Cafe Society: The Wrong Place for the Right People (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780252034138)

Set against the drama of the Great Depression, the conflict of American race relations, and the inquisitions of the House Un-American Activities Committee, Cafe Society tells the personal history of Barney Josephson, proprietor of the legendary interracial New York City night clubs Cafe Society Downtown and Cafe Society Uptown and their successor, The Cookery. Famously known as "the wrong place for the Right people," Cafe Society featured the cream of jazz and blues performers--among whom were Billie Holiday, boogie-woogie pianists, Big Joe Turner, Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Big Sid Catlett, and Mary Lou Williams--as well as comedy stars Imogene Coca, Zero Mostel, and Jack Gilford, and also gospel and folk singers. A trailblazer in many ways, Josephson welcomed black and white artists alike to perform for mixed audiences in a venue whose walls were festooned with artistic and satiric murals lampooning what was then called "high society."

Featuring scores of photographs that illustrate the vibrant cast of characters in Josephson's life, this exceptional book speaks richly about Cafe Society's revolutionary innovations and creativity, inspired by the vision of one remarkable man.

Author: Barney Josephson, Terry Trilling-Josephson
ISBN-10: 0252034139
ISBN-13: 9780252034138
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
Language: English
Published: 03/01/2009
Pages: 456
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.86lbs
Size: 9.28h x 6.26w x 1.33d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/01/2009 pg. 15
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2009
Choice 08/01/2009
Multicultural Review 10/01/2009 pg. 65
Kirkus Best Books 12/15/2009 pg. 9
Publisher's Weekly Annex 04/06/2009
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001