Mills Blue Rhythm Band

The Mills Blue Rhythm Band was an American big band of the 1930s. The band was formed in Harlem, New York City in 1930, with reedman Bingie Madison the first of its many leaders. It was temporarily known as the Coconut Grove Orchestra, changing to Mills Blue Rhythm Band when Irving Mills became its manager in 1931. At various times the same group was known as the "Blue Rhythm Band", "Blue Ribbon Band", "Blue Rhythm Boys", "King Carter's Royal Orchestra", "Mills Music Masters", "Harlem Hot Shots" and uncredited playing behind Louis Armstrong.