra played regularly at the famed Hollywood Dinner Club and the Balinese Room during Galveston's hey-day as a gambling mecca and celebrity playground in the 1940s and early 1950s.

Houstonians filled ballrooms at the city's swanky Shamrock and Rice hotels to dance to Green's original arrangements of popular big-band music. Even a half century after Green formed his orchestra, Houston-area fans were so hooked on his music that they followed his group in buses and cars to ballrooms in San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi and beyond.

Green's orchestra played at the National Republican Convention when it was held in Houston in 1992.

Green, 86, retired in April 2006, laying down his baton after he became oxygen-dependent and began his last, long battle against congestive heart failure and lung cancer.

Green died at his home near Hobby Airport, where he had lived for several years with his "fiance" of 20 years, Frankie Catoe, a former singer with his orchestra.

http://www.chron.com...le/5013717.html

[Vertigo58]

sevfiv, on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 @ 10:09am, said:

Houston/Galveston big-band leader Manny Green dies:

That's what I mean by little by little these greats are passing away.

Most of all of today's generations wouldnt even know who they were or what great strides they made in thier time. The only way we will know is if others tell us about them. We have to know where we came from before we know where we are going. I bet this good man could have told some fantastic stories of yesteryear. I'm into it big time!

This post has been edited by Vertigo58: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 12:23 PM

[57Tbird]

Would anyone here remember, or know anything of, Albino Torres and his orchestra? His son was a good friend of mine in the early 50's, and I was at his house quite often. Part of the house, which was on Lovett Blvd near Montrose, had a music studio where Mr. Torres gave music lessons. I've tried to find something about him and his orchestra, but come up empty. The time-frame would be at least the 40's and 50's.

[Don Julio]

57Tbird, on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 @ 7:51pm, said:

Would anyone here remember, or know anything of, Albino Torres and his orchestra? His son was a good friend of mine in the early 50's, and I was at his house quite often. Part of the house, which was on Lovett Blvd near Montrose, had a music studio where Mr. Torres gave music lessons. I've tried to find something about him and his orchestra, but come up empty. The time-frame would be at least the 40's and 50's.

Albino Torres was one of the most respected musicians in Houston during the 1940s and 1950s. I'm pretty sure he was classically trained and may have played with the Symphony for a time, but I don't know much about him otherwise. Most of the time he led his own orchestra. I don't think they made any recordings, but an older friend of mine who heard them a few times assured me that they were a top-notch band who played from written arrangements. He said they mostly played to 'high society' dances.

They played at the Empire Room at the Rice Hotel during the '40s. Wish I could go see a band like that play there now!

[Don Julio]

gonzo1976, on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 @ 2:06am, said:

My great-great aunt was Ventura Alonzo, also known as also known as "la reina de la acordeón." Her and her husband, Frank, formed Alonzo y Sus Rancheros. In Houston, their band played at The American Legion Hall, The Union Hall, The Acapulco, El Tropical, The Log Cabin, Salon Juarez, The Palladium, The Blossom Heath and the Azteca Theatre. In 1956, they opened La Terraza, a ballroom located at 1515 McCarty Drive (info from here). She's was also grandmother to state Sen. Mario Gallegos.

Here's an ad for the Rancheros at La Terraza in 1959:



Shot at 2007-07-31

This post has been edited by Don Julio: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 8:24 PM

[Vertigo58]

Don Julio, on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 @ 8:06pm, said:

Albino Torres was one of the most respected musicians in Houston during the 1940s and 1950s. I'm pretty sure he was classically trained and may have played with the Symphony for a time, but I don't know much about him otherwise. Most of the time he led his own orchestra. I don't think they made any recordings, but an older friend of mine who heard them a few times assured me that they were a top-notch band who played from written arrangements. He said they mostly played to 'high society' dances.

They played at the Empire Room at the Rice Hotel during the '40s. Wish I could go see a band like that play there now!

I will ask family they should know about him. PS, the only good music you will hear at The Rice now is on Thursdays when Norma Zentano group plays. She packs em in. At least someone is continueing the tradition.

Be sure to look at Old hotels under historic there are pics of lobby outside of The Rice Empire Room. One of the chandeliers was saved and now hangs at the Shriner's Temple Ballroom over on Braeswood and that place will be torn down this next year, sadly enough.

PS, under Holy Places, there is a pic of interior of Guadalupe Church. The guy getting married is Manuel Mendiola he was band leader for Manuel Mendiola & The Exiles in the mid 60's here and all over Texas. I still consider him my brother in law. He is still in Near North Side.

