The Detroit Tribune

"The Detroiters" is composed of entertainers: Will Gaines, MC and comedy dancer: Peggy Ellis, vocalist; Willie Tyler, comedy ventriloquist: the Hank Warren Combo—Hank Warren on the drums; William Greene, Bass: Joe Burton, piano: and Louis Barnett, tenor saxophone. Warren was named Unit Manager by USO Officials.

This high-speed all Negro unit have worked up a show that equals the high polish on the newest automobiles. From a standing start Master of Ceremonies Will Gaines can rev his pace into high in a matter of seconds. He is one of the most sensational dancers to hit show business in recent years.

Willie Tyler, about six months ago was an Airman First Class serving at Wheelus AFB in Tripoli. Willie and his wooden partner, a wooden-headed dummy named "Lester," did many shows for fund raising purposes while in the service, and his guitar and folk singing put him in great demand on Armed Forces TV.

Hank Warren, a staffer on the Detroit Lions Band at Tiger Stadium for the last four years is a native-born Detroiter and started out as a professional drummer while in high school. Hank has played with the late "Fats" Waller, Louis Armstrong, Billy Eckstine, Erskine Hawkins, and Duke Ellington. This talented showman also sings and dances

Louis Barnett on tenor sax; Joe Burton on piano; and, William Greene on string bass, round out the combo. Louis is remembered for his work at the Flame Show Bar. Joe worked with the Jimmy Wilkins aggregation for the last 4 years. William, also a dancer, has played Broadway shows with Cab Calloway and Sugar Ray Robinson.

Peggy Ellis, though she has been singing publicly for eight years, turned pro only two years ago. Since that time she has been booked solidly in the Midwest and the East

The Detroiters" overseas tour is made possible by the generosity of the American people, who donate to USO through their Community Chests, United Funds and other drives, to maintain USO and its services to the American Armed Forces all over the world.