As requested below ... A sampling of Lonnie Johnson's music from 1927-1947. I imagine he played one of these during a set. Ladies in hats and men including the musicians in suits and ties you just can't get gigs like that anymore.

• She's My Mary 1939
• Two Tone Stomp 1928
• Nothing But Trouble
• Have To Change Keys To Play These Blues 1928
• Tomorrow Night 1948
• Flood Water Blues 1937
• Mean Old Bedbug Blues 1927
• Swing Out Rhythm 1937
• Playing With The Strings 1928
• Jelly Roll Baker
• No More Troubles Now 1930
• Guitar Blues 1929
• Tomorrow Night 1947
• Got The Blues For The West End 1937
• Pleasing You As Long As I Live 1948
• Blues In My Soul 1947

I don't think you can find places like this anymore where class and dignity upgrade the enjoyment of the music, cocktails and fun. I like the lady in the fedora in the back booth looking directly at the camera like she knows more than most and the elegance displayed by all the good company present. Don't know why, but it brings to mind a little-known song sung by LaVern Baker (born in Chicago in 1929) called "Saved" which is a real hoot with words something like "I used to smoke, I used to drink, I used to do the hootchy coo, but now I'm saved..." and there is a big Salvation Army drum booming in the background. I'll have to look that up and have another listen. Anyway, thank you Shorpy for the provacative photo, just another one of which takes me back to younger days. Chicago, Chicago, a toddlin' town...

Mick H could be right. The resemblance to Lonnie Johnson is striking.

[More Lonnie here. - Dave]

The guitar on the left is a 28 series Martin - you can tell by the white binding. It does look like a Dreadnought size, which surprises me. Man on the right has a Martin 00-21, which Lonnie Johnson played.

Stylishly well dressed and enjoying the show.

What I wouldn't give to have the guitar being played by the man in the center! Built by the C.F. Martin Company of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, it's a D-18. Hank Williams, Elvis, and other too numerous to mention played something similar.

Could the guitarist on the right possibly be Lonnie Johnson? He'd have been 42 at the time, and was I believe based in Chicago in the early Forties. Looks a lot like him anyway.

No reason for the photographer to know that he was snapping someone who'd played with Armstrong and Ellington, and is now seen as one of the great pioneers of blues/jazz guitar.

is beautiful. I wonder if she's a partygoer or an employee? Sure wish we had sound with these pictures!