1960s

Bassist. Born c. 1932 in Newport News, Virginia; died ?.

Member of Shirley Horn’s trio in 1960. Worked with Bobby Timmons at Bohemian Caverns in 1963. Member of Roberta Flack’s trio in 1968. Worked regularly with Katherine Chrishon at Henry’s Africa in 1984.

Drummer. Harry T. Saunders born January 17, 1933 in Washington, D.C.; died October 12, 1994.

Brother of drummer Billy Saunders (William Russell Saunders, d. August 29, 1978).

Member of Shirley Horn’s trio in 1960. Recorded with Sonny Rollins in 1962. Worked in a trio with John Malachi and Keter Betts behind numerous visiting artists at the Showboat Lounge in the 1960s.

Manager, promoter, booking agent. Anthony Elias Taylor born November 16 [some sources say 22], 1927 in Washington, D.C.; died March 1, 1981 in Washington, D.C.

Attended Armstrong High School and then Dunbar High School. Served in U.S. Army. Studied at Corcoran School of Art and George Washington University.

Trumpeter. Harold A. Posey, Jr. born September 19, 1930 in Reading, Pennsylvania; died March 31, 2017 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Played with Eddie Phyfe at Olivia Davis’ Patio Lounge in 1956 and with the Swanee Six at the Bayou in 1957.

Pianist. Eugene Bernard Bonnike born September 10, 1931 in Elgin, Illinois; died March 28, 2010.

Arrived in Washington to attend Catholic University (1950-1954). Played in a duo with bassist Norman Williams at Stevens Cafe in 1954. Bonnike’s trio worked regularly playing intermissions at Olivia Davis’ Patio Lounge in 1955.

Pianist. Elsworth Furman Gibson born November 11, 1929 in Washington, D.C.; died August 21, 2006.

Attended Armstrong High School. Served in U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the rank of sergeant. He concluded his service as a member of the 56th Army Band.