Northwest Dance Halls

PHOTO NEEDED
Black & Tan Club
404 1/2 12th Avenue South
Seattle, Washington

Some of the bands that performed at this place during the early years of NW rmusic were:
 
 

Aretha Franklin
Charlie Parker
Count Basie
Dave Holden Band
Dave Lewis
Duke Ellington
Ernestine Anderson
George Benson
George Griffen Trio
Gladys Knight
Guitar Shorty
Jimmy Holden
Jimmy McGriff
Little Willie John
Mike Mandel Trio
Overton Berry
 Phil Upchurch Ensemble
Ray Charles
The So Different Orchestra
Tiny Tony and Marblehead
 

Others?

The Black & Tan Club: 404 1/2 12th Ave. S. Seattle’s most esteemed and longest-lived jazz nightclub operated from 1922–1966 under various names, and was the backdrop to greats like Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, and Charlie Parker.
seattle.gov Music Map

One of the acts who played there in the early 60's was Little Willie John.  Little Willie was the guy who wrote "Fever" and had the hit with in it 1956/57.  Of course Peggy Lee had a hit with the song too with some updated female lyrics.  The last time Little Willie played at the Black & Tan in the 60's he got into a knife fight after the show and killed someone.  Willie was sent the the WA state prison at Walla Walla where he died about 10 years ago.
Stan Foreman

If you have corrections, a neat photo or more information, please send it to:

Last Update: 13 April 2008
Credits: Seattle.gov Music Map, Michael Jacobsen, Bill Giolma, Stan Foreman, Jon Keliehor