• That's a relatively large Chinese tack-head tom he's got there. We more often see the smaller versions, like the other three he has mounted on the kick drum. - Samm Bennett
  • Both of his cymbals are Chinese cymbals, and interestingly, both have rivets. - Samm Bennett

Drummer in orchestra in Memphis juke joint, Tennessee.

Digital ID: 1260217. Wolcott, Marion Post -- Photographer. October 1939

Notes: Original negative #: 52907-D

Source: Farm Security Administration Collection. / Tennessee. / Marion Post Wolcott. (more info)

Repository: The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Photographs and Prints Division.

See more information about this image and others at NYPL Digital Gallery.
Persistent URL: digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/id?1260217

Rights Info: No known copyright restrictions; may be subject to third party rights (for more information, click here)

Comments and faves

  1. carinasmama2001, ky_olsen, sundaymorninz, Man_of Steel, and 22 other people added this photo to their favorites.

  2. Samm Bennett (43 months ago | reply)

    This is a great shot: relatively rare to get this good a glimpse of a drum kit from this period. This fellow had a relatively elaborate setup. See my notes on the photo.

  3. lauramorlandrhodes (3 weeks ago | reply)

    Wonderful shot, Samm Bennett! Are those your notes above?

  4. Samm Bennett (3 weeks ago | reply)

    None other, lauramorlandrhodes ! But, um... was that a sarcastic comment? I mean, the comments are *signed* and all, so I reckon it's obvious. I'm confused...

  5. Samm Bennett (3 weeks ago | reply)

    At any rate, this fellow made it into my Vintage Drum Kits page, which will be of interest to any old drum fans...

    www.polarityrecords.com/vintage-drum-kits-192 0s-and-30s.html

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