06/02/2020
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The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame
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Saunders Samuel King was the first blues artist to score a # 1 hit in Oakland in 1942. This number one hit brought him instant fame and put the City of Oakland on the hit parade for blues and R&B forever. Oakland , Hayward-Russell City and Los Angeles, California are considered the biggest contributors to what is known as West Coast Blues. Oakland has its own sound and can be described as slow and mournful with simple 1-4-5 blues changes. That was partially true until the influx of Texas musicians who played a very fast and straight forward shuffle gave Oakland Blues a much livelier beat. Oakland’s 7th Street was the entertainment center for the African American community and social center on any night of the week. The world famous Slim Jenkins Supper Club which included a restaurant, bar and show room was known as Oakland’s high class blues & jazz club. 7th Street had something for everyone from high class Slim Jenkins to hole in the wall clubs. These clubs were lined up and down the street and were packed every Friday & Saturday night. Many other businesses made their home on 7th Street including Wolf Records which made it’s first home on 7th Street. Paul Reed and his family opened Reed Record Shop where music lovers could pick up the latest blues, jazz or gospel hits. Bob Geddins, the Godfather of Oakland Blues was the owner of Big Town Records, a recording studio located on the corner of 7th & Center Streets. During the war era, Big Town Records had moderate success recording local gospel artists. In 1946, after meeting singer and guitarist Lowell Folsom, Bob Geddins’ Big Town Records made the switch to blues and Oakland made its mark on the musical map forever. Bob Geddins was the first African-American in the bay area to own a record plant and recording studio. He was the first African-American to have numerous record labels. He set up his own distribution network by loading them in the trunk of his car and taking his records all over the United States from Los Angeles to Texas or any other city where hot blues was played. Oakland’s West Coast musical history foundation began on 7th Street. The music played and recorded on 7th Street produced some of today’s most popular artists including B.B. King, Little Milton, Lowell Folsom, James Brown, Jimmy McCracklin, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, Prince, M.C. Hammer and even country star Allen Jackson. Allen Jackson recorded a song written by K.C. Douglas and Bob Geddins called Mercury Blues that went platinum for Jackson. There are so many music stories like this that you begin to understand why 7th Street in West Oakland is called the Home of Oakland Blues! These are some of the reasons why our project, The Music They Played on 7th Street must be completed.
Operating as usual
05/22/2020
West Coast Blues Society
Jhock Shock, getting down at The City of OAKLAND Art & SOUL Festival July 29
2019 Oakland, Ca. Blues Always
Jock Shock on Main Stage with West Coast Blues Society Caravan of Allstars
05/07/2020
‘Harlem of the West’: Oakland’s once-bustling jazz and blues scene along Seventh Street – Local News Matters
‘Harlem of the West’: Oakland’s once-bustling jazz and blues scene along Seventh Street – Local News Matters
Musicians Jimmy Buchanan (sax), Earl Watkins (drums), Eric Miller (guitar), Commodore Lark (bass), and Norvell Randall (piano) perform at Slim Jenkins Supper Club on Seventh Street in Oakland. (Photo courtesy of African American Museum and Library at Oakland) Before 2015, East Bay commuters travelin...
03/13/2020
Unfortunately the Walk of Fame Ground Opening Ceremony and Celebration Events scheduled for April 3 & 4, are CANCELLED until further notice, due to circumstances beyond our control.
We will notify you when we are able to reschedule
Exciting News!!!
Today is the beginning of the 2nd Phase Installment.
03/06/2020
The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame is a life long dream of Ronnie Stewart and the West Coast Blues Society. He has always worked to showcase the unsung heroes of Oakland and the West Coast Blues.
A small group of Blues Society directors have worked with him to realize this dream. Thank you to Nancy Nadel, Paula Stewart, Bob White, Walter McCain, Terrible Tom Bowden, Wylie Trass, Teddy Blues Master Watson, Jay Payton, Esther Mabry, Johnny Tolbert, Dalhart Johnson, Ken Ingraham, and Tom Nash are just a few. A list of Sponsors and supporters will be provided at the ceremony.
This Blues Walk of Fame honors the musicians and artists who performed on 7th Street and those businesses who worked to build a community. It has finally come to fruition after 40+ years.
....................................................................................
A celebration is scheduled for April 3 & 4, 2020.
April 3, 2020 at 2:00 pm Ground Opening at 7th & Wood Streets
April 3, 2020 at 4:00 pm Reception at Club 7West at 7th & Union Streets
April 4, 2020 at 8:00 pm Plaque Recipients performing “The Legends of 7th Street” at Everett & Jones, Jack London Square
Spread the word and join us in celebrating The Music They Played on 7th Street!
If you would like to donate to this worthy cause (for upkeep costs) click the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Oakland-Walk-of-Fame
02/25/2020
Exciting News!!!
Today is the beginning of the 2nd Phase Installment.
