Metro Jacksonville

A Brief History of Jacksonville Music

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Culture/Bands/miscellaneous-music-banners/jaxmusichistorybanner/710272381_wXHCt-O.jpg)

Eu Magazine has a long and unique viewpoint on Jacksonville's music scene.  The current incarnation of the magazine, helmed by the Henley Family is the heir of decades of music intensive archives compiled by its previous iterations as The Entertainer and The Northeast Entertainer.

Over the decades, the publication has chronicled the careers of thousands of local musicians (and theater productions and so much more) both great and small.

Here is a short essay from our fellow publication on local music:

Here is looking forward to a whole lot more from the archives of EU!

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-nov-a-brief-history-of-jacksonville-music

Also worthy of mention:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_boren_axton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Tillotson

Steve Stilletto and the Switchblades, Blaine Crews Band, Great Invisibles and just a few others were among the first rock bands in Jacksonville to perform their own original material solely. Back in early 80s.
Rein Sanction ( with Ian Chase) didnt sell a lot of records but, more importantly, signed to Subpop, rocks most preeminent label.
They were produced by legendary Jack Endino, early producer of Nirvana.
Jacksonvilles original music scene is as good as anyones. Will the artists make money, fame? No but but they are still as good as anyone out there.

Evergreen Terrace is another indie band that makes a scene.
10 years and going strong.

What, no mention of Slim Whitman?  :D

The lady who wrote Heartbreak Hotel for Elvis and some other great hits?

Tim McGraw being born here? (His mom still lives here.)

Pat Boone?

How about local successes in other musical genres? 

Just stretching the subject  ;D.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/00/Ruby_Starr.jpg)
Ruby Starr of Grey Ghost  

(http://djdiddywah.com/pix/arkansas.jpg)
Black Oak Arkansas -

QuoteHistory

The group, originally called "The Knowbody Else", was formed in 1965 in Black Oak, Arkansas, by James Mangrum (vocals), Ricky Reynolds (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Harvey Jett (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass), and Wayne Evans (drums). Their first PA system was stolen from a local high school and members of the group were subsequently charged with grand larceny (hippies stole a state road grader and went for a joy ride... damn, imagine that) and sentenced to 26 years at the Tucker Prison Farm (this sentence was later suspended.) This led to their retreat to the hills of rural northeast Arkansas where they lived off the land and refined their musical style. Some of their influences during this time were The Beatles and The Byrds.

The Knowbody Else moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1969 and signed a record deal with Stax Records. Their self-titled debut album, and their only album with Stax, was largely ignored by the populace. During this time the band became interested in psychedelia and Eastern spiritualism which, combined with their Southern Baptist upbringing, contributed to their sound.

After several trips to Los Angeles, California in 1970, the band was signed by Atco Records and rechristened "Black Oak Arkansas". Their self-titled debut album Black Oak Arkansas was released in 1971 while the band toured extensively, gaining a reputation as a live act.

CHECK OUT: http://www.southernrocksociety.com/srs2008/

It would be tough to say who was first, but several history sites credit BOA and the Allman Brothers as developing the sound. The two groups pulled from their country roots and Baptist backgrounds, they developed very different sounds each with a unique guitar attack. Saw them in Hollywood. Great acts. Ruby Starr damn near stole the show from BOA with what had to be the sexiest hippie chick moves on stage to date. Sadly she died young of cancer, a beautiful flower taken in her prime.

OCKLAWAHA

Robert Marcus is from Jax.  Wasn't Ray Charles originally from here too?

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/520608850_urDY9-M.jpg)

Talk about opportunity missed, not only was Ray Charles from Jacksonville, but the club where he got his start is still standing. The COJ now owns it and is "looking" for a use! DUH!

It would take some coin to restore it, as the walls are missing from the lower floor while the second floor is brick sided. Everything else is concrete and steel.

If rebuilt into a club, one I'll call "RAY'S", it would not only be a tourist attraction but the anchor of new development in LaVilla. A new courthouse nearby and I think it couldn't miss.

Got bucks? Call me!

