Music, Music, Music, continues as the bands played on in the early 1900's. Four of the Hite Brothers played in the "Brewer’s Juvenile Band, using the instruments purchased by Harvey Hite, upon his return from World War I. This band was organized and conducted by a Mr. Schaede , a resident of German descent who lived on North Ash Street in Champaign. As a marching band, they played for parades and other local events, sponsored by the Knights of Pythias, and Masonic Lodges.

A few years later, under the management of Mr. Clifford Jordan, who played violin and trombone, Ernie Hite organized his own jazz band using local musicians and by recruiting University of Illinois students who played with him until their graduation. They played for proms at many fraternities and sororities on Campus and at other places such as Prehn’s on Campus, College Hall, Bradley Hall and other dance halls locally and in surrounding towns. Brother Les Hite left the area with his band and became quite famous in California, playing for, and making movies.

The Hite musical legend was carried on locally by Ernie’s sons, Luster Jay and Ernie Hite, Jr., both talented musicians who led and played with their own jazz band - the Lus Hite Band.

To be continued...