1944	Fats Navarro Chronology
	Created by Leif Bo Petersen	Last updated: January 5, 2017.
Date	Event	References/Further Details
January 1	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Probably including Harry Lawson, Art Capehart, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Robert Murray, Wayman Richardson (tb); John Harrington (cl, as); Reuben Philips, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jimmy Forrest (cl, ts); Ed Loving (ts, bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); June Richmond (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Jamaica Arena Ballroom, New York, NY. 9:30 p.m.–3 a.m. New Year’s Eve Dance.	Ad in New York Age, January 1, 1944, 11 A: Andy Kirk and His 16 Clouds of Joy.
January 7	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Newcastle Army Air Base, Wilmington, DE. Coca Cola Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands d # 407, AFRS Spotlight Bands # 252. Blue Network 9:30–9:55 p.m. EWT. The AFRS version has survived.	Andy Kirk Collection no. 260. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.: Radio script by D’Arcy Advertising Company. The Online Discographical Project: http://www.78discography.com/AFRS1.htm: Coca Cola Spotlight Bands # 242 AFRS Spotlight Bands # 86. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 50–54: Look here for the dating and content of the show.
January mid	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Clifton Trenier has been signed by Andy Kirk and will start in the band this week.	"Clifton Trenier Joins Andy Kirk," Pittsburgh Courier, January 15, 1944, 15.
January 21	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); June Richmond, Claude Trenier? (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Stage Show Coliseum, Evansville, IN. Stage Show: 8:15 p.m. Dance: 10 p.m.	Ad in Evansville Courier and Press, January 21, 1944, 19.
January 25	Andy Kirk’s Orchestra Walter Dyetts's Orchestra Parkway Ballroom, Chicago, IL. 8p.m.–3 a.m.	Ad in Chicago Defender, January 22, 1944, 9.
January 27	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Arkota, Sioux Falls, SD. January 27.	Ad in Argus-Leader (Sioux Falls, SD.), January 27, 1944, 5.
February 5	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Riviera, Dallas, TX.	Ad in Dallas Morning News, January 15, 1944, IV 2.
February 10	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); June Richmond, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Plantation Club, Los Angeles, CA. February 10–March 12, 1944.	Ad in California Eagle, February 3, 1944, 10: Opening February 10. "Andy Kirk Scores in Los Angeles Opening," Pittsburgh Courier, February 19, 1944, 15: 17 piece musical aggregation. 6 weeks engagement. "They Hate to Leave, " California Eagle, March 9, 1944, 13: Photo and caption: Andy Kirk leaves Sunday after 4 weeks at the Plantation.
February 21	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Eddie Cantor The Charioteers Tim Lienert (ann.) Ernie “Bubbles” Whitman (mc). NBC Studio C, Radio City, Hollywood, CA. 6:30–7:00 PWT. AFRS Jubilee # 66	Radio Script. Andy Kirk Collection 246. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. “Radio Program ‘Jubilee’ Gets Bess’ Attention,” Pittsburgh Courier, March 4, 1944, 11: This week’s program has Andy Kirk, June Richmond, Tony Jenkins, The Charioteers, and Eddie Cantor. “A Jubilant Moment During ‘Jubilee’ Rehearsal,” Pittsburgh Courier, March 11, 1944, 13: Photo and caption. “Andy Kirk’s Crew Scoring on Coast,” Pittsburgh Courier, March 11, 1944, 13. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 55–57: Look here for the content of the show.
February 22	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Decca Studio, Los Angeles, CA. Transcriptions for the AFRS.	“Andy Kirk's Crew Scoring on Coast,” Pittsburgh Courier, March 11, 1944, 13. These recordings may have been used in the program AFRS Downbeat #74 (se March 6). The tracks found on AFRS GI JIVE #516 (Paradise Valley), AFRS GI JIVE #618 (Paradise Valley) , and Yank Swing Session #34 (McGhee Special) may be from this session.
