Page 37 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2021

with. Coming from the Piney Wood School in Jackson, MS, the
Sweethearts were an all-women’s big band formed at the school
in the ‘30s, that then went pro in 1941. The Sweethearts were
not simply a novelty act; they were every bit as formidable on the
bandstand as Basie or other better-known men’s bands. Legend
has it that many a skeptical or derisive male ego was quashed
after hearing them – they were unstoppable. The group was
mainly African American, but also featured Asian, Latino and
a few white players over the years. The LGBTQ community was
also quietly represented. What mattered most was the music,
and from their beginnings to their disbanding in 1949, they sold
out theatres from coast to coast. Fortunately, they have not been
totally forgotten by music scholars, and have finally attained
lasting recognition as the group once known as “America’s
Greatest Female Band,” the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

I sincerely hope that you take the time to go listen to these
artists on YouTube and other streaming services. Great music is
timeless and cuts across generations and cultures. Trust me, over
50 years later, Big Mama still rocks, Julia Lee is funny as hell, the
International Sweethearts of Rhythm swing like mad, and Sister
Rosetta will leave you speechless, guaranteed.

Rev. Billy C. Wirtz lives in Ocala, FL, with his wife Linda, 14 cats
and a horse. Get in touch at revbilly88@aol.com or facebook.com/
revbilly88. Check him out on Patreon at patreon.com/revbillycwirtz
to become an official member of Rev. Billy’s First House of Polyester
Worship Online Congregation. Member benefits include Rev. Billy’s
monthly bulletin “Missionary Position,” hand-signed prayer rugs,
advance chapters of his books, radio shows emailed directly, Patreon-
only online concerts, a personal concert at your house and more!

All original artwork by Matt O’Brien. Check him out on
Instagram @skullface_project

Blues Festival Guide 2021 35