Saydisc Jazz and Ragtime Archive Series. James Reese Europe was the first outstanding negro bandleader in the US forming in 1910 the Clef Club Orchestra, then Europe's Society Orchestra and soon after the entry of the United States into the first World War on April 6,1917. Lt. Europe was called on to form"the best brass band in the U.S. Army." This, known as the "Hell-Fighters", was drawn from the 369th infantry Division,and saw active service in France during 1918. Arthur Pryor was born in Missouri in 1873. He studied music as a lad, and became so proficient a trombonist that he secured a position as principal in the famous concert band conducted by the great John Philip Sousa. Before he was twenty-five Pryor was appointed assistant director of the band and indeed all its records which date back at their earliest to 1896-were made under his rather than Sousa's direction.