Birmingham has a number of historic museums, theaters, and cultural venues to explore that are listed on page 10-11 of Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City. An excellent starting point is a visit to one of Birmingham’s three historic theaters.
Tuxedo Junction is a famous historic jazz intersection and neighborhood in the Ensley area of Birmingham, Alabama, that inspired the 1939 hit swing song by Erskine Hawkins. The Jazz Hall of Fame celebrates the great musicians of this era. The museum is now located downtown in the historic Carver Theater, which was originally opened in 1935 as a movie house. A refurbished performance hall hosts live performances as well as movies.
The Lyric and Alabama Theaters face each other on 3rd Avenue North in the City Center. The Lyric is the oldest theatre in Birmingham and was opened in 1914 as a vaudeville house. Following an $11 million restoration it has reopened as a 750 seat performing arts center. The Alabama Theater was built in 1927 by Paramount Studios as an Alabama showcase for Paramount films . It now hosts over 150 events per year and was beautifully restored in 1998.
The film produced by Katie Rogers and Brandon McCray tells the story of how jazz was cultivated and popularized in Ensley, centered around what is now known as the Nixon Building, located at the junction of two streetcar lines. During the 1920s and 1930s, the nightclub on this corner was a vibrant social hub and dance venue. Admission required tuxedos and proper evening attire, a standard that gave rise to the club’s legendary name: Tuxedo Junction.
This era also marked the emergence of some of Birmingham’s most influential jazz musicians, many of whom were trained by renowned band director Fess Whatley at Parker Industrial School. At the time, Parker Industrial was the only Black high school in Alabama, and its students honed their musical skills by performing at Tuxedo Junction, helping to shape a distinctive jazz tradition that would resonate far beyond Birmingham. The song Tuxedo Junction performed there and written by Erskine Hawkins cemented its place in history.
Parker Industrial High School in SmithfieldThe Nixon Building a/k/a Tuxedo Junction
The good news is that the documentary Tuxedo Junction will air on PBS on February 19. Those who attended the special screening on Sunday can attest that it is well worth the wait—don’t miss it! Sunday’s event also featured a book signing by Burgin Mathews, author of Magic City: How the Birmingham Jazz Tradition Shaped the Sound of America, his 10 year passion project that further highlights the city’s enduring impact on American music. Jazz music by Birmingham legends, Bo Berry and Jose Carr, created the magic that continues to captivate music lovers everywhere.
Tuxedo Junction documentaryAuthor Burgin Mathews, Katie Rogers, and jazz greats Bo Berry and Jose Carr at Virginia Samford TheaterBHS President Wayne Hester, and documentary co-producer, Katie RogersJohn Nixon, who owns his father’s dental office-the tuxedo junction building, is posed with a photo of his father who acted opposite Virginia Samford many years agoProducers Brandon McCray and Katie Rogers with the owner of the Tuxedo Junction Building, John NixonKatie Rogers, Bo Berry, Jose Carr, and Brandon McCray
Tuxedo Junction by Erskine Hawkins with lyrics by Buddy Feyne
Feelin' low Rockin' slow I want to go Right back where I belong Way down south in Birmingham I mean south in Alabam' There's an old place where people go To dance the night away They all drive or walk for miles To get jive that southern style It's an old jive that makes you want To dance till break of day It's a junction where the town folks meet At each function in a tux they greet you Come on down, forget your care Come on down, you'll find me there So long town, I'm heading for Tuxedo Junction now [Instrumental] Feelin' low Rockin' slow I want to go Right back where I belong Way down south in Birmingham I mean south in Alabam' There's an old place where people go To dance the night away They all drive or walk for miles To get jive that southern style It's an old jive that makes you want To dance till break of day It's a junction where the town folks meet At each function in a tux they greet you Come on down, forget your care Come on down, you'll find me there So long town, I'm heading for Tuxedo Junction now Tuxedo Junction now
