Prairie View Co-eds facts for kids

The Prairie View Co-eds were an amazing all-girl band from the 1940s. They started at Prairie View A&M University, a special college for African American students. Many young men were joining the armed forces during World War II. This meant fewer male musicians were available. So, the Co-eds stepped up! Their music became very popular, and they soon traveled all over the country.

How the Band Started

In the early 1940s, Prairie View College was a top school for African Americans. It was one of the few four-year public colleges they could attend in Texas. The most popular band on campus was the Prairie View Collegians. This was an all-male group that played at school events and even toured.

When Bert Etta Davis, a very talented alto saxophonist, arrived at the school, she tried out for the Collegians. The band leader accepted her. However, the Dean of Women said no. She thought it was too shocking for a woman to play in an all-male band.

A New Opportunity for Girls

By 1943, things had changed a lot. The Prairie View Collegians had lost many members. Most of their male musicians had joined the military. The band didn't have enough players to perform well anymore.

That's when Will Henry Bennett decided to start an all-female dance band. He might have been inspired by seeing another famous all-girl group, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

Building the First Team

The first year, the new band was a mix of different talents. Some players, like Bert Etta Davis, were very skilled. Others joined just for fun, as an after-school activity. Music students also helped fill spots. They even learned new instruments if needed.

This group wasn't just beginners, though. At first, the Co-eds played at campus parties. But soon, they started getting invited to play off campus. Many men's bands had broken up because of the war. The Prairie View Co-eds filled this need for music. A chaperone always traveled with the band. This made sure the young women's good reputation was protected.

Growing and Touring

After their first year, the Prairie View Co-eds became famous. People talked about the talented all-girl college band. Soon, skilled musicians came to Prairie View College just to join the Co-eds. This showed that playing music was becoming a serious career for these women.

Life on the Road

The Co-eds began to go on more serious tours. A teacher and a chaperone always went with them. Soon, they had tours in the summer and winter too. The Prairie View Co-eds were acting like professional musicians.

The Black press, which were newspapers for African Americans, praised this group. They saw the Co-eds as symbols of successful and educated African American women. They also represented a patriotic spirit during the war.

Performing for Soldiers

The Prairie View Co-eds even performed at USO shows. USO shows were special events for soldiers. Their performances were a big success for black military personnel. These soldiers were often left out of the entertainment that white soldiers received.

The Co-eds played for both black and white soldiers. This meant African American soldiers got entertainment they were often denied. Plus, they got to see a performance from an African American group.

Challenges of Touring

The Prairie View Co-eds also went on very long tours during the summer. They were always professional. They worked with the Moe Gale Agency, whose owner also owned the famous Savoy Ballroom.

Touring was hard during the war. There was rationing, which meant things like gas and rubber for tires were limited. Often, the Co-eds could get ration coupons for these items only because of their work with the USO.

Still, touring was worth it. The Prairie View Co-eds got to perform at famous places. One of these was the Apollo Theater. Being called "Co-eds" was also important. It showed they were educated African Americans, as well as being young and appealing.