Nightclubs--Kentucky--Louisville

Mr. Key was a musician. He was born in Louisville but really launched his career in Chicago before touring as a singer. In this interview, he discusses his career, including the stint he did in the U.S. Army in Asia and Europe. He also discusses the music "scene" in Louisville in the middle of the twentieth century, beginning with the nightclubs that were open in the 1920s-1940s, under segregation, and including an assessment of the clubs hosting live music in the 1970s. Mr. Key also assesses the local talent, and discusses the difficulty of making it as a performer in Louisville.

Maxwell, the manager of the Top Hat Tavern for nearly 30 years, discusses her personal history as well as her experiences as a manager of a nightclub on Broadway in Louisville.

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

Former mayor Harvey Sloane provides some personal background and then shares his memories of working with Joe Hammond.

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.