[2] Desvigne started his career with Fate Marable on the Steamer Capitol, playing with him for several years on the Mississippi River and also in St. Louis before forming his own band.
In 1927 he formed Sidney Desvigne's Southern Syncopators, playing at St. Bernard's Country Club and on the riverboat Island Queen;[3] among his sidemen were Red Allen, Pops Foster, and Al Morgan.
He attempted to create a New Orleans big band in the 1930s, hoping to capitalize on the swing jazz craze.
During World War II, they were the city's most popular dance band, playing regular gigs at the Gypsy Tea Room on Saturday and Sunday nights, which frequently featured a Battle of the Bands.
The winner of their battle with the dance band from Algiers Naval Station, performing as the Gobs of Rhythm, was not announced in the press.