Wild Bill Davison papers

This digital collection features select items from the Wild Bill Davison papers (MS-0735), which document the life and career of Chicago-style jazz musician William Edward Davison, known affectionately as "Wild Bill." The Wild Bill Davison papers include correspondence, photos of Davison and fellow jazz artists, publications, contracts, sheet music, concert itineraries, awards, news clippings, and art work dating from 1906-1989.

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This digital collection contains only a selection of items from the Wild Bill Davison papers. The full collection is available for research at the Center for Archival Collections. View the full collection finding aid.

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Wild Bill Davison's first band

Photograph of Wild Bill's Davison first band. Verso of the photograph reads, "This is Bills first band after being discharged from army - Consisting of all men who were in Bill's army band Cutty Cutshall - Trombone, Joe Barufaldi - Clarinet."

Wild Bill Davison performing with others

A photograph of a band autographed by Wild Bill Davison. The inscription reads, "To Geoff, This bunch, is a must When you get to New York "Wild" bill Davison."

Wild Bill Davison performing at Lucerna Hall, Prague, Czechoslovakia

Wild Bill Davison performing on 1976 October 10, at Lucerna Hall in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Wild Bill Davison and Eddie London at a recording session, circa 1951

Wild Bill Davison, Eddie London (guitar), and other musicians at a recording session around 1951.

Wild Bill Davison playing with Louis Armstrong and others

A sepia-tone photograph of Wild Bill Davison playing alongside several other jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Albert Nicholas, George Brunis, Baby Dodds, Art Hodes, and Danny Barker.

Wild Bill Davison with Joe Barufaldi

Photograph of Wild Bill Davison performing with original band member Joe Barufaldi.