02/24/2020
01/30/2020
Patrick Brock
Funeral information listed on flyer below
10/09/2019
Click here to support OAKLAND BLUES WALK OF FAME organized by Ronnie Stewart
gf.me/u/vw2w5d
Ronnie Stewart OAKLAND BLUES WALK OF FAME After 20 years of struggling, The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame is now ready for installation
10/08/2019
UPDATE
The 2nd phase of THE MUSIC They PLAYED on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame will be completed within the next 5 or 6 weeks.
FILLMORE SLIM, BOBBY WEBB, BILLY DUNN, Minor Williams, Lloyd Gregory, Mary Wells, High Tide Harris, Everett and Jones BBQ Family are included in this 2nd phase. A total of 88 names will be enshrined on the plaques on 7th Street. The 2nd phase placement will being on 7th and Wood Streets.
We are scheduling a ground breaking ceremony, as well as, several big celebration events at various locations including Everett & Jones Barbecue located at 2nd and Broadway and at 7WEST on the corner of 7th and Union Streets In West Oakland.
Please join us in celebrating the history of 7th Street, the most famous musical corridor on the WEST COAST.
The attached photos are of a walking tour held during Black History Month at the first phase of the Blues Walk of Fame. The legendary, Terrible Tom Bowden was the tour guide.
Other photos are of the 2nd phase construction of the Walk of Fame. If you like to become a sponsor of the ground opening of the Blues Walk of Fame or would like to perform please Contact Ronnie Stewart at 510-472-8800.
It will be a historic event with many famous special guests
!!!! Blues ALLWAYS
06/01/2019
UPDATE:
Good news!! Wylie has recuperated from the infection. He has been released from the hospital and is now in rehab. Continued prayers that his appetite will increase and he will improve enough to make a trip to the Bay Area. Joy says thank you all for your prayers and sends their love!!
Received word from Joy that Wylie has sepsis and is on life support. Wylie and his family need all your PRAYERS!! Sending Wylie “Much Love!”
Photo courtesy of Ray Morales
04/30/2019
Prototype plaque for Phase 2 Oakland Walk of Fame
02/24/2019
London brings second generation 7th Street style
02/24/2019
Terrible Tom Bowden gets down 7th Street style
02/24/2019
Lady Bianca shows how it was done in 7th Street
02/24/2019
Historical walk and panel discussion
02/24/2019
Lady Bianca performs at The Music They Played on 7th Street History panel discussion
02/24/2019
Honky Tonk
02/05/2019
Join us for The Music They Played on 7th Street Black History Month Celebration with a Historical walk, lecture/panel discussion, and performance.
12/10/2018
UPDATE......
Country Pete McGill Services:
December 17, 2018 @ 1:00 pm
CP BANNON Funeral Home
69th Avenue & International Boulevard
OAKLAND CA.
Repass:
Sports Page Club
10440 MacArthur Blvd
East Oakland
3:00 PM
12/01/2018
Please Don't forget to donate to:
https://www.gofundme.com/Oakland-Walk-of-Fame
WE HAVENT RECEIVED ANY DONATIONS IN A LONG TIME. THE MUSIC THEY PLAYED ON 7TH STREET OAKLAND WALK OF FAME is still in need of your support !!!!
NEW YEARS EVE BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS &WALK OF FAME FUNDRAISER. Jazz music while you dine on Prime rib and Salmon with caviar sauce; all the trimmings, an assortment of desserts, champagne toast, party favors. Dance to great Blues and R&B!
Held at the five-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa, American Canyon in the Napa Valley. Special discount room rates.
Newspapers have said our New Years Eve ball is the best bet in all of Northern California. All this for just $95 donation per person.
For further information please call 510 472 8800 or go to our website to purchase tickets:
https://www.westcoastbluessociety.org/new-years-eve-gala
Thank you very much and Blues always
11/05/2018
Get tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-in-the-west-fundraiser-tickets-51736893441?aff=efbevent
11/04/2018
Eventbrite
Hello To all the BLUES Lover's !! Just want to let you know about our year end Last 2 FUNDRAISINER NOVEMBER 18th we will have the Best in the West Show at EVERETT and JONES Bar B Q 2nd and BROADWAY, OAKLAND,CA. Willie G, Jock Shock and Shock treatment, Alabama Mike, Alvin Draper, Sharon Anderson,she will make her first Bay Area appearance from Fresno California, the legendary FILLMORE SLIM. Michael Spider-Man Robinson, nationally known Oakland Blues DIVAS, BLUES Harmonica Explosion, featuring Silver Fox, Vinnie Flores, Dave Matthews, the new Hot Ice band, Guitar Mac and his Blues Express, Oakland Sam, Caravan of All-Stars featuringTerrible Tom Chuck Wallace, Hollywood and Company and the list goes on of artist to appear.time 2:00 till. 9:00. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, go online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-in-the-west-fundraiser-tickets-51736893441?aff=efbevent
or call 510 472 8800 to pick up tickets, You can't miss this Outstanding show it's truly The Best of the West.
BLUES ALWAYS
Eventbrite - Discover Great Events or Create Your Own & Sell Tickets
10/19/2018
Ground breaking for Second Phase of the Walk of Fame. Lady Esther was so looking forward to the plaque placement in front of her Orbit Room. Photos show beginning construction.