This post has been edited by Vertigo58: Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 7:34 AM

[gonzo1976]

Don Julio, on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 @ 8:23pm, said:

Here's an ad for the Rancheros at La Terraza in 1959:

Shot at 2007-07-31

That's an excellent find. Thanks!

[Vertigo58]

gonzo1976, on Wednesday, August 1st, 2007 @ 11:37am, said:

That's an excellent find. Thanks!

Other Latin bands are mentioned here. I know Eloy Perez was well known for quite a while.

http://images.google...l%3Den%26sa%3DG

[Vertigo58]

Just an FYI in Chron:

I just recall hearing this ladies name but did not know her music. Lydia Mendoza.

http://www.chron.com...hs/5412394.html

[readam]

Vertigo58, on Monday, December 31st, 2007 @ 2:06pm, said:

Just an FYI in Chron:

I just recall hearing this ladies name but did not know her music. Lydia Mendoza.

http://www.chron.com...hs/5412394.html

She was nicknamed " the Lark of the Border" Texas Highways magazine had a series on Texas music a few years ago and did a great article about her. (February 2004 Texas Highways )

This post has been edited by readam: Monday, December 31, 2007 at 5:29 PM

[Mark F. Barnes]

Don Julio, on Friday, July 27th, 2007 @ 8:02pm, said:

Great pic!

What was the name of this orchestra? And who is who?

This topic could occupy hundreds of posts...

So far I've posted 176 photos from my collection of Texas string bands and orchestras 1930s-1950s (including many Houston groups) on Flicker, in case anyone's interested:

http://flickr.com/photos/30643196@N00/

I am with utmost certainty that is a very young Albert "the Velvet Bulldozer" King on the right, playing a 52 Les Paul inverted and strung right handed. It has to be before 1957, because Ted McCarty presented Albert with the very first prototype "Flying Vee" in February of 1957 and Albert never played anything else till his death on Dec 21 1992. Albert King was the real "King" or the Blues.

Beside Albert is Legendary Chicago Blues Drummer Fred Below, they both played in John Brim's band "The Gary Kings", this could narrow down the date to somewhere between 1953-1954, they both were performing together then. Both were also the studio standards for many many Blues Artists in the early 1950's, if you have any blues number recorded from 1951 to 1954, the guitar and drum work were these two in session. Below later founded the "Aces". Fred Below and the Aces pretty much created the standard for the blues shuffle beat. Below also was known for his use of the ride cymbal, the wood block, tom-tom fills, and many other embellishments.

[nm5k]

Mark F. Barnes, on Monday, December 31st, 2007 @ 6:27pm, said:

I am with utmost certainty that is a very young Albert "the Velvet Bulldozer" King on the right, playing a 52 Les Paul inverted and strung right handed. It has to be before 1957, because Ted McCarty presented Albert with the very first prototype "Flying Vee" in February of 1957 and Albert never played anything else till his death on Dec 21 1992. Albert King was the real "King" or the Blues.

Dunno. It looks like a melody maker to me.. But at the angle he's got the headstock
it's kind of hard to see if it's straight sided, or "Les Paul" shaped, with the bell curves.
But as far as I can tell, it looks to be straight. If it was the curved les paul shaped
headstock, it would be a les Paul jr. Probably a 56-57. But... I'm pretty sure it's a 59
melody maker most likely. But.. It could also be a 60 also..
The melody maker came out in 59, with the les paul single cut shape. The 60 was the
same, except that late in the 60's series, the 7/8 inch single coil was replaced with a
5/8 inch single coil.
I have a 60 melody maker, and I've also had a 59 in the past. I just now held my
60 up to that picture, at the same angle he has his, and it was a perfect match.
Anyway, it's for sure not a 52 les Paul.. I think most of those were gold tops anyway,
but I'd have to check. Also the bridge was different. The color of that geetar is sunburst.
As a comparison, here are a couple of pictures of my 1960 version. You'll find it a
perfect match with that picture.
BTW, I notice the post has lost the picture I posted earlier.. I've changed servers
since then... I'll have to dig it up and repost/edit it...
Anway, I don't think that picture is as old as you think it is..
My bet is 1959 or 1960 being as that are the only two years that
exact model was made. Starting with 61, they went to a sunburst double cut,
like an SG. BTW, yes, that geetar plays very well.. Smells good too..
Being 48 years old, it smells like an old record player inside.


MK

[Vertigo58]

readam, on Monday, December 31st, 2007 @ 6:23pm, said:

She was nicknamed " the Lark of the Border" Texas Highways magazine had a series on Texas music a few years ago and did a great article about her. (February 2004 Texas Highways )

Sure would have loved to be the one to interview these artists before they disappear. Funny when I meet people from time to time they knew older musicians that knew these early pioneers and the stories make sense. Like piecing the puzzle together. If only people realized how important photographs are.

