Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
They Called It “KY & The Curb”
Historic Atlantic City - Kentucky Avenue, 1933-1980's
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010
1. They Called It “KY & The Curb” Marker
For more than four decades Kentucky Avenue ruled the East Coast Music scene. The greatest jazz and blues stars of all time filled its many clubs with round-the-clock entertainment - including Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Atlantic City’s national treasure, drummer Chris Columbo and his Swing Crew in the forties and fifties.
[Photo captions:]
As the other nightclubs called it a day, KY & the Curb was just getting hot. In the glory days of the 1950's Club Harlem had people lined up for blocks to see the 6 a.m. Breakfast Show. “Every night was our party,” said historian Sid Trusty. “And we invited the world.”
Ray Charles at Club Harlem in the 1960's.
Erected by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority & Atlantic City Special Improvement District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 39° 21.388′ N, 74° 25.642′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. Marker is on Boardwalk east of S. Kentucky Avenue, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World Trade Center, New York City Artifact #10098H (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Jersey Korean War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pierre Hollingsworth (approx. ¼ mile away); Mayor Lorenzo T. Langford (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cora Hillery Boggs (approx. 0.4 miles away); Maceo H. Turner (approx. 0.4 miles away); James L. Usry (approx. 0.4 miles away); Joseph T. Allmond (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.
Also see . . . Across the street from 33 North Kentucky avenue. Photograph of patrons waiting in line. (Submitted on October 22, 2011, by Paul Glover of Wildwood, N.j..)
Additional keywords. Leroy "Pop" Williams; Clifton Williams; Ben Alten; Clifton’s Club Harlem.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010
2. 32 North Kentucky Avenue - Former Site of The Club Harlem
- note the renderings of dancers and musicians on the fence, but the historical marker said to be at this location was not in place on 10/10/10.
3. Club Harlem Souvenir Photograph Cover
4. Club Harlem Souvenir Photograph Cover
5. Inside the Club Harlem
6. Club Harlem Souvenir Photograph Cover
Unfinished touch-up during restoration of item.
Photographed By Paul Glover
7. Across the Street from the Club Harlem
Across the street from 33 North Kentucky avenue 2nd floor- B or south-side Apt. The Club Harlem address is 32 North Kentucky avenue Atlantic City, N.J.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,823 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 22, 2011, by Paul Glover of Wildwood, N.j.. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
