The Buffalo Soldier Spanish-American War Poster commemorates their contribution during the War with Spain in 1898.  All four Buffalo Soldier regiments played a crucial role . By this time, the Buffalo Soldiers—once seen as intruders on the western frontier by Native American and frontier settlements alike—had earned their reputation as heroes, becoming an indispensable part of the U.S. Army. When the Army mustered all available forces to assault Cuba, the Buffalo Soldiers were among those called to action.

On June 22, 1898, the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments landed in Cuba and soon found themselves fighting alongside Col. Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. This unexpected pseudo-integration proved pivotal just two days later at the Battle of Las Guasimas. During the engagement, the Rough Riders charged headlong into a deadly “kill zone” where entrenched Spanish riflemen pinned down their unit. The 10th Cavalry, demonstrating tactical brilliance and bravery, flanked the Spanish positions, forcing their retreat and rescuing the Rough Riders from disaster. This act of heroism made headlines across the United States and underscored the Buffalo Soldiers’ critical role in the campaign.

The Buffalo Soldiers’ contributions did not end there. While the Rough Riders received much of the glory for the July 1, 1898, assault on San Juan and Kettle Hills, the attack’s success was largely due to the Buffalo Soldiers. The Spanish infantry, well-entrenched on the San Juan Heights, held a commanding position over Santiago. The geography and lack of effective American artillery necessitated a bold frontal assault.

Recognizing the perilous nature of the mission, the 10th Cavalry and the 24th Infantry, both Buffalo Soldier units, volunteered to lead the final charge. Racing across open terrain under relentless enemy fire, their speed and determination minimized casualties and inspired their fellow soldiers. As the 10th Cavalry pressed the attack on San Juan Hill, the Rough Riders followed their lead, assaulting the smaller Kettle Hill in support.

This collective effort broke the Spanish defenses, leading to a decisive American victory and ultimately securing Santiago. The bravery and sacrifice of the Buffalo Soldiers during these battles were instrumental, even though their contributions were often overshadowed by the fame of the Rough Riders.

“White regiments, black regiments, regulars, and Rough Riders, representing the young manhood of the North and the South, fought shoulder to shoulder, unmindful of race or color, unmindful of whether commanded by an ex-Confederate or not, and mindful only of their common duty as Americans.”

— 1st Lt. (later General of the Armies) John “Black Jack” Pershing commenting in November 1898 on the unity he witnessed during the campaign in Cuba while leading part of the 10th Cavalry.

More reading of the war here:

https://www.thenmusa.org/articles/buffalo-soldiers/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/busospanamwar.htm

https://www.history.com/news/buffalo-soldiers-spanish-american-war-san-juan-hill-rough-riders

The Harlem Hellfighter vintage-style poster is modeled after the 369th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, an African-American unit that fought during World War I. The regiment was predominantly composed of African-American soldiers, many of whom were from Harlem, New York. Despite facing racism and discrimination at home and in the military, the Hellfighters gained widespread recognition for their bravery and performance in combat.

They served under French command (seen here wearing the french helmet) due to the U.S. Army’s reluctance to assign them to combat roles initially. The regiment participated in several major battles, including the famous Battle of Belleau Wood. They spent 191 days in combat, more than any other American unit during the war, and were highly praised by the French for their courage and tenacity.

The Harlem Hellfighters earned many honors, including the French Croix de Guerre (War Cross) for heroism. Their story became iconic, contributing to the fight for civil rights and racial equality in the United States, serving as a powerful symbol of African-American patriotism and valor.

This is a unique poster that was illustrated and designed by S.C. James of the Union Design Company in a retro-style reminicent of 20th-century War Propaganda Poster art.

Strange Meadowlark Poster by S. Christopher James is an art composition that plays off the jazz tune of the same name, composed by Dave Brubeck and featured on his groundbreaking 1959 album “Time Out.” In this composition, the drinking bird, painted in the colors of a meadowlark, sees Brubeck as equally strange, as he was not typical of many jazz musicians at the time. While some of the most talented jazz musicians of the 1950s and 1960s turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with various issues, Brubeck was known for his discipline and focus on innovation.

Strange Meadowlark begins with a lyrical and classically influenced piano solo by Brubeck before transitioning into a swing rhythm as the rest of the quartet joins in. Paul Desmond’s saxophone then takes the lead, carrying the main melody. The tune is known for its blend of classical and jazz elements, which is a hallmark of Brubeck’s distinctive style.