[Vertigo58]

Don Julio, on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 @ 9:06pm, said:

Albino Torres was one of the most respected musicians in Houston during the 1940s and 1950s. I'm pretty sure he was classically trained and may have played with the Symphony for a time, but I don't know much about him otherwise. Most of the time he led his own orchestra. I don't think they made any recordings, but an older friend of mine who heard them a few times assured me that they were a top-notch band who played from written arrangements. He said they mostly played to 'high society' dances.

They played at the Empire Room at the Rice Hotel during the '40s. Wish I could go see a band like that play there now!

Thanks for bringing up The Roseland and Aragon Ballroom.

I did see a pic of the Aragon exterior on a website (Google) but it was of the fire that ruined it around 1947? In fact there were some excellent interiors of the Aragon of a New Year's dance, very clear and everyone is dressed to the nines.

Sure wish I had a time machine about now.

Ironically, The Houston Aragon Ballrooom burned just like the more famous Aragon Ballroom on Park Pier on the West Coast. Below is a tiny interior of Houston's Aragon B. Time to dance!

This post has been edited by Vertigo58: Friday, November 14, 2008 at 9:35 AM

[Dan the Man]

I have always wondered if any of the big name dance bands of the '40s ever stopped in Houston, or whether the city was still considered too small to bring in a large enough crowd. If any of the famous bands played here, where did they perform? Rice Hotel Roof Garden? Sylvan Beach Pavilion?

This post has been edited by Dan the Man: Friday, November 14, 2008 at 8:21 PM

[Vertigo58]

Dan the Man, on Friday, November 14th, 2008 @ 9:20pm, said:

I have always wondered if any of the big name dance bands of the '40s ever stopped in Houston, or whether the city was still considered too small to bring in a large enough crowd. If any of the famous bands played here, where did they perform? Rice Hotel Roof Garden? Sylvan Beach Pavilion?

The Coliseum & Music Hall must have been new in these days? The exact dates were mentioned somewhere in Haif. I know Mom said she saw Sinatra twice at Coliseum. Other music notables were at places like the local big dance halls, The Aragon etc. Popular names like famous drummer Gene Krupa and Trumpeter Harry James played at Coliseum and or Rice Hotel. The Shamrock also attracted famous bands and film/radio stars of course. Just think there are people out there somewhere that have interior photos or filming of these events! but where are they? Most of this generation is slowly vanishing.



Gene Krupa

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=cHr4XQ9SEcg

Harry James

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=GNWxwvIwC-Q

[NenaE]

KimberlySayWhat, on Friday, July 27th, 2007 @ 8:14pm, said:

That's so cool. It reminds me of Ricky Ricardo.

Me too. I loved Ricky Ricardo. He was so cool, & a very intelligent & innovative businessman.
Those are all such great b/w pictures of bands. I have inherited some of my grandmothers big band records.

[Dan the Man]

Speaking of Big Bands, I'm a little disappointed that 790 KBME no longer does their "Fabulous Friday at Four" program. They used to re-play Big Band radio broadcasts from the '40s every Friday afternoon from 4-5 PM. Some even had the vintage advertising included!

[57Tbird]

Vertigo58, on Monday, November 17th, 2008 @ 8:24am, said:

The Coliseum & Music Hall must have been new in these days? The exact dates were mentioned somewhere in Haif. I know Mom said she saw Sinatra twice at Coliseum. Other music notables were at places like the local big dance halls, The Aragon etc. Popular names like famous drummer Gene Krupa and Trumpeter Harry James played at Coliseum and or Rice Hotel. The Shamrock also attracted famous bands and film/radio stars of course. Just think there are people out there somewhere that have interior photos or filming of these events! but where are they? Most of this generation is slowly vanishing.

A couple of labels from my old 78 collection. Click on thumbnails.

[Vertigo58]

57Tbird, on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 @ 12:11pm, said:

A couple of labels from my old 78 collection.

That is just too cool! I have to ask mom what year she saw Krupa and his band here. It was rumoured he was a pot smoker hence his fueled drum playing frenzy. I need to ask her where she saw Harry James play as well. I just have to insert a scene of that era not Houston but still neat just the same.

[Paul1956]

Sort of a related item - When I was a kid at Freeman Elementary (Pasadena) in the mid 1960's there was a girl who played in the 'Texas Hotshots'. The Hotshots were an all accordian band, and a couple times she brought her accordian to school and played for us. I remember a picture she had of the group, and as I recall, about 20 kids played in the Texas Hotshots. They even wore matching uniforms.

