Singer Carol Thompson posing with boys, at Sully's Pool in South Park during Pittsburgh Courier newsboys picnic, 1961

Nina Simone holding cigarette and seated in chair, 1965

Double exposure of Nina Simone and guitar player performing on stage of Hilton Hotel ballroom, 1968-1969

Lena Horne lounging backstage at the Stanley Theatre, ca. 1944

Frank Bolden and Sarah Vaughan, with another woman and man at piano, in club, ca. 1950

Jackie Wilson with Porky Chedwick and Roy Hamilton, 1961

Jackie Wilson, with manager Nat Tarnapol, Porky Chedwick, and Roy Hamilton for the "You Ain't heard Nothin' Yet" album, 1961

Nat Tarnapol, Jackie Wilson, Porky Chedwick holding Jackie Wilson's "You Ain't Heard Nothin Yet" album, and Roy Hamilton at the Carleton House, 1961

Velma Carey singing during "I am an American Day" celebration at Forbes Field, Oakland, 1952

Billy Eckstine Orchestra with with vocalist Sarah Vaughan, Hill City Auditorium (Savoy Ballroom), 1944