The Hokum Boys

"The Hokum Boys" was a name used by a number of distinct hokum and ragtime groups recording for various "race record" labels between 1928 and 1937. This entry is for the group consisting of Thomas A. Dorsey aka Georgia Tom Dorsey accompanied either by Tampa Red or Ikey Robinson, recording for Paramount from c. December 1928 to early June 1929. Other groups using the name are: The Hokum Boys (2): Big Bill Broonzy, Casey Bill Weldon, Bill Settles, Washboard Sam, Black Bob, Bob Robinson (2) and others unknown, recording for Vocalion (2) from 1935 to 1937. The Hokum Boys (3): Managed by Aletha Dickerson and led by her husband Alexander Robinson (2)(aka Bob Alexander) accompanied by either Jimmy Blythe or Alexander Hill on piano, with either Bob Robinson (2) ( Paramount titles) or Ikey Robinson ( Okeh titles), and sometimes Dan Roberts (10). This group recorded ten sides for Paramount in June, 1929 then again for Paramount from September to October 1929, and then for OKeh for a single session in November of 1929. The Hokum Boys (4): A single session of duets by Big Bill Broonzy and Frank Brasswell for Gennett Records, May 2, 1930. The Hokum Boys (5): Thomas A. Dorsey and Big Bill Broonzy November 20, 1930. They backed vocalist Mozelle Alderson (performing under pseudonyms Jane Lucas or Hannah May). Although this was the core of Famous Hokum Boys, recordings from this date were released as "The Hokum Boys". The Hokum Boys (6): Blind Blake and Aletha Dickerson recorded one side for Paramount on August 17, 1929, which was issued as the B-side to a release by The Hokum Boys (7). Please note that all of these groups are considered to be distinct from both Famous Hokum Boys, who recorded for American Record Corporation between April - September, 1930, and The Hokum Trio, who recorded for Columbia and affiliated dime-store labels in May, 1930. This is despite the fact that many of the artists listed here recorded for multiple similarly named groups, and that one release by The Hokum Trio was issued under the name "The Hokum Boys" (see A Bench In The Park / You're Bound To Look Like A Monkey When You Get Old).