Rhythm Aces

The Rhythm Aces is the name of Satchmo's band. In 1942, they fled the Confederate States, where they were popular despite the racism of the ruling Freedom Party. They requested and received asylum from the United States, where they were used for propaganda purposes. They performed versions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless the Stars and Stripes" very different from anything US audiences had previously heard.