Like our page for updates.
If you would like to donate to this historical landmark click the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/Oakland-Walk-of-Fame
10/15/2018
Condolences to the family of John Turk who passed last night.
Enshrined onto the Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame, He was a huge part of the Bay Area music scene. He was the musical director at Glide Memorial Church, a great trumpet player, as well has the B3 organ. RIP John Turk
09/29/2018
Quiet Hour and Funeral Service for Bobbie Webb WILL BE ON:
Quiet Hour
Monday, October 1st, 2018
@ Bryant Mortuary
635 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA
5pm-7pm
Funeral Service
Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018
@ Third Baptist Church
1399 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA @ 11am.
If you would like to send flowers, you can send them to either address c/o Bobbie Webb. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support. Please continue to keep our family in prayer.
09/21/2018
It is with great sadness we share with you that our community has lost Bobbie.
Bobbie was one of the founding board members of the Bay Area Blues Society. We are heart broken and send our prayers and condolences to his family
08/30/2018
2nd Annual Fundraiser. Photos courtesy of Bob White
AUG 13TH FURND RAISER AT YOSHI'S OAKLAND. BACK STAGE AND ON STAGE VIEWS.
08/17/2018
Terrible Tom Bowden and Aretha Franklin performing on 7th Street together. The are both on the Walk of Fame.
08/16/2018
'She honed her skills in Oakland:' Musicians recount early days of Aretha Franklin
Ronnie Stewart and Terrible Tom share Aretha Franklins history and connection to the Bay Area and West Oakland’s 7th Street.
Aretha Franklin played around the world and was the legendary Queen of Soul. Some remember her early days in Oakland.
08/16/2018
We just lost The Queen of Soul! she was definitely the measuring stick of how you put your soul and feelings into a song. she is the last of the Post War Greats. today is also the day that Elvis Presley died.
I'm proud to say that she performed as an opening act for BB KING right here on 7th Street in OAKLAND at the legendary Slim Jenkins Supper Club.
Monday night we had Aretha’s plaque on stage at our fundraiser for The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame. The fundraiser was held at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square Oakland. Some of the Oakland Blues Divas sang some of her hits. DEE DEE SIMON closed the show with Rock Steady. We are raising funds for maintenance and upkeep for the walk of fame and getting ready to install
Tje 2nd phase. when we created the BLUES Walk of Fame Aretha Franklin's name was one of the first that we put in the ground because she had early Oakland Roots right on West Oakland’s 7th Street. Her placque is located on 7th Street in Frint of the West Oakland BART station.
GOD BLESS you the Queen of Soul there never will be another Queen,
BLUES All Ways
08/16/2018
RIP Queen of Soul
08/15/2018
JUST Because Entertainment
Dee Dee Simon at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
#oaklandWalkofFame
West Coast Blues Society Oakland's Blues Walk of Fame
08/15/2018
Ronnie, Jeanie Tracy, Henry Delton Williams, and Paula Stewart before starting the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Address
7th & Wood Streets, Oakland, CA
Vallejo, CA
94591
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Videos
London brings second generation 7th Street style
Terrible Tom Bowden gets down 7th Street style
Lady Bianca shows how it was done in 7th Street
Lady Bianca performs at The Music They Played on 7th Street History panel discussion
Honky Tonk
End of the night with all performers. Dwayne Wiggins was able to make it for the finale at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Earnestine Barze with Turning Point at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
DeJeana Burkes gives a shout out tribute to Aretha Franklin at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Xymphoni the Clean Up Woman at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Margie Turner Howlin’ at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Baby Bee is the Dirty Ole Woman
Fillmore Slim Makes It Funky at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
The Mayor of West Oakland Terrible Tom Bowden took it over the top at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Next up? Karl Bracy at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser
Hollywood Robert Jenkins takes it to the next level at the 2nd Annual Fundraiser - Dusting My Broom! ( I’m Leaving You)
Jesse Brown - I’ll Sing the Blues For You
Bobby Spencer starts the night off for the 2nd Annual Walk of Fame Fundraiser
2nd Annual Fundraiser with Bobby Spencer performing. He will be getting his name in the 2nd phase of the Walk of Fame
Shortcuts
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Comments
The Blue Monday Band has been hosting the Blue Monday Jams in Sausalito for nearly ten years. This week it takes place once again at the Travis Marina Bar, the rustic seaside gathering place near the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. Join us here next Monday in this beautiful setting. Bring your instrument, friend or significant other, and join the fun.
https://www.facebook.com/events/775408339504044/
The Blue Monday Jam Sessions have moved to Travis Marina Bar while renovations are finished at Dunphy Park. The Travis Marina Bar is the former Presidio Yacht Club. There are no membership requirements. Please bring your instrument and join The fun. Full Bar and Food.
https://www.facebook.com/events/324263181626282/?active_tab=discussion
Oakland California that’s the city I’m from.
But you can find me every Friday at Roscoe‘s Jazz lounge in Long Beach California, 730 east Broadway, every Friday in August and September.