JOHNNY HAMP - INSCRIBED PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED IN INK - HFSID 203753

JOHNNY HAMP

The members of the famous orchestra are shown lining up by the ocean and wearing elegant outfits in this black and white photograph, signed in black felt tip

Inscribed Printed Photograph Signed in Ink: "For/Gene/Our best/Johnny Hamp/Orchestra" in black felt tip. 10x8. B/w. Johnny Hamp's Kentucky Serenaders was a US jazz and dance band, active from the late 1910s through the 1920s. The group was known simply as The Serenaders until Johnny Hamp became the band leader. Johnny Hamp, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, according to some sources became the leader by chance when the band was performing at the Hershey Ballroom in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The band leader at the time had an argument with the players and walked out, so, without any experience as a band leader or conductor, he volunteered to lead them for the rest of the evening and they accepted. After the performance, the band asked him to stay on as leader. The "Kentucky" in the name appears to be related to the band's use of "My Old Kentucky Home" as a theme song, rather than any connection to the U.S. state of Kentucky. The group then toured in the eastern United States and toured England in 1930. In 1931, the group was renamed Johnny Hamp and His orchestra. They made most of its recordings in New York City on the Victor label. Their biggest hit was "Black Bottom" recorded in 1926, which led to a dance fad. Hamp continued to record for Victor until April, 1932. The next session was in August 1935 for ARC, and in December 1936 Hamp was back with Victor recording for their Bluebird label for only two sessions, which turned out to be their last session. Toned. Soiled on verso. Edges worn, creased and slightly rounded. Otherwise, fine condition.