Theresa Needham facts for kids

Theresa McLaurin Needham (born April 17, 1912, died October 16, 1992) was an amazing American woman. She owned a special music club and became known as "the Godmother of the Chicago blues". She was honored after her death by being added to the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001.

Who Was Theresa Needham?

Theresa McLaurin was born in Meridian, Mississippi. She grew up in the Catholic faith. Later, she married Robert Needham. In the 1940s, Theresa and Robert moved to the big city of Chicago.

Opening a Famous Music Club

In December 1949, Theresa Needham opened her own club. It was called Theresa's Lounge. People sometimes called it T’s Basement. This club was in a basement apartment on South Indiana Avenue. This area is on the South Side of Chicago.

A Place for Blues Music

Theresa's Lounge quickly became very popular. It attracted many people from the neighborhood. Soon, its fame grew around the world! This was because of the incredible music played there. The club featured live music. Famous musicians like Junior Wells and Buddy Guy were part of the house band. Many other touring blues legends also played there. These included Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Spann, Little Walter, Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, and Howlin' Wolf.

The Club's Later Years

In 1983, Theresa's Lounge had to move. The building's owner did not want to renew the lease. The club then closed for good in 1986. Theresa Needham passed away in Chicago in 1992. Years later, in 2010, a play was created about Theresa's Lounge. It was called "Nothing But The Blues" and was written by Joe Plummer. The Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago produced this play.