The Beginning of a Legend

At this point, no one needs to be reminded that New Orleans has long had a reputation for being an important music and entertainment center. But if we roll back the years, we find that New Orleans' mark on the field of entertainment was struck by a number or live music venues. Not only did these clubs, dance halls and barrooms attract nationally know artists, they also served as a breeding ground for the city's many musical styles. Undoubtedly the club which rekindles the fondest musical memories and stories is the famous Dew Drop Inn, located at 2836 LaSalle Street, in uptown New Orleans. For twenty-five years the Dew Drop constantly lived up to its boast of being "the south's swankiest night spot". From 1945 to 1970, the Dew Drop was synonymous with top flight Black entertainment, drawing singers, musicians, dancers and comedians like a magnet. "The Dew Drop was just it," contends Joseph August, better known as the renowned blues singer "Mr. Google Eyes", who ofter worked the club as a singer and an emcee. "It was the foundation for musicians in New Orleans. Whether you were from out of town or from the city, you goal was the Dew Drop. If you couldn't get a gig at the Dew Drop, you weren't about nothing."