Flemingsburg in Fleming County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Birthplace of Herman Chittison / Accomplished Jazz Pianist

Birthplace of Herman Chittison Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015

1. Birthplace of Herman Chittison Marker

Inscription.

Birthplace of Herman Chittison Born in Flemingsburg, October 15, 1908, to Charles and Sarah Jane Chittison. He played hymns at Strawberry Methodist Church as a child. Attended Walden College in Nashville, 1924; later Ky. State Industrial College for Colored Persons in Frankfort. Began his musical career with Zach Whyte's Chocolate Beau Brummels, 1928.
Presented by Fleming Co. Bicentennial Com.

Accomplished Jazz Pianist Herman Chittison recorded on both American and French labels as a soloist and accompanist for Ethel Waters and Mildred Bailey. Toured with comedian Stepin Fetchit and trumpeter Louis Armstrong. Played "Ernie" in radio series Casey, Crime Photographer (1942-51). Played several prominent clubs in New York during 50s and 60s. Died 1967 and buried in Cleveland, Ohio.

Erected 2002 by the Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2075.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 1908.

Location. 38°

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25.238′ N, 83° 44.118′ W. Marker is in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, in Fleming County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Cross Street and Pumphrey Avenue (Kentucky Route 57), on the right when traveling north on South Main Cross Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 South Main Cross Street, Flemingsburg KY 41041, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Tobacco Plug Factory (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fleming Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); James J. Andrews (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gorman Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fleming County (approx. 0.2 miles away); John F. Day (1913-1982) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stockton's Station (approx. half a mile away); Michael Cassidy (1755-1829) (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flemingsburg.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Herman Chittison. (Submitted on May 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Accomplished Jazz Pianist Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015

2. Accomplished Jazz Pianist Marker

Looking south from Marker on Kentucky Highway 57 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015

3. Looking south from Marker on Kentucky Highway 57

Area photo looking north towards Sav-A-Lot. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 10, 2015

4. Area photo looking north towards Sav-A-Lot.

Herman Chittison image. Click for full size.

Public Domain by William P. Gottlieb, October 1946

5. Herman Chittison

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.