Red Mckenzie's Mound City Blue Blowers were founded in 1923, after they were discovered by Gene Rodemich who led a Chicago band. About 1924 they also met Isham Jones in the Windy City, who offered them a Brunswick recording contract. The tunes recorded soon after were "Arkansas Blues" and "Blue Blues". It is said it sold over a million copies. Brunswick made them perform in a place in Atlantic City called the Beaux Arts. In New York, The Mound City Blue Blowers played the Palace in August, 1924." Subsequently, Red's band played at the Stork Club in London. Upon returning to America McKenzie joined the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, but kept the band going on the side, with personnel changes. In 1935 he revived the Mound City Blue Blowers for a series of recording sessions. This wonderful record was made in 1931.