Basin Street West facts for kids
Basin Street West was a famous nightclub in San Francisco, California. It was located in the North Beach area. The club opened in 1964 and was owned by Jack Yanoff. It started as a place for jazz music. Later, it also featured popular soul and rock bands. Basin Street West closed its doors in 1973.
History of Basin Street West
Jack Yanoff opened Basin Street West as a jazz club in 1964. The very first musicians to play there were Latin jazz pianist Eddie Cano and pianist Hampton Hawes. Comedians also performed at the club, making people laugh. For example, the famous comedian Lenny Bruce performed there.
By 1967, the club started to feature rock bands. One of the well-known rock groups that played there was Jefferson Airplane. The club also welcomed many popular soul artists. These included Otis Redding and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The R&B duo Ike & Tina Turner even recorded a live music album at the club in 1969.
Basin Street West closed down in 1973. After it closed, a Korean restaurant took its place.
Famous Performers
Many amazing musicians and comedians performed at Basin Street West. Here are some of the notable artists who graced its stage:
- The Miles Davis Quintet
- Dizzy Gillespie
- Jefferson Airplane
- The Ike & Tina Turner
- Otis Redding
- Little Richard
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
- Rudy Ray Moore
- Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
- Ray Charles
- The Fifth Dimension
- Four Tops
- Sam & Dave
- Buddy Rich
- El Chicano
- Joe Simon
- Lenny Bruce
- Sly Stone
- Mongo Santamaria
- Armando Peraza
Live Albums Recorded Here
Several artists recorded live albums at Basin Street West, capturing their performances for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of those albums:
- 1964: Essential O'Day – Anita O'Day
- 1966: Woody's Winners – Woody Herman
- 1967: Woody Live: East and West – Woody Herman and His Swingin' Herd
- 1967: Dancing In the Street – Ramsey Lewis
- 1969: In Person – Ike & Tina Turner & The Ikettes
- 1971: Tears of Joy – Don Ellis
- 1971: For All We Know – Charlie Byrd