Musician, conductor, and arranger John W. (Johnny) Pate started his career as a self-taught bass player. Born in Illinois on December 5, 1923, Pate characterized his style as "Chicago soul," although he spent the majority of his career playing with jazz musicians. After his service in the AGF Army Band during World War Two, he played with Coleridge Davis' big band from 1947 to 1949.

Louis Prima (1910-1978) was an American singer, songwriter, trumpeter, bandleader, and actor during the mid-20th century. He was known for performing jazz, swing, and jump blues music. Using his background from New Orleans and his Italian heritage to shape his distinctive sound, he encouraged other performers at the time to embrace their ethnic heritage. He frequently performed with his wife, Keely Smith, at the height of his popularity.

Dr. Cheryl Radeloff was born in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio in the 1960s. Radeloff received her master's degree in sociology from the University of Toledo in 1996, and heard about a research position at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She contacted Dr. Maralee Mayberry and Dr. Peg Rees of the UNLV sociology department and was hired as a graduate assistant through Promise (Projects for Interdisciplinary and Multi-cultural Study in Education).

Roger Ray was born on February 26, 1922, in Yonkers, New York. Roger married Dorothy M. on December 27, 1983, and they had four children: Kaaren Ray, Mary R. Hoyt, Robin Ray, and Vivian R. Bratton.

Ray was enlisted in the United States Army from 1940 to 1970.

Ray obtained a master of science degree from the United States Military Academy. Ray then earned a master of art degree in electrical engineering from New York University.