Club Baron

Jefferson Street developed as a vibrant African-American commercial district in the late 19th and early 20th century as Fisk University, Tenn. A&I (Tenn. State Univ.), and Meharry Medical College grew, bringing more restaurants, shops, and music venues for nearby residents. Built in 1955 during the golden age of Jefferson Street's music scene from 1935 to 1965, Club Baron is the only extant nightclub from that time. Owned by local pharmacist Jackson H. Brown, the building also served as a secondary location for Brown's Pharmacy and as the only skating rink in town for African Americans. It is best known as the site of a 1963 guitar duel in which Nashville bluesman Johnny Jones bested up-and-comer Jimi Hendrix. Other well-known performers included Fats Domino, Etta James, Little Richard, Otis Redding, Muddy Waters, Jackie Wilson, and Ruth McFadden. Now owned by the Elks Lodge, the building was preserved as a local Historic Landmark in 2016.

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee · United States