Introduction: Kansas City Jazz

1917-23: Local 627 & the Early Jazz Bands

1924-28: President Shaw

1929-35: Territorial Bands & A New Headquarters

1936-41: 627 Stomp

1942-50: War Years & the Aftermath

1950-60: A New Generation & President

1960-70: Merger of Local 34 & 627

Mutual Musicians Foundation: The Tradition Jams On

Jesse Stone & His Blues Serenaders

Jesse Stone and His Blues Serenaders, one of the leading territorial bands, played in and around Kansas City in 1926-1927. Originally from Atchison, Kansas, Stone moved to Kansas City as a child to live with his grandmother and attend grade school. A gifted composer and arranger, Stone formed the nucleus of the Blues Serenaders in Kansas City before heading out into the territories. Returning to Kansas City in the spring of 1926, Stone battled the Bennie Moten and George E. Lee bands at Paseo Hall. In April 1927, the Blues Serenaders recorded four selections for the Okeh label. The two tracks issued, Starvation Blues and Boot To Boot, reveal Stone's skill as an arranger and the band's deep feeling for the blues. More successful as a composer and arranger, Stone disbanded the Blues Serenaders in 1929 and joined the George E. Lee band as music director.

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