Sunday, August 3, 2008

Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra


The Coon-Sanders Nighthawks Orchestra was formed in 1919 and was at its peak between 1926 and 1932. The Orchestra was the first of the Kansas City Jazz bands to achieve national recognition, which it acquired through national radio broadcasts. It was founded in 1919, as the Coon-Sanders Novelty Orchestra.
At their peak, each member of the Orchestra owned identical Cord Automobiles, each in a different color with the name of the Orchestra and the owner embossed on the rear. The cars were given to them by E. L. Cord, the motor car magnate.
Carleton Coon, who was known to friends as Coonie, was admitted to the hospital in critical condition on April 30, 1932 suffering from blood poisoning which resulted from an abscessed jaw.
The Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra essentially died with Carleton Coon on May 4, 1932.





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