Can't believe I remembered that....

[Don Julio]

Dan the Man, on Friday, November 14th, 2008 @ 7:20pm, said:

I have always wondered if any of the big name dance bands of the '40s ever stopped in Houston...

Yes, all of them. Ellington, Goodman, et al. all played in Houston in their heyday. By no means was it considered "too small a market." Documentation is scant, though.

Dan the Man, on Friday, November 14th, 2008 @ 7:20pm, said:

If any of the famous bands played here, where did they perform? Rice Hotel Roof Garden? Sylvan Beach Pavilion?

Typically the national bands played at the old City Auditorium.

[brucesw]

From a Houston Post nostalgia piece on the Rice Roof Garden, citing late County Commissioner Squatty Lyons, it was ‘...the place any girl with a decent corsage wanted to be taken. You could dance under the stars to Freddy Martin’s Band or Ted Weems Band and his singer, Perry Como.’

From a similar piece on Sylvan Beach, again citing Lyons ‘...who remembered dancing part of the night away at the End-o-Main Club to Tiger Rag or Weary Blues then heading to Sylvan Beach to hear the Phil Harris Orchestra and his singer Dorothy Lamour.’

My sense of it is that the Big Bands were dance bands, not concert bands, much less arena artists like Rock, Rap and Country artists today.

The Shamrock during its heyday brought in many big stars for its Saturday at the Shamrock broadcast over ABC radio nationally. Mostly they were movie stars and radio personalities in the era before TV rather than bands and orchestras but singers came too. A young Frank Sinatra appeared; Humphrey Bogart once crooned a little ditty, perhaps the only time Bogie ever sang in public.

According to Roy Hofheinz’ biographer Edgar Ray in his younger days, before becoming an attorney and then a politico, while still a student at Rice, Hofheinz helped raised money for his family by promoting shows at the End-o-Main, University Club and Kensington Club. He would rent the halls, book the bands, handle all the promotion and keep all the profits. He got so successful at it he promoted dances as far away as Baton Rouge. On occasion he staged what were known as Pom Pom Yo Yo dances with 2 orchestras, these would be held from 8pm to 4a. The first orchestra would be a white band and they would be followed by a Black band. Louis Armstrong was one of the acts Hofheinz brought to town. This would have been late 20s, early 30s (Hofheinz was born in 1912, elected to the Lege in 1934).

[roym]

Don Julio, on Friday, July 27th, 2007 @ 8:02pm, said:

Great pic!

What was the name of this orchestra? And who is who?

This topic could occupy hundreds of posts...

So far I've posted 176 photos from my collection of Texas string bands and orchestras 1930s-1950s (including many Houston groups) on Flicker, in case anyone's interested:

http://flickr.com/photos/30643196@N00/

Don Julio - great photos on your Flickr site!!! Thanks for posting here and on Flickr. I hope you're still loggin in here and will keep contributing. Great stuff!!

[Vertigo58]

Don Julio, on Saturday, December 6th, 2008 @ 12:50am, said:

Yes, all of them. Ellington, Goodman, et al. all played in Houston in their heyday. By no means was it considered "too small a market." Documentation is scant, though.

Typically the national bands played at the old City Auditorium.

I asked mom again about where they saw Harry James play and she said the old City Auditorium! He was wearing a white dinner type jacket that was then very popular and now again popular. $ was hard to come around in those times so when you saved enough you really appreciated what all the rage was all about!

[Don Julio]

Vertigo58, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 3:24pm, said:

I asked mom again about where they saw Harry James play and she said the old City Auditorium! He was wearing a white dinner type jacket that was then very popular and now again popular. $ was hard to come around in those times so when you saved enough you really appreciated what all the rage was all about!

Harry James also played at the Paladium Club on South Main @ OST in about 1954. It was owned by local musician, Johnny Martinez. Everybody played there, even Elvis what's-his-name. It could seat 2,000 people.

[Don Julio]

The Houston Informer is an excellent repository for the city's buried musical past. There are lots of ads and articles on national bands touring through Houston, local bands, etc. I'll post a few ads I've scanned over the years.

Announcing The Cotton Club -- "Houston's Newest and Gayest Night Club." Located on Lyons Ave at Hill in the Fifth Ward. This ad was printed in the Informer on October 24, 1936.

Boots and his Buddies were a jazz group from San Antonio.

[Don Julio]

The Eldorado Ballroom (Dowling @ Elgin) advertised itself as "Houston's Finest Dance Palace," and later "The Home of Happy Feet."

