Bama State Collegians
By Hazel Scott/ASU
A jazz ensemble from the 1920s-30s at Alabama State Teachers College, now known as Alabama State University, holds a significant place in jazz history. ASU honors the Bama State Collegians’ rich and impressive legacy during Black Music Appreciation Month in June.
“The Bama State Collegians played an essential role in the history of the University. Some of their members were instrumental in forming other big bands. It's important for people today to recognize that much of the music they enjoy or listen to has its roots in the traditions of the Bama State Collegians and jazz. This remarkable group traveled the world, leaving a lasting impact on music,” said Dr. Ernest Harris, ASU Band Technician and Band Assistant. “Additionally, most of the ensemble consisted of members of the Marching Hornets.”
Formed in 1928 by Len Bowden, Fess Whatley and Paul Bascomb and composed primarily of Birmingham musicians, the Bama State Collegians were led by several notable musicians, including legendary trumpeters Tommy Stewart and Erskine Hawkins, who helped put the university on the map. Bowden went on to direct the Navy's music program at Camp Robert Smalls during World War II.
“One of the most famous directors of the Bama State Collegians was noted trumpeter Erskine Hawkins from Birmingham. During the period 1936-1940, the personnel of the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra consisted of former members of the Bama State Collegians. The Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, headquartered in New York City, worked the top dance and jazz spots throughout the country. The band's members were outstanding instrumentalists, arrangers, composers, and soloists,” Harris emphasized.
In 1930, the band traveled to Chicago and Detroit, where a newspaper article stated: “These college boys from Alabama State will play for the ‘Alabama State Night’…in Chicago…They constitute one of three musical organizations for the State Teachers College being brought North by the Alabama State Alumni Chapters of Chicago and Detroit.”
The band would find its first major success beyond the South on this 1930 northern tour. A few years later, they would go fully professional as Erskine Hawkins and his Orchestra, recording hit records such as “After Hours,” “Tippin’ In” and “Tuxedo Junction,” which rose to No. 7 nationally by Hawkins and No. 1 by Glenn Miller. His music helped to define the Swing Era.
During the mid-30s, when the college experienced severe financial problems, the band generated enough funds to help save the institution from closing permanently. They played concerts, dances, and other events. Each week, after living and traveling expenses were deducted, the remainder of the money earned was forwarded to Dr. Trenholm to help pay bills, salaries, and whatever else was necessary to keep Alabama State College afloat.
“It is important in jazz history that a jazz band played a principal role in the continued existence of a major institution of higher education, and that the music had the kind of appeal and acceptance by a wide audience to enable it to raise large sums of money,” Harris said.
In 2011, the story of Hawkins and his start in the Bama State Collegians was the subject of a Florida State University Film School MFA Thesis Film “The Collegians,” written and directed by Alabama State University alumnus Bryan Lewis. Hawkins died in 1993.
Those who have played with the orchestra include Dud Bascomb, Paul Bascomb, Avery Parrish, and Haywood Henry. The band worked with the NBC Orchestra, the Lucky Millinder Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Louis Armstrong and others renowned musicians and orchestras.