Louisville Blues Legacy

Louisville Blues Legacy

Jazz and blues singer Mary Ann Fisher joined Ray Charles back in 1955 and toured with his band and many other rhythm and blues groups until the 1970s. She still performed in Louisville at the time of the interview. She talks about her career, other singers and musicians, and nightclubs of the 1940s.

Louisville's oldest jazz musician at the time of the interview (he was 85). Information about his career, Louisville nightlife during the 1920s, Prohibition, African American community and social conditions in Louisville during the 1920s.

Louisville's oldest jazz musician at the time of the interview (he was 85). Information about his career, Louisville nightlife during the 1920s, Prohibition, African American community and social conditions in Louisville during the 1920s.

Information about Sylvester Weaver, Smoketown neighborhood, Jacob Street AME Church, social conditions in Smoketown and the West End 1920s-1930s.

The Guess family has lived in the Smoketown neighborhood for generations. Social life, economic conditions, family history 1930s-1950s.

Ben Holton was a pianist who made recordings under his own name and with Cliff Butler band in 1950s. He was active in Louisville until 1990s. He provides information on his career and those of other musicians. Died in 1995.

Information about Sylvester Weaver.

Manager of the Top Hat, legendary nightclub on Walnut Street from late 1940s until 1960s.

Jazz and blues record collector who reminisces about jazz and blues scene in Louisvile, Indianapolis and Chicago in the 1930s-1950s. Died in 1995.

Sylvester Weaver worked as a butler and chauffeur for Shirley Palmer-Ball's aunt. Information about Sylvester Weaver, social conditions and relationships between whites and blacks 1930s-1950s.

Information on Louisville jug bands 1920s-1930s.

Sister of jug band musician Fred Smith. Information about Louisville jug bands, 1920s-1930s.

Daughter of famous Louisville blues singer Sarah Martin (1884-1955). Information about her mother, growing up in Louisville's West End, her mother's work in several Louisville churches.

Daughter of famous Louisville blues singer Sarah Martin (1884-1955). Information about her mother, growing up in Louisville's West End, her mother's work in several Louisville churches.

Legendary blues guitarist and singer from St. Louis. Took part in recording session in Louisville in 1931. Interviewed in Louisville. Information about his career and 1931 recording session.

Blues guitarist and singer. Moved to Louisville from Alabama in 1939. Active in music in Louisville until 1992. Blues musicians, clubs, club owners in Louisville 1940s-1970s.

Information about Sylvester Weaver and Smoketown neighborhood during the 1920s.