Jack's Basket Room facts for kids
Jack's Basket Room was a famous jazz club in Los Angeles, California. It was also known by names like Jack's Chicken Basket and The Basket Room. This special club was run by Jack Johnson, who was once a world champion boxer!
The club was famous for its delicious fried chicken and shoestring potatoes, served in a cool rattan basket. This is how it got its name! Jack's Basket Room was a place where musicians would gather for exciting jam sessions, playing music late into the night. It was a very important spot in the "Jazz Corridor" of Los Angeles, a lively area full of music clubs in the 1920s to 1950s.
Besides music, Jack's Basket Room was also known for its kindness. Every year, the club hosted a big Christmas dinner for up to 1,000 children who needed help. They served turkey, all the yummy trimmings, and ice cream for dessert! This special tradition was started by Jack Johnson and the club's manager, Bill Hefflin.
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What Was Jack's Basket Room?
Jack's Basket Room was more than just a restaurant; it was a hub for jazz music. It was located at 3219 South Central Avenue in Historic South Central Los Angeles. This area was the heart of jazz music in the city for many years.
The club had a large stage with a piano, making it perfect for live music. Even though it was a restaurant, it felt like a concert hall where people could enjoy amazing performances.
A Look at Its History
Jack's Basket Room was a popular place from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s. It was even listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book, which helped Black travelers find safe places during a time of segregation.
The club was known for its "impromptu jams," meaning musicians would often show up and start playing together without much planning. This made every night exciting and unique.
Famous Musicians and Events
Many great jazz musicians played at Jack's Basket Room. One of the most famous was Charlie "Bird" Parker, a legendary saxophonist. He was a regular at the club.
In February 1947, something very special happened. Charlie Parker had just left a hospital and made a surprise appearance at Jack's Basket Room. The club was completely packed! When he stepped onto the stage, the crowd cheered so loudly that the sound could be heard all along Central Avenue. This shows how important and exciting the club was for jazz fans.
Community and Sports Nights
Jack's Basket Room also hosted special events. For example, on Friday nights in 1947, they had "Sportsman's Night." This event honored college sports stars from UCLA and helped raise money for scholarships.
The club was a place where people could enjoy music, good food, and community events. It was a vibrant part of Los Angeles's history.
What Happened to the Building?
After Jack's Basket Room closed, many different businesses used the building. Today, the building that once housed this famous club is empty.
However, if you look closely, you can still see some faded writing on the building. It says "Chicken ain't nuten but a bird" and the original name, "Jack's Basket Room." There's also a small plaque outside the building that tells about its historical importance. It reminds everyone of the club's rich past and its role in jazz history and the community.
Images for kids
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A sign located outside of Jack's Basket Room at 3219 South Central Ave, Los Angeles CA 90011