February 28	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Armed Forces Radio Trio Esquire All-American All-stars Tim Lienert (ann.), Ernie "Bubbles" Whitman (mc) NBC Studio C, Radio City, Hollywood, CA. 6:30–7:00 PWT. AFRS Jubilee # 67.	Radio Script. Andy Kirk Collection 247. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 57–59: Look here for the content of the show. The selection with the Esquire All-American All-stars was a pre-recorded transmission from the New York Metropolitan Opera House concert on January 18.
March 3	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy AFRS Downbeat # 74. The program was a disc jockey program with participation of bandleaders. The selections played came from existing AFRS output. The date is the broadcast date.	Radio Script. Andy Kirk Collection 249. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 61–62: Look here for the dating and content of this show.
March 6	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Timmie Rogers The Charioteers Tim Lienert (ann.), Ernie "Bubbles" Whitman (mc) NBC Studio C, Radio City, Hollywood, CA. 6:30–7:00 PWT. AFRS Jubilee # 68.	Radio Script. Andy Kirk Collection 248. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 59–61: Look here for the content of the show.
March 14	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy 16 pieces. Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); June Richmond, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Douglas Brothers Dorothy Donegan Golden Gate Quartet Orpheum 'Theatre, Los Angeles, CA. March 14–20, 1944. June Richmond leaves Kirk after this engagement.	Ad in Los Angeles Times, March 12, 1943, sec 3, 3: opening Tuesday [14]. "House Reviews: Orpheum, L.A.," Variety, March 22, 1944, 20. Mention of J. D. King, Forrest, Loving, and McGhee. "Vaudeville Reviews: Orpheum, Los Angeles," Billboard, March 25, 1944, 26: Reviewed March 14, afternoon. "Kirk 22 1/2 G in LA," Billboard, April 1, 1944, 28: Article dated LA March 23. "June Quits Kirk's Orch.," Pittsburgh Courier, April 1, 1944, 13. "Former Kirk Ace Now Under Her Own Has Top Voice," California Eagle, May 4, 1944, 15.
March 26	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Sweet’s, Oakland, CA.	“Girl singer to Be at Sweets,” Oakland Tribune, March 24, 1944, 23: June Richmond will participate here. Ad in Oakland Tribune March 25, 1944, 24D.
March 27	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Civic Auditorium, Oakland, CA.	Ad in Oakland Tribune March 25, 1944, 24D: (for Sweet’s): “Andy Kirk will also play at the colored dance at Civic Auditorium Monday.”
March 30	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Miramar Ballroom, Boise, ID. March 30, 31, April 1, and 3, 1944.	Ad in Idaho Statesman (Boise, ID), March 30, 1944, 7: June Richmond is mentioned. This may be a mistake.
April 2	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Sweet’s, Oakland, CA.	“Sweet’s Bill Andy Kirk,” Oakland Tribune, March 30, 1944, 24.
April 4	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Wandamere, Idaho Falls, ID.	Ad in Post-Register (Idaho Falls, ID), April 4, 1944, 3.
April 5	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Rainbow Rendezvous, Salt Lake City, UT. April 5-13, 1944. Nightly broadcasts.	Ad in Salt Lake Tribune, April 5, 1944, 7: June Richmond mentioned. This is probably a mistake. "Randevu's [sic] Newest band Is Kirk's," Salt Lake Tribune, April 5, 1944, 7.
April 20	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Arkota, Sioux Falls, SD. April 20, 1944.	Ad in Argus Leader April 20, 1944, 14..
April 22	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra Auditorium, Omaha, NE. Wm. H. Davis (prod).	Ad in Omaha World, April 22, 1944, 5.
April 27	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Cobblestone, Storm Lake, IA. April 27, 1944.	Ad in Des Moines Register, April 20, 1944, 13.
May 2	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra 17 pieces. Tune Town, St. Louis, MO. May 2–8, 1944.	Ad in St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 2, 1944, 9A.
