The Jenkins Orphanage Band Viewer’s Guide

The Jenkins Orphanage Band was created by Rev. Daniel Jenkins (1862-1937) as a means of raising funds for his newly opened orphanage during the early 1890s. The band, which eventually grew to five ensembles, was hugely successful and traveled to many cities across the United States and England until they disbanded after World War II. The band proved a training ground for professional musicians who would influence with world of jazz and American popular music. Several famous jazz musicians got their start in the Jenkins Orphanage Band including Gus Aiken who played in Louis Armstrong’s Band and drummer Tommy Benford who starred with Jelly Roll Morton.