help with research for a novel

**jtbowman** · 12-17-2010, 04:59 PM

hi everyone and thanks so much for allowing to become a member.i am trying to do some research for a story im writing.The story is of a white musician that comes to detroit to make a name for himself in the fast rising soul music scene in detroit. time frame 65 to 71.can anyone help me with some names of the r&b clubs of the time. also a black owned record store,soul food joints ect.thanks in advance foor any help anyone could offer.would love to talk with someone that was there at the time.
Thanks

pshark · 12-17-2010, 06:12 PM

The Twenty Grand
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20_Grand
http://soulfuldetroit.com/web04-the2...grand-clay.htm

**ralpht** · 12-17-2010, 07:20 PM

The Flame Showbar.

**jtbowman** · 12-17-2010, 08:03 PM

thanks so much guys

**marv2** · 12-17-2010, 10:02 PM

Phelps Lounge was very popular during that era of 1965-71 you are looking at.

**stingbeelee** · 12-20-2010, 11:24 AM

I am trying to listen to the radio commercials in my head. There was a 'Ben's High Chapperel', 'Watts Club Mozambique', 'Henry's Lounge'. Record stores that I think were owned by African Americans were: White's, Kendricks, and Simpson's. One restaurant [[carry out) was 'Dot and Etta's Shrimp'.

**ralpht** · 12-20-2010, 12:13 PM

Sting,
I seem to remember that Don and Ettas became so popular that it became a chain in Detroit. When my office was relocated to Golden World after the closing of the Donovan Building we would get take out from them. It was always very good.

**jtbowman** · 12-21-2010, 03:34 AM

you guys are great truly appreciate all the help

**stingbeelee** · 12-21-2010, 04:09 PM

Hey Ralph;
Dot and Etta's recently closed either this year or last year. They had several sites in the Detroit area, and yes, they were always good.
Wasn't there a Latin Quarters lounge?

**marv2** · 12-21-2010, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by stingbeelee

I am trying to listen to the radio commercials in my head. There was a 'Ben's High Chapperel', 'Watts Club Mozambique', 'Henry's Lounge'. Record stores that I think were owned by African Americans were: White's, Kendricks, and Simpson's. One restaurant [[carry out) was 'Dot and Etta's Shrimp'.

Oh yeah! You are on the money stingbeelee! Those some of the ones I remember from back in the day.

**marv2** · 12-21-2010, 07:54 PM

The Elmwood Casino was very popular, but it was over in Windsor. I also remember old timers talking about Idlewild a summer resort type place where many performers worked in Michigan.

**marv2** · 12-21-2010, 07:56 PM

A few more for now. Chassies, The Landsdowne, Nichols at the Michigan Inn, Ortheia's Place, Maxie's these were more around the 80's and early 90's.

**stingbeelee** · 12-22-2010, 01:20 PM

Idlewild I think was at the tail end of its being an entertainment mecca. Marv you are right, the old timers would talk about Idlewild as if it was a paradise. I think that it is still in existence as a resort type area, so perhaps the author can look up Idlewild as a place in their novel.

**ralpht** · 12-22-2010, 02:01 PM

Sting,
Thanks for the update on Don and Etta's. Yeah, there was a Latin Quarter. Don't remember the location though.

pshark · 12-22-2010, 02:32 PM

Are you related to Rob Bowman, the liner note writer for Ace Records?

**jtbowman** · 12-22-2010, 09:04 PM

not that i know of, i was born and raised in northwest florida.theres a wealth of information here,and i thank you guys so much for you imput and help

**Doug-Morgan** · 12-22-2010, 09:27 PM

Idlewild pretty much went away as a resort community in the mid 60's. Here's a bit of the history of the resort....

http://www.lakeshoreguardian.com/_20...sightseers.php

Wiki has what appears to be a good history, including it's decline here.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idlewild,_Michigan

There is an ongoing attempt to restore the community both as a tourist destination and a historical park.