The "house bands" at the Eldorado in the '40s were the Eldorado Express Orchestra, the I.H. Smalley Orchestra, and the Sammy Harris Orchestra. None of these are well-remembered today, however.

This ad appeared in the Informer on February 10, 1945. Something was happening there basically every night.

[Don Julio]

Here's a typical "Entertainment" ad column from the mid-1940s Informer. This example is dated September 8, 1945. WWII had just ended.

El Dorado (sic) Ballroom - The Eldorado Express Orchestra

Sam Houston Coliseum - "Blip" Thompkins and his 19-piece Orch.

Blue Room Night Club (4606 Market Street in the southern part of the Fifth Ward) - I.H. Smalley's Ork Featuring Inez Newell

[Don Julio]

Sid's Ranche (sic) and Night Club was owned by Sid and Mattye Hilliard at 8400 Yale. This would be where I-45 North and West Gulf Bank are today...in the vicinity of Acres Homes. This place is not mentioned much today but much have been a jumping nite spot for most of the '40s and early '50s.

This ad is significant because it is the first time Amos Milburn was advertised...perhaps his earliest 'pro' gigs were here?
Amos would soon become a huge star with records like "Bewildered," "Chicken Shack Boogie," etc.

Informer, November 24, 1945.

[Don Julio]

The Bronze Peacock Dinner and Dance Club (5200 Liberty Road @ Erastus in the Fifth Ward) is one of the better remembered Houston night clubs since owner Don Robey named his record company after it. But it was only open from 1946-1950.

Here is an ad for its opening night, Monday, Feb. 18, 1946. As you can see, music played only a part in the entertainment...the headliners were Mack & Ace ("Champion Jitterbug Couple"), Winn & Winn ("Comedy Dance Team"), etc. The band was the venerable I.H. Smalley Orch.

[Don Julio]

Goree Carter should have been a star, or at least a regional star like Gatemouth Brown, but his career never recovered after he was drafted into the Korean War. His "Rock Awhile" (1949) is considered an early rock 'n roll record.

The Whispering Pines was at 8002 Hirsch, on the North Side. Beer was 10 cents.

Informer, May 20, 1950.



Ella Fitzgerald, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Oscar Peterson a.o. appeared at the City Auditorium on Nov. 25, 1950, as part of one of the "Jazz at the Philharmonic" tours. There were more in the years to come.

Informer, Nov. 25, 1950.

[Don Julio]

Club Matinee (3224 Lyons) took over once the Bronze Peacock folded. Note that it was open 24 hours. This was the spot for R&B in Houston in the '50s. Everybody played there, or hung out there.

Milton Willis had a jump blues combo and a few local records, but is forgotten today.

"Joe Turner vs. Clarence Green in Big Battle of Blues December 20" would have been worth waiting for.

Informer, Nov. 25,1950.



Here is typical R&B / rock 'n roll show that went on at the City Auditorium a few times a month, every month, for the duration of the '50s. It's weird that these shows are not mentioned more in later histories, and virtually no photos exist.

Muddy Waters' first Houston appearance?

Informer, July 16, 1955.

This post has been edited by Don Julio: Monday, December 8, 2008 at 10:28 PM

[roym]

Again, awesome stuff Don J! Thanks for posting?

What's the Houston Informer? An old newspaper?

I have seen ads for some of the clubs from some of the other Houston papers, Chronicle, Post, and Press.

[Vertigo58]

Just wonder if everyone is able to view your pics Don Julio? I cant seem to view them.

Now you have my curiosity going about that club you say was owned by a Johnny Martinez? Can you provide more history? Imagine the stories they could tell!

This post has been edited by Vertigo58: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 1:19 PM

[METALHOUSTON]

Does anyone have any pictures of or know anything about a Houston band called 40/40 Junction?

[NenaE]

Don Julio, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 8:40pm, said:

The Houston Informer is an excellent repository for the city's buried musical past. There are lots of ads and articles on national bands touring through Houston, local bands, etc. I'll post a few ads I've scanned over the years.

Announcing The Cotton Club -- "Houston's Newest and Gayest Night Club." Located on Lyons Ave at Hill in the Fifth Ward. This ad was printed in the Informer on October 24, 1936.

Boots and his Buddies were a jazz group from San Antonio.

Bought this on Ebay recently, thought it had a nice design...does anyone know about these two "cotton clubs", were they two different places at different times? they have different addresses. Matchbook says address is 54 Harvard opposite Washington at 3500 Blk. (hou., tx) phone no. is very old- t 1030. Back says "Finest Dining Service 'South of the Mason-Dixon' Line", seems like it's more of a restaurant, but says "floor shows nightly".