Sunset Cafe facts for kids
The Sunset Cafe, also called The Grand Terrace Cafe, was a famous jazz club in Chicago, Illinois. It was open during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. This club was one of the most important jazz spots in America. It was especially key when Chicago was a center for new jazz music from 1917 to 1928. It was also important when a new style called bebop appeared in the early 1940s.
The Sunset Cafe was special because it was a place where people of all backgrounds could mix freely. It was known as an "integrated" or "Black and Tan" club. This meant African Americans, white Americans, and other groups could enjoy music together. Many famous musicians started or grew their careers at the Sunset/Grand Terrace Cafe.
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The Original Building
The building that once held the Cafe is still standing today. You can find it at 315 E 35th St in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. It was first built in 1909 as a garage for cars. In 1921, it was changed into a music venue. It then had about 100 tables, a stage for bands, and a dance floor.
Unlike some other famous clubs, the Sunset/Grand Terrace Cafe building is still here. It even has some of its original wall paintings. After the Grand Terrace Cafe closed in 1950, the building went back to simpler uses. For a short time, it was a political office. Later, it became an Ace Hardware store. The building was named a Chicago Landmark on September 9, 1998. This means it is an important historical place.
Famous Performers at the Cafe
The Sunset Cafe was owned by Louis Armstrong's manager, Joe Glaser. Many legendary musicians played there. Some of these stars included Louis Armstrong, Adelaide Hall, and Billie Holiday. Other famous names were Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway, and Johnny Dodds.
Jazz greats like Bix Beiderbecke, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa also performed. Earl "Fatha" Hines and his orchestra were very popular. His band included future stars like Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Sarah Vaughan. On September 23, 1939, Ella Fitzgerald performed in Chicago for the first time on this famous stage.
Louis Armstrong's Time at the Cafe
In 1926, soon after recording his Hot Five records, Louis Armstrong began playing at the Sunset Cafe. He performed with the Carroll Dickerson Orchestra. Earl Hines played piano in this band.
In July 1926, a show called Jazzmania was put on. It ended with the whole cast supporting Armstrong as he sang "Heebie Jeebies." Later, another show featured Armstrong singing "Big Butter and Egg Man" with Mae Alix. The band, with Earl Hines leading the music, was soon renamed Louis Armstrong and his Stompers.
Cab Calloway's Start
Cab Calloway began his professional career on stage at the Sunset Cafe. He performed under Louis Armstrong. Calloway later became one of the few big band leaders who got their start with Armstrong and Earl Hines.
When Louis Armstrong left the Cafe for New York, he and Joe Glaser chose young Cab Calloway to take over. Calloway was only 20 years old at the time. A few years later, Calloway followed Armstrong to New York. He soon became a headliner at The Cotton Club. Back in Chicago, Earl Hines then took over the Sunset Cafe. In 1928, 25-year-old Earl Hines began a twelve-year stay at the club. By then, it had been renamed The Grand Terrace Cafe.
Earl Hines and the Grand Terrace Cafe
With Earl Hines as the bandleader, the club continued its tradition of introducing new talent. Under Hines, musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nat "King" Cole, and Billy Eckstine became known. The famous dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson also performed there. The Earl Hines Band became the most radio broadcast band in America. Their live shows from The Grand Terrace were heard by many people.