May 12	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Tony Jenkins, Bea Booze (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Al Cowans and His Musical Madcaps Carl and Harriet Butterbeans and Susie Regal Theater, Chicago, IL. May 12-18, 1944.	Ad in Chicago Defender, May 13, 1944, 9.
June 2	Andy Kirk and His Band Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Gwen Tynes, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). 5 Cabineers Foster Johnson Alston and Young Tripp and Fall Tim Moore Crackshot and Vivian Morris Apollo Theatre, New York, NY. June 2–8, 1944. June 7, 1944: 11:00 p.m.: WMCA: Apollo Amateur Hour. One surviving track with Andy Kirk exists.	Ad in New York Age, June 3, 1944, 10. "Andy Kirk and Band in Annual Appearance at Apollo Theatre, New York Age, June 3, 1944, 10. "Andy Kirk Sign's Ex-Barnet Chirp," Down Beat, June 1, 1944, ?: "Ted Navarro" mentioned in trumpet lineup with Lawson, Capehart, and McGhee. “Radio Programs,” Brooklyn Eagle, June 6, 1944, 19. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 59–61: Look here for further information of the surviving broadcast track.
June 9	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra Howard Theater, Washington, DC. June 9–15, 1944.	“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, June 1, 1944, 14.
June mid	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Asbury Park, NJ. New Castle, DL. Rocky Mount, NC.	“Andy Kirk Hits His Stride as Nation’s Leading Sweet Band,” Chicago Defender (Nat. ed.), July 1, 1944, 8
June 22	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Chestnut Street Hall, Harrisburg, PA June 22, 1944.9:30. Civic Colored Dance Club (prod).
June 23	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Carl and Harriette Billy Mitchell Musical Madcaps Royal Theatre, Baltimore, MD. June 23–29, 1944.	Ad in Harrisburg Telegraph, June 21, 1944, 4.
July early	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Probably: Harry Lawson, ?, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jimmy Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Bea Booze, Gwen Tynes?, Toni Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Columbia, SC. Goldsboro, NC. Jacksonville, FL. Tampa. FL. Miami, FL.	“Andy Kirk Hits His Stride as Nation’s Leading Sweet Band,” Chicago Defender, (Nat. ed.) July 1, 1944, 8. Ad in Pittsburgh Courier, July 7, 1944, 13: Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy featuring Bea Booze is available for immediate Booking throughout the south and southwest. ABC, Joe Glaser.
July 1	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Casa Loma, Charleston, W.V.	Ad in Charleston Daily Mail, June 30, 1944, 7.
July 18	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Probably: Harry Lawson, ?, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jimmy Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Bea Booze, Gwen Tynes, Toni Jenkins (voc). Macon City Auditorium, GA. 8:30 p.m.	Ad in Macon Telegraph, July 9, 1944, 23. “Andy Kirk’s ‘Cloud’s of Joy’ Starring Bea Booze and Gwen Tynes at Auditorium Tonight,” Macon Telegraph, July 18, 1944, 11.
July 23	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, LA.	“Andy Kirk Plays For New Orleans Dancers July 23,” Chicago Defender (Nat. ed.), July 22, 1944, 6.
July 25	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Karol Auditorium, Monroe Colored High School, Monroe, LA. July 25, 1944, 10–2.	“Andy Kirk Will Appear July 25,” Monroe Morning World, July 16, 1944, 8. Ad in Monroe News-Star, July 24, 1944, 2.
July 28	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy June Richmond Library Auditorium, San Antonio, TX.	"Andy Kirk with June Richmond and Bea Booze at Library Aud. Tonight," San Antonio Register, July 28, 1944, 5.
