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| Chicago Landmark Sunset Cafe 1909 where Louis Armstrong played in house band |
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| Meyers Ace Hardware Store location of Chicago Landmark Sunset Cafe 1909 |
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| Grand Terrace Billboard from early 1900's |
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| Handpainted Mural from the Grand Terrace Stage where house band performed |
— WrldBlkHistPeri (@WrldBlkHistPeri) February 4, 2017
This was formerly an automobile garage which was remodeled in 1921 to become Chicago's earliest and most legendary jazz clubs. The house orchestra featured famous musicians Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Earl "Fatha" Hines. It's floor show introduced the latest local dances to local audiences. It was remodeled in 1937 and renamed the Grand Terrace. This famous jazz club was owned by Chicago Gangster Al Capone.
Louis Armstrong was a African American or Black trumpeter from New Orleans.
"At the Sunset Cafe, a mob-controlled night spot at 35th and Calumet, the short, stocky doorman, Bill Summers, occasionally greeted young white musicians with: "Good morning! I bet I know why you boys are back here again this morning. You came for another music lesson, didn't you?"
Some would reply, "You're right, Professor." Other would would say, "Here's a quarter, Sam. Get yourself a cigar." The more timid ones only nodded, sometimes with a smile.
On stage at the Sunset the teachers were Earl Hines and Louis Armstrong, both featured with the Carroll Dickerson Sunset Syncopated Orchestra. Among their regular pupils were Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, and Bix Beiderbecke. Others seen at ringside in front of the bandstand from time to time were Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Dave Tough, Muggy Spanier, Joe Sullivan, Jess Stacy, Bud Freeman, along with others who learned their music lessons well enough to build financially successful musical careers on a black cornerstone.' Pp. 70-71 An Autobiography of Black Jazz by Dempsey J. Travis
The Grand Terrace closed in 1950. In 1960, this Chicago Landmark was purchased by the Meyers Family and remodeled into a local hardware store. Dave Meyers family owned this local Bronzeville business for 57 years. Tourist would visit this popular legendary jazz attraction from all over the world. French tourists who have a special appreciation for Jazz since Lt. James Reese Europe of 369th Infantry Regiment or Harlem Hellfighters introduced jazz music to France during World War I. French Tourist would purchase souvenir postcards at the Meyers Hardware store. Tourists would line up to have Dave Meyers autograph their postcards. Tourists would come to take a glimpse of the original hand- painted stage mural in the office of the hardware store. Take a last look at this Chicago Landmark as its doors are closing.
Meyers Ace Hardware 315 East 35th Street Bronzeville Chicago, IL 60616
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| Featured Broadcast on Periscope Saturday, February 4, 2017 |
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