“Now looka-here, here’s what you got to do. Do me this personal little favor. Stop by Frank’s cut-rate liquor store, and get you a fifth of Old Crow, and go right next door to The Green Beetle, sit down and relax yourself, take plenty of time, and drink that fifth of Old Crow.”
These vintage radio spots from the days before liquor-by-the-drink was legal in Memphis, aren’t newly discovered. But they’re new to me so I thought I’d share.
Both encourage folks to visit a jumping little joint called the Green Beetle, which is still going strong on South Main.
[audio-1]
While visiting Memphis in the 1970’s musician and record collector Walter Salwitz found an acetate recording labeled, “The Old Crow Boogie” in a thrift store. It only cost a dime so he bought it and took it home but didn’t listen to it for years. When he finally gave the disc a spin he was inspired and both recordings are included on Shake That Mess, a 1999 CD released by Salwitz’s band the Dynatones.
The radio spot embedded above appeared at the end of “Memphis Women & Fried Chicken.”
Vintage Radio Ad for Green Beetle & Frank’s Liquor Store: ‘Old Crow Boogie’ (2)
A second spot, “Green Beetle Lounge,” got its own track. And for good reasons too. Apparently the Beetle jumped so hard it could ruin your career as a preacher!
Vintage Radio Ad for Green Beetle & Frank’s Liquor Store: ‘Old Crow Boogie’
Enjoy.