Photograph by
Joyce, James A., American
Subject of
Hawkins, Bill, American, 1909 - 1975
Bailey, Bill, American, 1912 - 1978
Hawkins, Bill’ Record Studio, American
WDOK 1260, American, 1950 - 2015
Date
1950-1958
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (Sheet): 7 × 5 1/16 in. (17.8 × 12.9 cm)
Description
A black-and-white photograph of Disc Jockey Bill “Hawk” Hawkins with Bill Bailey. The photograph, taken from the front window of Bill Hawkins’ Record Studio, depicts Hawkins and Bailey, behind a large DJ console with a microphone and a turntable. Hawkins is depicted on the right, looking into the distance. Over his ears are a pair of headphones with black wires draped down the front of his shirt and is leaning slightly towards the microphone in front of him. He is wearing a dark collared shirt with white, wavy vertical stripes and dark trousers. He is resting his proper right hand on the side of the turntable. Bailey, depicted on the left, is wearing a dark suit, white collared shirt, and a dark tie with a diagonal stripe pattern. Leaning against the front of the turntable is a partially visible black sign with white text in varying fonts that reads [See an[d?] / [Bill H] / Sh / 5:45 / Radio / WDOK / ON]. To the left of the sign, also leaning on the turntable, is an open display box with compartment dividers filled with a white plate, white utensils, and small white bowls and dishes. Behind the men is a window framed in wood paneling. The top of another man’s head is visible in the window. The photograph has a white border and a portrait orientation. The back of the photograph is white with an upside down, black ink stamp that reads [JAMES A. JOYCE / PHOTOGRAPHER / TY 1-0748 CLEVELAND, OHIO].
Place captured
Cleveland, Cayuhoga County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America
Place printed
Cleveland, Cayuhoga County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Media Arts-Photography
Type
gelatin silver prints
portraits
Topic
Photography
Radio
Tap dancing
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of W. Allen Taylor, son of "Walkin' Talkin' Bill Hawkins," The First Black Disc Jockey of Cleveland, Ohio
Object number
2018.91.2.5
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd579e72cfd-0f96-410f-9de6-4a8732f3b1b1

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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