Coon-Sanders Nighthawks Orchestra | KC History - Missouri Valley Special Collections

Joe Sanders and Carleton Coon co-founded the Coon-Sanders Nighthawks orchestra that gained fame during the 1920s. This digital collection includes many photographs of the orchestra and other performers as well as photographs from Fred Edmiston, author of The Coon-Sanders Nighthawks, and the Harvey Rettberg papers. Rettberg and Clyde Hahn established the Coon-Sanders Nighthawk Fan Club in 1959.

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Abe Lyman

Portrait of Abe Lyman autographed to Joe Sanders. Autograph reads, "To my buddy Joe, love & kisses, Abe Lyman."

Al Lyons

Autographed seated portrait believed to be band leader Al Lyons.

Amos and Andy

Portrait of radio stars Amos and Andy autographed to Joe Sanders. Autograph reads "To Joe Sanders with our kindest personal regards and best wishes from "Amos (Freeman) 'n' Andy (Charlie)."

Autographed Photograph

Autographed photo to Joe Sanders from two men identified as Bill and Jack. Autograph reads, "We'll never forget the "Black Hawk and Joe", Bill & Jack." Written on the top of photo reads, "To the best left-hander in the world and one of us."

Autographed Photograph

Autographed photograph: To my dear friend Joe, the old left hander, All the best always Bill Terulant (?), Jack Hylton ?, May 19?

Autographed Portrait

Autographed portrait of a woman. Signature is unreadable.

Barbara Parks

Female vocalist Barbara Parks, probably performing with the Joe Sanders band. Location not given but may be Blackhawk in Chicago.

Barbara Parks

Photo of female vocalist Barbara Parks performing, probably with the Joe Sanders Band.

Bill Baldwin

Autographed portrait of Bill Baldwin. Autographed as "To my very good friend Joe to whom I owe everything-Bill Baldwin."

Bill Rank

Portrait view of Bill Rank.

1979

Bill Rank

Portrait view identified as Bill Rank.

Billiards Group

Unidentified group at a billiards table. Joe Sanders does not appear to be in view.

Billy Gilbert

Portrait of Billy Gilbert autographed to Joe Sanders. Autograph reads "To Joe, In memory of one of the most pleasant weeks in show business. Please may I repeat soon. Sincerely, Billy Gilbert."

Bix Beiderbecke Grave

Exterior view, identified on back of picture as "Otis B. Zinkle at Bix's grave, Oakdale Cemetery, Davenport, IA., July 29,'73". Would be band leader Bix Beiderbecke.

1973

Bix Beiderbecke Grave

Exterior view, identified on back of picture as "Otis B. Zirkle at grave of Bix Beiderbecke in Oakdale Cemetery, Davenport, Ia., Sun. July 29/73. Photo taken by Geo. Williamson."

1973

Bob Hawk

Autographed portrait of Bob Hawk. Reads "I'm looking right at Joe. He's a great guy, Bob Hawk."

Bob Pope and Orchestra

Autographed pose of Bob Pope and his orchestra around a lighted globe. Autograph reads, "To Joe, Best regards to my best boss, Bob Pope".

Britt Wood

Autographed portrait to Joe Sanders from actor and composer Britt Wood. Autograph reads "To Joe, I could sit and watch your fingers move over them keys from now on. Boy do you race. Your Pal, Britt Wood."

Carl Ed

Autographed portrait of cartoonist Carl Ed. Autograph reads: "To Joe Sanders- One swell musician - and one grand guy - 1936 - Carl Ed." Ed was the creator of the teen comic strip first called "Seventeen" and later renamed "Harold Teen", working for the Chicago Tribune. Above his autograph is a drawing of the head of a man.

1936

Carleton Coon

Portrait of Carleton Coon.

Carleton Coon

Portrait of Carleton Coon, autographed to Joe Sanders.

1920 (year approximate)

Carleton Coon

Exterior view of Carleton Coon seated in the back seat of a convertible with two women in Olean, New York. Edmiston identifies in his book as: "A very ample Coonie, with female chaperones, Olean, New York, 3 October 1931. On Coonie's left is Eleanor Fisher, who with husband Bob, was instrumental in bringing the band to Olean. Others unidentified."

1931-10-03

Carleton Coon

View of Carleton Coon wearing a damaged straw hat while on tour. Sanders in his scrapbook captions this photo: "You'd never [know] the old boy now. Coonie being himself at Uniontown, Pa."

1925

Carleton Coon

Interior view of Carleton Coon seated with his drum/percussion set. Sign says The Original Coon-Sanders Novelty Orchestra. Exact location not given.

1920 (year approximate)

Carleton Coon

View of Carleton Coon standing aboard the "Pere Marquette 21" ship on Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. Sanders in his scrapbook notes: "Coonie, romancing over the blue waters of Lake Michigan."

1926-05-11