Under the leadership of Al Bell, after the Stax label broke with Atlantic Records and began broadening its horizons dramatically, the Memphis label’s ties to Chicago grew exponentially. This was a carefully planned strategy on the part of Bell and others, and included a new promotional initiative aimed directly at the Windy City: The Stax Sound in Chi-Town.
The exchange worked both ways: Stax began courting and signing many more Chicago acts, culminating in the label’s deal with the Staple Singers, but also including acts on Stax’s gospel subsidiary, The Gospel Truth label, and spoken word albums by the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson and comedian Richard Pryor. The sinews tying Memphis to Chicago ran deep.
So it makes a great deal of sense that the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is continuing that tradition. This Friday, March 11th, Stax will celebrate the opening of “Love in the Club – Black Chicago Nightlife Photos by Michael Abramson 1974-1976,” a new photography exhibit featuring images of the 1970s Chicago nightclub scene, accompanied by the words of award-winning poet Patricia Smith.
The free event promises to be a time portal into the funky universe of another era, with decor recreating the ambiance of classic Chi-Town venues like Pepper’s Hideout, the High Chaparral, the Patio Lounge, Showcase Lounge, and Perv’s House, owned by Pervis Staples after his retirement from the Staple Singers. Chicago-based author and DJ Ayana Contreras will preside over the event, along with Memphis’ own DJ Bizzle Bluebland. Food, beer, and dancing will further conjure up the Chicago nightclub vibes.
Later that evening, Contreras will spin Chicago and Memphis soul classics at Eight and Sand, located in the lobby of Central Station Hotel.
This isn’t the Stax Museum’s first shout-out to Chicago. Last year, they acquired a stunning collection of Chicago soul, including 35,000 singles and LPs, originally curated by the late Bob Abrahamian, who worked for many years as a volunteer DJ at the University of Chicago. Now being cataloged by archivist Leila Hamdan, the collection promises to offer delights and surprises for years to come.
Nor is Friday’s bash the last hat-tip to the Windy City. The next afternoon, Saturday, March 12th, Ayana Contreras will be back, discussing her book, Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago.
More Chicago-related events will follow, including Soul Cinema: Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), Monday, March 21st; Soul Cinema: Stony Island (1978), Monday, March 28th; and a lecture and book-signing for Move on Up: Chicago Soul Music and Cultural Power, with author Aaron Cohen on Thursday, April 14th. As usual, all events are free.
