This picture is from the 1963 Buccaneer, p. 103, where the Brubeck concert is featured as the major event of the entertainment series. The picture, taken on Jan. 24, 1963, shows President Leo Jenkins presenting Brubeck band members with awards given them by Down Beat magazine, a jazz magazine. The awards were based on the 1962 Readers' poll. The event was reported in The East Carolinian, January 22, 1963.

In the Fall of 1957, the Student Government Association invited the Dave Brubeck Quartet to play at East Carolina College. By the time the performance occurred in February 1958, Dave Brubeck’s bass player had been replaced by Eugene Wright. Since he was African American, Eugene Wright was not permitted to play on stage at ECC, but required to perform from off stage. In response, the Student Government Association petitioned ECC President John Messick for permission to invite any entertainment they chose without consideration of race. The Board of Trustees granted permission.