Dave Brubeck (1920–2012) was an American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his innovative approach to jazz and his contributions to the genre’s popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which featured Paul Desmond. Together, they released the groundbreaking album “Time Out” in 1959, which included the hit song “Take Five,” composed by Desmond. “Take Five” became famous for its distinctive 5/4 time signature, which was unusual in jazz at the time and helped push the boundaries of rhythm in the genre.

Brubeck’s music often explored complex rhythms and time signatures, incorporating elements of classical music, making him a pioneer in cool jazz and West Coast jazz. Besides “Strange Meadowlark,” other notable works on the “Time Out” album include “Blue Rondo à la Turk” and “Unsquare Dance.”

Beyond his music, Brubeck was known for his commitment to civil rights. He refused to perform in segregated venues and often led integrated bands, which made a powerful statement against racial discrimination during the civil rights era.

Buffalo Soldier Art Print, by S. Christopher James ©2016. Buffalo soldiers were African American soldiers who mainly served on the Western frontier following the American Civil War. Their main tasks were to help control the Native Americans of the Plains, capture cattle rustlers and thieves and protect settlers, stagecoaches, wagon trains and railroad crews along the Western front. The soldiers of the all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were dubbed “buffalo soldiers” by the Native Americans they encountered. One theory claims the nickname, Buffalo Soldier, arose because the soldiers’ dark, curly hair resembled the fur of a buffalo. Another assumption is the soldiers fought so valiantly and fiercely that the Indians revered them as they did the mighty buffalo (history.com).

The is the same as the vintage style print without the text.

Buffalo Soldier Vintage Poster, by S. Christopher James ©2016. Buffalo soldiers were African American soldiers who mainly served on the Western frontier following the American Civil War. Their main tasks were to help control the Native Americans of the Plains, capture cattle rustlers and thieves and protect settlers, stagecoaches, wagon trains and railroad crews along the Western front. The soldiers of the all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were dubbed “buffalo soldiers” by the Native Americans they encountered. One theory claims the nickname, Buffalo Soldier, arose because the soldiers’ dark, curly hair resembled the fur of a buffalo. Another assumption is the soldiers fought so valiantly and fiercely that the Indians revered them as they did the mighty buffalo (history.com).

This design is a vintage-style work is inspired early 20th-century design.

Make it Muddy art print ©2021, by S. Christopher James. Muddy Waters was a member of the inaugural class (1980) of the Blues Hall of Fame. A major influence on a variety of rock musicians—most notably the Rolling Stones (who took their name from his song “Rollin’ Stone” and made a pilgrimage to Chess to record)—Waters was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Six of his albums earned Grammy Awards, and he received the Grammy for lifetime achievement in 1992.I have always had a strong admiration for vintage poster arts (Britannica).

Make it Muddy, is a piece that is influenced by various art styles such as collage, cubism, and the vintage style posters of the early to mid-twentieth century. It is a digital painting that started out as traditional watercolor, scanned and enhanced through a digital painting process.

The Charlie Parker Poster was created in celebration of this iconic american jazz saxophonist and composer. Also affectionately known as “Bird,” Charlie was born in 1920 in Kansas City. Parker was a pioneering figure in the development of bebop, a fast-paced and intricate style of jazz that redefined the genre in the 1940s. His virtuosic technique, innovative improvisations, and harmonic breakthroughs transformed the sound of modern jazz. Collaborating with legendary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, Parker’s contributions laid the foundation for jazz as we know it today. Despite his brilliance, Parker’s struggles with addiction led to his untimely death at 34 in 1955, yet his profound impact on jazz remains unparalleled.

This poster captures the essence of Charlie Parker by fusing Art Deco aesthetics with minimalist elements, utilizing clean lines, geometric shapes, and symmetry to celebrate one of jazz’s most distinctive voices.

Tuskegee Airmen Poster by S. Christoper James ©2023. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African-American military pilots, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, and support staff of the 332nd Fighter Group who served during World War II. They were part of the U.S. Army Air Corps, later becoming the U.S. Army Air Forces. The Tuskegee Airmen became one of the war’s most highly respected and successful fighter groups. Known as “Redtails” because of the painted red tail section of their P-51 Mustang fighter planes, their achievements significantly broke down racial barriers in the military, paving the way for the desegregation of the armed forces.