Cafe Society: The Wrong Place for the Right People (Music in American Life) - Hardcover

Josephson, Barney; Trilling-Josephson, Terry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0252034139 ISBN 13: 9780252034138

Publisher: University of Illinois Press, 2009

Synopsis

Set against the drama of the Great Depression, the conflict of American race relations, and the inquisitions of the House Un-American Activities Committee, Cafe Society tells the personal history of Barney Josephson, proprietor of the legendary interracial New York City night clubs Cafe Society Downtown and Cafe Society Uptown and their successor, The Cookery. Famously known as "the wrong place for the Right people," Cafe Society featured the cream of jazz and blues performers--among whom were Billie Holiday, boogie-woogie pianists, Big Joe Turner, Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Big Sid Catlett, and Mary Lou Williams--as well as comedy stars Imogene Coca, Zero Mostel, and Jack Gilford, and also gospel and folk singers. A trailblazer in many ways, Josephson welcomed black and white artists alike to perform for mixed audiences in a venue whose walls were festooned with artistic and satiric murals lampooning what was then called "high society."

Featuring scores of photographs that illustrate the vibrant cast of characters in Josephson's life, this exceptional book speaks richly about Cafe Society's revolutionary innovations and creativity, inspired by the vision of one remarkable man.

About this title

About the Author

Barney Josephson (1902-88) was a night club impresario and producer in New York City. Terry Trilling-Josephson is associate professor emerita of communications and performing arts in one of the twenty-three colleges of The City University of New York.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Illinois Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0252034139
• ISBN 13: 9780252034138
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 456