Many people aren't even aware San Francisco's Blackhawk jazz club existed, but the Tenderloin dive bar regularly showcased Black excellence and was where SF native Johnny Mathis was discovered.
You can't talk about San Francisco jazz without mentioning the Fillmore jazz era. Handy says he never used the phrase ‘Harlem of the West’ when he was coming up.
Spoto says the time period of the club's existence from 1949 to 1963 was transformative for the Tenderloin. "Early 20th century, this neighborhood, while very working class, I think was quite robust economically. You had a lot of working people living in the SRO hotels. There were two world wars here, two world’s fairs. There was a very active port. There was blue-collar work," Spoto says. "And this was the area where a lot of those people would live.
Young adult cage inside the Black Hawk during San Francisco Police Department raid for violation of liquor law. This is the"caged" area for juveniles under the age of 21. Photo credit: San Francisco History Center/San Francisco Public Library. Of course, nothing lasts forever, not even the brilliance that was the Blackhawk. By Spoto's estimate, it was demolished in 1975 and became a parking lot.
Adrian Arias' River to the Sky mural in 2021. A mural depicting Miles Davis and Billie Holiday on the side of the 222 Club near Turk and Hyde where the Black Hawk jazz club once stood. The Luggage Store Gallery helped organize this mural funded by thMusic aficionados may know this historic landmark is an important part of the jazz tradition, but it represents so much more.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Clarence Gatson's photos show Black joy and dignity in San FranciscoClarence Gatson captured Black history in San Francisco and made thousands of photos. After his death in the early '90s, his images —and the stories contained within them — vanished from the public eye. See moments of Black daily life in San Francisco:
Read more »
San Francisco eyes corporate tax relief to attract new companiesToday, over 25% of office space in San Francisco sits empty.
Read more »
San Francisco Mission District groups decry violence after assault of 78-year-old womanCommunity groups in the Mission District on Wednesday demanded more protection from city officials in the wake of an assault on a 78-year-old woman.
Read more »
7 inches of snow once fell on San FranciscoIt's been nearly 50 years since snow settled downtown.
Read more »
Surging crime, dirty streets; Local residents say San Francisco's Mission District is in crisisDesperate for help! This is how Oscar Gonzalez feels these days
Read more »
Suspect arrested in series of San Francisco convenience store robberiesA man suspected of carrying out a series of robberies at convenience stores in San Francisco has found himself behind bars, authorities said.
Read more »