Biography
Ernestine "Tiny" Davis served as trumpeter in the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm, recognized as the first racially integrated woman's jazz band, and performed alongside vocalist/leader Anna Mae Winburn and tenor saxophonist Viola Burnside to deliver uplifting, swinging music to Black audiences throughout the 1940s. While enrolled at the Piney Woods Country Life School in Mississippi, she joined fellow students in establishing the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm in 1939 and stayed with the ensemble throughout its entire decade-long run. Two films featured Davis with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm: International Sweethearts of Rhythm: Hottest All-Girl Band highlighted the group's swinging music, whereas Tiny And Ruby: Hill Divin' Women centered on her partnership with longtime lover, drummer and pianist, Ruby Lucas.