1940 local bands of African Americans working in New Orleans
A partial list based on a survey of the Louisiana Weekly
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April 20, 1940 Louisiana Weekly
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
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Papa Celestin
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’s Orchestra
Thomas Jefferson & his Savoy 8
Clyde Kerr’s Orchestra / Tick Tock Orchestra
Thomy Lafon band, Prof Valmore Victor, director
Leary’s Society Syncopators
Louisiana Swing Masters
Bill Phillip’s Rhythm Aces
Walter “Fats” Pichon’s Orchestra
![](https://alexalbright.works/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Smilin-Joe-Pleasant-Tulane-300x300.png)
Joe Pleasant. Courtesy of Hogan Jazz Archives, Tulane University, New Orleans
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
[Valmore] Victor’s Orchestra / Music Masters
George Williams’ Orchestra / Swingsters
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Louisiana Weekly April 20, 1940
–December 3, 2023