August 2	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy US Naval Station, Hitchcock, TX Coca Cola Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands # 585, AFRS Spotlight Bands #430. Blue Network broadcast 9:30–9:55 EWT. We have found no surviving parts from this show.	"Today's Best Bets," Brooklyn Eagle, August 2, 1944, 17: 9:30: WJZ: Spotlight Bands - Andy Kirk. The Online Discographical Project: http://www.78discography.com/AFRS1.htm: Coca Cola Spotlight Bands # 585 AFRS Spotlight Bands # 430. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 63: Look here for further details.
August 3	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy City Auditorium, Galveston, TX.	Ad in Galveston News, August 3, 1944, 2.
August 9	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Robinson Auditorium, Little Rock, AK. August 9, 1944.	Ad in Arkansas State Press (little Rock), August 4, 1944, 7.
August 12	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, KS. August 12, 1944.	“What to See in Kansas City,” Iola Register (KS) August 8, 1944, 10.
August 15	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Roller Rink, Evansville, IN.	Ad in Evansville Courier and Press, August 15, 1944. 9.
September 8?	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Bea Booze, Gwen Tynes?, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Howard Theater, Washington, DC. September 8–14?, 1944.	L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 31–32: Andy Kirk interviewed by Rehak: Kirk’s band played in Washington at Howard and the Louisiana Club, when Eckstine came for listening to Navarro. I have not been able to verify the Howard engagement.
September 19?	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Probably: Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Bea Booze, Gwen Tynes?, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Louisiana Club, Washington, D.C. September 19–25?, 1944.	“Billy Rowe’s Note Book,” Pittsburgh Courier, October 7, 1944, 13: “Louisiana Club had Andy Kirk as the feature, but he has since been replaced by John Kirby and Moke & Poke.” "Negro Bands Getting Paid in Cash Now," Billboard, October 7, 15: Andy Kirk opening at the Louisiana Club October 19. Compared with the Pittsburgh Courier note the date seems wrong, it may correctly have been September 19. L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 31–32. B. Eckstine, “Dizzy, Bird, and the Birth of Bop,” Melody Maker, April 9, 1954, 5: On Dizzy Gillespie's recommendation, Billy Eckstine listens to Navarro at the Louisiana Club in order to find a replacement for Gillespie. Howard McGhee interviewed by Phil Schaap. Radio WKCR 1977-78: McGhee confirms that he was in Kirk’s band here. In this and other interviews McGhee tells of jamming in Grant Park with Navarro, Gillespie and Eckstine. Billy Eckstine played at the Howard September 15–21 (“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, 18: Eckstine opened at the Howard on September 15). Billy Eckstine’s scouting episode has often been dated a later period while Eckstine was playing at the Club Bali (October 20–November 2), but McGhee can be verified back with Georgie Auld at the end of September ("House reviews: Earle, Philly," Variety, October 4, 1944, 16: Review on September 30.) and also in Cleveland, OH. October 20–26. (Ad in Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 20, 1944, 16. "Four Singing 'Charioteers' Save New Bill," Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 21, 1944, 10: Review: McGhee’s playing is commented).
September 29	Andy Kirk and His Band Probably: Harry Lawson, ?, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Gwen Tynes, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Three Chocolateers Brown and Brown Trio Rhythm Williams The Grey Family Apollo Theatre, New York, NY. September 29–October 6, 1944.	Ad in New York Age, September 30, 1944, 10. "Andy Kirk's Band in Annual appearance at Apollo Theatre," New York Age, September 30, 1944, 10.
November 4	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Pla-Mor, Greensboro, NC. November 4, 8–12 p.m.	Ad in Greensboro Daily News, October 29, 1944 sec. 6, 4.
November early	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Kirk signs with female singer Lou Owens, who is most known for Calypso-singing.	Notice in Chicago Defender, November 4, 1944. “Lou Owens to Kirk,” Cleveland Gazette, November 11, 1944, 3.
