These are press photographs taken by Vithana Photo Studio, a black-owned photo studio located in Harlem just a few blocks from the Savoy. Formal group shot with Bennie Carter, his baton in hand, Ted McCord and Bob Sands (saxophones), Lavert Hutchinson (tuba), Gabby Rogers (piano), Shelton Hemphill (trumpet) Talcott Reeves (banjo & guitar), Bill Beason (drums), Wardell “Preacher” Jones (trumpet), Danny Logan and Henry “Red” Hicks (trombones).
The band is standing on the original Savoy Ballroom bandstand as I believe it appeared from the ballroom’s opening in 1926 to the first renovation in late 1930.
Above photograph found for sale at Biblio.com – a vintage gelatin silver print with Vithana Photo Studio stamp on rear.
The below photograph is clearly from the same sitting. Unfortunately I only have this low resolution version. If you have a higher resolution copy or further source information, please do contact me.
