Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sunset Cafe

— Chicago Landmark —

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 2021

1. Sunset Cafe Marker

Inscription.
Sunset Cafe
Built 1909

Following a 1921 remodeling, this simple automobile garage was transformed into one of the city's earliest and most legendary jazz venues. Its house orchestra featured such famed musicians as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Earl "Fatha” Hines, while its floor shows introduced the latest dances to local audiences. After a 1937 remodeling, it was renamed the Grand Terrace and remained a popular nightclub until 1950. One of nine structures in the Black Metrepolis-Bronzeville Historic District.

Designated on September 9, 1998
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list.

Location. 41° 49.859′ N, 87° 37.111′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). Marker is at the intersection of South Calumet Avenue and East 35th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Calumet Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 East 35th Street, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker. Victory, World War I Black Soldiers’ Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Boulevard System (about 400 feet away); Supreme Life Building (about 500 feet away); Chicago Defender Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ida B. Wells-Barnett (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ida B. Wells Homes (approx. ¼ mile away); Pilgrim Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Camp Douglas (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Sunset Cafe (City of Chicago).

Following a 1921 remodeling, this simple automobile garage was transformed into one of the city's earliest and most legendary jazz venues. Its house orchestra featured such famed musicians as Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, and Earl "Fatha" Hines, while its floor shows introduced the latest dances to local audiences. Many promising young artists, including Bix Beiderbecke, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa, got their start at late-night sessions here. After a 1937 remodeling, it was renamed the Grand Terrace Cafe and remained a popular night club until 1950. It later housed the office of the Second Ward Regular Democratic Organization and became a hardware store in the 1970s. It is one of nine structures in the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 2021

2. Sunset Cafe Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here on the corner of the building, which is now a beauty supply store.
Historic District.

(Submitted on December 27, 2021.)

2. The South Side’s Last Remaining Jazz Landmarks (Chicago Magazine, August 29, 2017).

On the Sunset Cafe: "Later renamed the Grand Terrace Cafe when Al Capone bought a 25 percent stake, this “black-and-tan” (integrated) jazz club was one of the most important venues in the history of music. It’s where Earl “Fatha” Hines and Louis Armstrong made a name for themselves playing duets in the mid-’20s. A few years later, it’s where Cab Calloway and Nat King Cole landed some of their first professional gigs alongside legends like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, and even Benny Goodman."

(Submitted on December 28, 2021.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 27, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.