What do you know about the Blues Clubs that used to exist in North Richmond?

The Richmond Museum of History staff is conducting research on the blues clubs that existed in North Richmond during the 1940s and 1950s. Unfortunately, the museum collection includes only scant about this fascinating and important time of Richmond history. So, we are asking members of our community to come forth with anecdotes, photographs, and artifacts/memorabilia related to the blues scene in Richmond.

Bill and Josephine Burrus eating a meal at the Brown Derby Night club and Caf?. Josephine is wearing the sailor suit, other two ladies are unidentified. Bill Burrus owned the Brown Derby Night Club and Caf? in North Richmond during the 1950s. Courtesy of Dr. Betty Burrus-Wright.

Don?t know much about North Richmond Blues Clubs? Check out this video in the Exploration of our History series by filmmaker Doug Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUG3NgyML74.

Minnie Lou?s, Jazzland Records, Do Drop Inn, Fred?s Place, Brown Derby, Tapper?s Inn, and Club Savoy are just a few of the blues clubs we want to learn more about! If you have information about any of these businesses or other blues clubs in Richmond, please call museum staff at (510) 235-7387.