Jimmy Dale Band

Big band jazz band led by Chicago clothier Harold C. Fox, who was highly influential in popularizing the zoot suit and Be-bop era fashion because he outfitted many prominent jazz musicians. Fox's dedication to his clothing business prevented him from committing to studio recording sessions and as a result there are no releases by his band. Initially an all-white band led by Jimmy Dale, Fox took over the band and the name when Mr. Dale was drafted. He began integrating the band around 1945 by hiring vocalist Leon Ketchum. Notable for being among the earliest thoroughly integrated bands, it was publicized as "The World's Greatest Mixed Band" and sometimes picketed by the KKK. It included many highly talented jazz musicians and toured with Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Billie Holiday, and others. Also known in various incarnations as the Jimmy Dale Orchestra, Jimmy Dale All-Stars, Jimmy Dale Sextet and possibly others. Do not confuse with Canadian music director and bandleader Jimmy Dale and his bands: The Jimmy Dale Orchestra and Chorus, The Jimmy Dale Swingers, The Jimmy Dale Adventure, The Jimmy Dale Adventure.