My favorite kind of fiction is historical fiction. What happened to Black Bottom and Paradise Valley happened all over the country. Railroads were built right through vibrant black and brown neighborhoods and contributed to segregation. Great story, as always, Jimmy.
Thanks Marc! I was just feeling the people when I started writing them I thought it might be wise to add the historical nonfiction that inspired the fiction.
Reminds me of Cornelius Bumpus, who was headed for Murphys, CA. I used to live an hour from there and my daughter went to Columbia JC. People were saying why was a big name going to a place they'd never heard of? He was going to his roots - one of those places where real music exists.
Detroits has torn a lot. Especially neighborhoods, almost whole neighborhoods. But, my sister and brother in law, who live in Manhattan, came to Detroit to look at all the great old architecture and buildings. Didn’t even stay with us because they wanted to stay in a renovated older building. They say Detroit has held onto so much more than NYC. They tear everything down in New York.
Sometimes we need out of towners to tell us what we have.
This is all true, hard to find that feeling of music, smoke filled friendly neighborhood dens. Someone should create a directory for this type of soul moving spots.
Such a good story. Freeways have a way of taking out the homes the powers don’t care about.
But I’d really I’d like to stop in at Fenner’s.
Here's one of the inspirations. https://g.co/kgs/bn6aTu
There is another venue, but I know increasing popularity brought it increased scrutiny and I don't know it it's still running.
I can see it - the bands, the whole environment
- and the excitement of hearing music and a voice come out of a real human in real time.
Miss those days
Interesting. I liked the Black Bottom footnote/link to Wikipedia. We did some shitty things to build freeways all over the state.
My favorite kind of fiction is historical fiction. What happened to Black Bottom and Paradise Valley happened all over the country. Railroads were built right through vibrant black and brown neighborhoods and contributed to segregation. Great story, as always, Jimmy.
Thanks Marc! I was just feeling the people when I started writing them I thought it might be wise to add the historical nonfiction that inspired the fiction.
Thank you for sharing this glimpse into the soul of a city, and a heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.
Thanks Winston! Happy Thanksgiving
2nd to last line you called "FENNER'S" Renner's
Mashed Potato fingers. Thanks for the edit. I'll grab it.
Real roots.
Reminds me of Cornelius Bumpus, who was headed for Murphys, CA. I used to live an hour from there and my daughter went to Columbia JC. People were saying why was a big name going to a place they'd never heard of? He was going to his roots - one of those places where real music exists.
When you can find those places it's truly priceless.
I can feel the love for music in this story.
Music brought me where I am today
Reminds me of Ry Cooder’s “Chavez Ravine” album, about the destruction of a vibrant Latino community to build Dodger Stadium.
Kinda doesn't surprise me. I'll have to listen to it
Ain’t that the way of things? All the old places disappear or change.
And there is a difference between playing the right notes and making music.
Musicians always find a place but sometimes the crowd doesn't follow them. It's a shame.
True of any art.
Excellent story!
Thanks! Obviously one that needs to be told.
Detroits has torn a lot. Especially neighborhoods, almost whole neighborhoods. But, my sister and brother in law, who live in Manhattan, came to Detroit to look at all the great old architecture and buildings. Didn’t even stay with us because they wanted to stay in a renovated older building. They say Detroit has held onto so much more than NYC. They tear everything down in New York.
Sometimes we need out of towners to tell us what we have.
This is all true, hard to find that feeling of music, smoke filled friendly neighborhood dens. Someone should create a directory for this type of soul moving spots.