Melvin Reid owned the Jefferson Street Bakery since 1940
Credit: The Tennesseean, 2014
(Past) Jefferson Street with K. Gardner Funeral Chapel and neighboring businesses as cars pass.
Credit: MTSU Digital Collections
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The Del Morocco, owned by Theodore Acklen, thrived on Nashville's Jefferson Street from the 1940s to the late 1960s, and many music greats are rumored to have played there, including Jimi Hendrix, Duke Ellington, and Little Richard. Interstate 40, which cut down Jefferson Street, led to the demolishment of Club Del Morocco, Club Baron, Maceo's, and other prominent African American music clubs. Credit: MTSU Digital Collections |
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During the early twentieth century, Nashville's Jefferson Street developed into a thriving African American community. Numerous African American businesses and churches were located in this area, and the area later became famous for its jazz and blues. This sanctuary for the Jefferson Street Church of Christ was built in 1927. The building was razed during urban renewal. Credit: MTSU Digital Collections |
Owned by Nashville's Bijou Amusement Company, the Ritz catered to African American patrons and was located across Jefferson Street from Fisk University. It opened in 1937 and operated until 1969. This photograph appears to have been taken in the late 1950s.
Credit: MTSU Digital Collections