November 11	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra Probably: Harry Lawson, ?, Fats Navarro, Art Capehart (tp); Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); John Harrington (cl, as, ts); Reuben Smith, Ben Smith (as); J. D. King, Jim Forrest (ts); Eddie Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Booker Collins (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Lou Owens?, Tony Jenkins (voc); Andy Kirk (dir). Billie Holiday Moke and Poke Club Plantation, St. Louis, MO. November 11—December 1?, 1944.	Ad in St. Louis Star-Times, November 11, 1944, 5: opening tonight.: Andy Kirk, Billie Holiday. Ad in St. Louis Star-Times, November 14, 1944, 8: Now featuring: Andy Kirk, Billie Holiday. Ad in St. Louis Star-Times, November 16, 1944, 20: Now featuring: Andy Kirk, Moke and Poke. Ad in St. Louis Star-Times, November 30, 1944, 22: Now featuring: Andy Kirk, Moke and Poke. Ad in St. Louis Star-Times, December 2, 1944, 22: Opening tonight Louis Russell. "Billie Holiday and the 'St. Louis Incident': Negro Performers Must Act against Jim Crow," New York Amsterdam News [undated]. Here quoted from K. Vail, Lady Day's Diary (1996) 75: Bille Holiday left after the second show on opening night because of racial discrimination. Kirk continues the engagement.
December 16	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Laurel Gardens, Newark, N.J.	Documentation lost.
December 19	Andy Kirk and His Orchestra Harry Lawson, Art Capehart, Fats Navarro, unidentified (tp): Joe Taswell Baird, Wayman Richardson, Bob Murray (tb); Ben Smith (as), John Harrington, J. D. King, Jimmy Forrest (ts); Ed Loving (bars); Johnny Young (p); Lavern Baker (b); Ben Thigpen (dr); Andy Kirk (dir). Decca Studio, New York, NY. December 12, 1944. Commercial recordings for Decca	L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 63–65: look here for details.
December 22	Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy Royal Theatre, Baltimore, MD. December 22–28, 1944. Navarro may have left the band before this engagement.	“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, 15 Dec.1944: 14.
December late	Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra Shorty McConnell, Boonie Hazel, Gail Brockman, Fats Navarro, Dizzy Gillespie (tp), Jerry Valentine (tb &arr), Joe Taswell Baird, Howard Scott, Chippie Outcalt (tb), John Jackson, Bill Frazier (as), Gene Ammons, Budd Johnson (ts), Leo Parker (bars), John Malachi (p & arr), Connie Wainwright (g), Tommy Potter (b), Art Blakey (dr), Billy Eckstine (voc, tp, vtb, & dir), Sarah Vaughan (voc). Fats Navarro joins Eckstine. There seems to have been an overlapping period with both Gillespie and Navarro in the band at the same time.	L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 32–33: Andy Kirk interviewed by Rehak. Budd Johnson in I. Gitler, Swing to Bop (1985), 133–34.
December 30	Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra Shorty McConnell, Boonie Hazel, Gail Brockman, Fats Navarro, Dizzy Gillespie (tp), Jerry Valentine (tb &arr), Joe Taswell Baird, Howard Scott, Chippie Outcalt (tb), John Jackson, Bill Frazier (as), Gene Ammons, Budd Johnson (ts), Leo Parker (bars), John Malachi (p & arr), Connie Wainwright (g), Tommy Potter (b), Art Blakey (dr), Billy Eckstine (voc, tp, vtb, & dir), Sarah Vaughan (voc). Chestnut Street Hall, Harrisburg, PA. December 29, 1944. Civic Colored Dance Club (prod). Fats Navarro may have joined the band here. There seems to have been an overlapping period with both Gillespie and Navarro in the band at the same time.	Ad in Evening Times (Harrisburg, PA.) December 28, 18944, 13. Budd Johnson in I. Gitler, Swing to Bop (1985), 133–34.
December 31	Billy Eckstine and His Band Golden Gate Ballroom, New York, NY.	Ad in New York Amsterdam News, December 30, 1944, 9B.