Andy Kirk

One of its claims to fame is that Hattie McDaniel toured and recorded with the troupe from 1920 to 1925, as well as broadcasting from radio station KOA Denver.

Other notable alumni were Jimmie Lunceford and Andy Kirk Before The Melody Hounds were The Melody Three, backed by The All-Star Orchestra, conducted by Nat Shilkret with "Waiting for the End of the Road," written by Irving Berlin for the all-Black cast film produced in Hollywood, Hallelujah.

It's often cited as the first such film, but is actually predated by the obscure Fox film Hearts in Dixie, directed by Paul Sloane.

This recording is from Victor 22073, recorded in Liederkranz Hall on July 30th, 1929.