Manhattan Casino Hall

Manhattan Casino Hall. Community, Culture, and Commerce . 22nd Street South Corridor. , Role in the Community , Stores and Dance Hall , Originally known as the Jordan Dance Hall, this building was constructed about 1925 by Elder Jordan, Sr., one of the first African-American businessmen, and his sons., The ticket window was located on the first floor. The dance hall interior was accessed by wooden steps that opened onto a large wooden dance floor known to be the best hard oak, wood dance floor in the state. A raised band stand was located at the south end, and long benches lined the walls along both sides., The building, a stop on the renowned Chitlin’ Circuit, was the focal point of culture and entertainment in the community for more than 40 years and was instrumental in the development of blues, gospel, jazz, and big band music in the South during the era of segregation. More than just a concert venue, the building played host to a variety of community events including dances, coronations, and the Gibbs High School Junior and Senior proms. At times, the Gibbs High School basketball team even held practices in the building., Entertainment , George Grogan , George Grogan was instrumental in molding the character of the Manhattan Casino. As a concert promoter; he booked bands all over the state of Florida. Grogan is also credited with giving James Brown his start. Brown played every Thursday and Saturday night until getting his big break. In addition to promoting music, Grogan managed Jordan Park., Goldie Thompson , Goldie Thompson, a resident of Jordan Park and an ordained minister in the Baptist church, is considered a pioneer in African-American broadcasting. Thompson began promoting Gospel music on the Suncoast in 1940. Initially originating his daily programs from his home, Thompson eventually landed a weekly gospel program on WEBO. By 1955, his popularity had grown, and he signed with the new all-black radio station WIOK. After World War II, Thompson, took over management of the Manhattan Casino., George Cooper , One of three major house bands, this 16-piece local band played for the Thursday afternoon and Friday night dances from 1936 until the 1950s. Admission was 50-75 cents. Steve and Buster Cooper, cousins of the bandleader, went on to play with Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington., William L. “Buddy” West , A promoter and entrepreneur, Buddy West is credited with booking the Don Redman Band, the first noted big band to perform at the Manhattan Casino. West was also responsible for booking Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Earl "Fatha" Hines at the Casino., Al Downing , Al Downing is legendary to those who remember the golden days of jazz in St. Petersburg. Piano talent and a desire to perpetuate jazz among young people everywhere were two qualities Downing possessed. Downing served with the Tuskegee Airmen before leading the 618th Army Air Force Band in Tuskegee. Upon retirement, he returned to St. Petersburg where he taught at Gibbs High School and St. Petersburg Junior College., National Musicians , Over the years, many nationally known musicians and vocalist performed at the Manhattan Casino. These included, but are not limited to, such greats as: Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, Fats Domino, Ink Spots, Mahalia Jackson, The Silas Green Minstrel Show, Little Richard, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Erskine Hawkins, Otis Redding, Clyde McPhatter; Brook Benton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Arthur Prysock., (captions) , Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times. , Photo courtesy of Minson Rubin. , Photo courtesy of Minson Rubin. , Program courtesy of Minson Rubin. , Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times. , Photo courtesy of the Downing family. , Photo courtesy of Minson Rubin.