Photo and information on Bennie Moten (1894-1935), a black pianist, bandleader and native of Kansas City, leading in the development of the Kansas City style of jazz. Starting his own ragtime band here by 1918 and forming the Bennie Moten Orchestra in the 1920s with Count Basie and political cooperation of Boss Tom Pendergast, and recording many songs such as "Moten Swing" with national music labels.
