Tuesday, April 05, 2011

The International Sweethearts Of Rhythm



The International Sweethearts Of Rhythm: "Jump Children"

The International Sweethearts of Rhythm were the first integrated all women's band in the United States. They have been labeled "the most prominent and probably best female aggregation of the Big Band era."

The group made two national tours. As a racially mixed band, their performances defied the Jim Crow laws of the South. Despite being stars, when the band traveled in the South they ate and slept on their bus because segregation laws prevented them from using restaurants and hotels.

Sadly, most of their recordings are now lost. Some surviving tracks are available here.

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