The Hippodrome was a music venue at 500 Beale Street in Memphis. The venue was opened in 1950 as a skating rink for African-Americans and later became a nightclub. [1] In 1955, the Hippodrome was reopened as the Club Ebony. In 1961, under new owners, it went back to being called the Hippodrome until its closure in 1968.
The venue was a stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit," a selection of venues considered safe and acceptable for African-American entertainers in the era of racial segregation in the United States. [2]
The Hippodrome was opened by businessman Emmett Werne on December 16, 1950. The building, which cost $100,000 to construct, [3] was located at 500 Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. The Hippodrome was operated by John T. Miles, a Black college graduate, and he had a staff that included two skating instructors. [3]
By 1952, the venue had become a hotspot to showcase local and national blues and R&B musical acts. In 1954, DJ Dewey Phillips, host of the WHBQ radio show "Red, Hot, and Blue," held a dance at the Hippodrome. [4]
In 1954, the Hippodrome was listed for sale for $8,000. [5] In 1955, the Hippodrome was purchased by businessman Andrew "Sunbeam" Mitchell and he changed the name to the Club Ebony. [6] Mitchell often allowed organizations to host benefit events at the club. In 1961, the Club Ebony was renamed back to the Hippodrome under new ownership. [7]
The venue was often rented out to various organizations for private parties and charity events. [8] [9] [10] [11] Fraternities such as Alpha Kappa Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi hosted events at the club. [12] [7]
Ownership changed a few times during the 1960s. In April 1966, the owner Albert J. Jackson received a beer permit for The Hippodrome Lounge. [13] In January 1967, John Currie and Susie Currie received permits for The Currie's Hippodrome. [14] John Currie operated the nightclub until his death in August 1968. [15] By November 1968, the club had closed and the building was torn down to make way for a motel. [16]
Notable singers and musicians who performed at the venue include: