Source: As yet undated photo of the Rockford High School band (formed in 1907) An article in the Rockford Daily Register-Gazette, January 18, 1908 refers to the “natty red uniforms.”
Music and Musicians
Veterans Who Have Passed–Leon C. Raiford, Jr.
Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 9, 2019.
Leontyne Price, October 20, 1985, Coronado Theatre
Sources: Color photo; Rockford Register Star, October 23, 1985
Rainbo Room Hotel Faust April 21,1935
Source: Morning Star April 21,1935 pg.24
Source: Ebay Image
Veterans Who Have Passed–Duane Nolley
Source: Rockford Register Star, Oct. 10, 2019.
Veterans Who Have Passed–Richard R. Dixon
Source: Rockford Register Star, July 18, 2020.
Veterans Who Have Passed–Loren E. Hildebrand
Source: Rockford Register Star, Mar. 29, 2019.
Veterans Who Have Passed–James Byron Cooper
Source: Rockford Register Star, Apr. 27, 2019.
Veterans Who Have Passed–Matt P. Spinello
Source: Rockford Register Star, Mar. 7, 2019.
Dave Remington and his Dixieland Six
In May 1958, Dave Remington and his Dixieland Six started performing at Walt Williamson’s renowned Wagon Wheel Lodge just outside of Rockford. Members of the band, from left, were Joe Levinson, bass; Dick Oakley, trumpet (who replaced Bobby Lewis, the original trumpet player); Chuck Hedges, clarinet; Wayne “Happy” Gormley, drums; Dave Remington, trombone; Mel Grant, piano. The Dixieland Six played for many occasions in and around Rockford.
Source: Rockford Memories 977.331 R682 v.2