McKinney's Cotton Pickers was an American jazz band founded in Springfield, Ohio in 1922 by Bill McKinney. They gained popularity between 1927 and 1931. In 1927, Don Redman joined as musical director, assembling a talented lineup that included Cuba Austin on drums and vocals, Langston Curl on trumpet, and Todd Rhodes on piano. They recorded several bestselling records for Victor Records during this period, including the Number 1 hit "If I Could Be with You (One Hour Tonight)" (1930). Notable members who contributed to their success included Benny Carter, Doc Cheatham, and Fats Waller. In 1931, Redman left to form a band and was replaced by Carter. Despite their initial success, McKinney's Cotton Pickers disbanded in 1934, unable to make money during the Great Depression. They were later revived as the New McKinney's Cotton Pickers in the early 1970s by David Hutson, featuring original member Dave Wilborn on banjo.
