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). It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The History of the "Fighting Eighth" Infantry Regiment and the Giles Armory (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl “Fatha” Hines (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gwendolyn Brooks (about 300 feet away); Black Metropolis-Bronzeville (about 300 feet away); Col. Franklin A. Denison (about 400 feet away); Lt. George Giles (about 400 feet away); Mjr. Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. (about 400 feet away); Truman Gibson Sr. / Truman Gibson Jr. (about 400 feet 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
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.
is one of nine structures in the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville 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 1,220 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 27, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.