During the 1950 and early 1960s many of the major recording artists in Rock and Rhythm and Blues visited Phoenix regularly. Some of the favorite venues were the Riverside Ballroom, Calderon Ballroom, Madison Square Garden, National Guard Armory and various high schools.

  The Coasters and friends after a show in Phoenix 1960 (L-R: Carl Gardner, Unknown, Cornell Gunter, Dub Jones. Front: Unknown).

After a show in Phoenix 1960 (L-R: Unknown, Dub Jones, Unknown, Carl Gardner, Cornell Gunter, Billy Guy).

The Flamingos at KTVK studios (L-R: Unknown, Jake Carey, Nate Nelson, Tommy Hunt, Zeke Carey, Unknown Guitarist)

Ray Charles backstage at the Phoenix Madison Square  Garden circa 1960.

Fats Domino performing at a concert sponsored by radio station KRIZ

Ray Sharpe of "Linda Lou" fame. Linda Lou was actually recorded in Phoenix for Jamie Records

All photos taken by Johnny Franklin.