City - Chicago IL - Red Saunders and his band 1942 Magnet

Colorized photo from 1942 Original title: "Red" Sounders, drummer and his band at Club DeLisa Photographer: Jack Delano Location: 5521 S. State Street, Chicago, IL This is Red Saunders, for some reason, maybe due to how loud it was there, the photographer thought his name was Red Sounders. From there it stuck, and if you look for that name, you will find this face. Anyway, he was a jazz drummer and band leader, born 1912, died 1981, at the age of 69. He is here with his band in Club DeLisa in Chicago. He mostly played the drums, but he could also by the vibraphone and timpani. Saunders was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and after his mother's death, moved to Chicago with his sister. There he took drum lessons while attending a boarding school in Milwaukee. There he received a music scholarship to the University of Texas and became a professional musician in 1928, playing in Stomp King's band. He then spent several years touring the country as a drummer till 1934, he ended up becoming a well-known drummer in Chicago clubs and hotels. In 1937, Saunders joined the house band at Club DeLisa. At the time everyone you see here took turns being the band leader, initially it was led by pianist Albert Ammons, then briefly by saxophonist Delbert Bright. Then Red took over the position. He remained in control of this house band, playing four to six shows nightly until the club closed in 1958. There was a small hiatus between 1945 and 1947 where he led a smaller band in Chicago and Indianapolis. He created a number of labels, including a children's song "Hambone".