Ferriday in Concordia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Haney's Big House
(July 2, 1895 - February 12, 1972)
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, June 30, 2018
1. Haney's Big House Marker
Will Haney, a World War I vet, was one of Ferriday's leading African-American businessmen who made his living selling insurance, managing rental property and operating a laundry and hotel. But he is nationally known for his famous cafe and nightclub, Haney's Big House, which operated at its peak from 1940 through 1966. A stopping point on the Chittlin' Circuit, Haney's attracted young entertainers such as Ray Charles, B.B. King, Solomon Burke, Redd Foxx, MomsMabley, Fats Domino, Irma Thomas and others. Crowds were often so large they spilled into the street. During his youth, Ferriday's Jerry Lee Lewis stood at the back door with trombonist Pee Wee Whittaker to listen to the rhythm and blues. Lewis told Billboard magazine in 1958 that after listening for a while, he'd "run home and try to play the same same kind of great blues music."
Erected by Ferriday Louisiana.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 31° 37.838′ N, 91° 33.082′ W. Marker is in Ferriday, Louisiana, in Concordia Parish. Marker is at the intersection of North 1st Street and Greathouse Street, on the right when traveling north
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Leon "Pee Wee" Whittaker (here, next to this marker); Frank Morris (within shouting distance of this marker); Mickey Gilley (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jerry Lee Lewis (about 700 feet away); Jimmy Lee Swaggart (about 700 feet away); The Blues Trail: Mississippi to Louisiana (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bayou Memorial Park Flags (approx. 0.7 miles away); DePrato Mounds (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferriday.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, June 30, 2018
2. Haney's Big House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 869 times since then and 118 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2018.
