1940 Bands & Orchestras

1940
African-American bands working clubs in New Orleans

Don Albert & his Famous Orchestra

Andrew Anderson’s Pelican State Orchestra

Paul Barbarin Orchestra

Boots & His Buddies

Henry Casanave’s Buddies

Sidney Cato’s Moonlight Serenaders

Papa Celestin’s Orchestra / Tuxedo Orchestra

Cool Breezes

Harold Dejan’s Orchestra

Sydney Desvigne’s Orchestra / Southern Syncopators / Sydney’s Moonlight Serenaders

Henry Horton’s Orchestra / Rhythm Club Orchestra

Avery  / Kid Howard & Orchestra

Thomas Jefferson & his Savoy 8

Louisiana Weekly, December 23, 1940

Clyde Kerr’s Orchestra / Tick Tock Orchestra

Thomy Lafon band, Prof Valmore Victor, director 

Memphis Lewis & his Revue

Leary’s Society Syncopators

Louisiana Swing Masters

Moonlight Serenaders

Bill Phillip’s Rhythm Aces

Walter “Fats” Pichon’s Orchestra

Smilin’ Joe Pleasant / Little Joe & Flashy Clouds of Rhythm

Don Raymond’s Orchestra

Joe Robichaux’s Orchestra

Snow Hill Harmony Syncopators

Sextette Swing Band

Tea Room Swingsters

Victor’s Orchestra / Music Masters [see Thomy Lafon band]

George Williams’ Orchestra / Swingsters

Source: Survey of Louisiana Weekly, 1940

Alex Albright
September 17, 2023