(http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/4d/11/10/ray-charles.jpg)
JACKSONVILLE? Of course not darling, it's Albany, Georgia.  

OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: Dog Walker on November 19, 2009, 08:58:36 AM
Robert Marcus is from Jax.  Wasn't Ray Charles originally from here too?

Ock, I don't think Charles was born or originally from Jax based on the biographical movie, Ray, but elsewhere in rural North Florida.  In fact, Jacksonville is never mentioned in the movie as I recall.  My understanding is he did go to the Florida State School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine and lived and played in Jax for a short and formative period of his early years.  Don't have time to double check it at the moment but I am sure we can verify it on the internet.  ;)

Ray did live in Jax and perform at Genovar's Hall and other venues, as mentioned upthread, and he did attend the School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine.  However, I think he was born in rural Georgia.

Genovars Hall what a cool place it could be, but yet another financial debacle from our city leaders.

Tim McGraw is a major performer to miss on that list.

RAY'S

Quote
Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said a Georgia, Georgia
A song of you (a song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in the peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
I said Georgia, oh Georgia, no peace I find (no peace i find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind oh)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Oh Georgia,
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Oh Georgia, Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Yes STJR, born in Georgia, but lived here and first hit the stage in our downtown "club". RAY'S would be the most happening place downtown if the city and an investor had ANY vision.

Southern Fried Rock and Blues hall of fame? Museum? Restaurant? Gift Shop? Geeze Louise! Ave Maria!  

OCKLAWAHA

Another lost son?

QuoteScott's Mc KenzieStory
In the Spring of 1967 San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair) became a hit all over the world.  The record was produced by Lou Adler and Papa John Phillips, written by Phillips, and sung by Scott McKenzie.

Scott was born Philip Blondheim in 1939 on 10 January and not 1 October as is very often reported. He was born in Jacksonville Beach , Florida.

Weird shit man, he moved to Joshua Tree, California in the 1970's and I didn't know it. In that same timeframe another Jax boy (ME) bought his place in Landers, California, not 30 miles away. We both would have done our shopping in Yucca Valley, and damn, why didn't I know this? I love that song Scott!

QuoteScott appears in good health - his body aches and creaks like it does for most people of his age (67).  He maintains an interesting sense of humor and seems happy.

Surprisingly, Scott McKenzie dislikes the sound of his own voice. This is perhaps another of the reasons that he didn't continue a recording career. Scott has given permission for this web page. However, in his own words, "I can't imagine any one having the slightest interest in me." Perhaps he doesn't know just how much his songs have touched people all around the world.

Wouldn't it be great to have Scott involved in our museum plans!

OCKLAWAHA

The video can't be embeded on MJ, but it is a ... TRIP! Check out Scott's biggest hit here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB2tYYYlwMc

hee hee ! HA! HA!

OHAWALKCA
"FAR OUT MAN!"

I heard a story that Ray Charles ended up playing in Seattle, Washington, because he asked a friend "What's the farthest place from here (Jacksonville)."  Might be apocryphal, though.

Why can't one of our talented citizens (or even ex-citizens) write a hit song longing about Jacksonville instead of "Sweet Home" Alabama, "Georgia" on My Mind, or Saaaan Fraaaancisco?!  ;D

Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue talks about Jax Beach in a few lines.

Skynrd's Gimme Three Steps:
"I was cutting a rug at a place called the Jug" Right off 17/post st. Pulled my drunk uncle from there a few times.

69 Boyz: Deville
Talks about Gateway and other spots.

Quote from: stjr on November 20, 2009, 12:38:01 AM
Why can't one of our talented citizens (or even ex-citizens) write a hit song longing about Jacksonville instead of "Sweet Home" Alabama, "Georgia" on My Mind, or Saaaan Fraaaancisco?!  ;D

What the hell stjr? What rhymes with Jacksonville? It's like trying to make a rhyme with the word "orange", it might be possible, but does it make sense?

I'm all for FREEBIRD being the song of the City. Who says the song must mention us by name?

OCKLAWAHA

Don't forget Skynrd's "Brickyard Road" (a Clay County thing).  Oh yeah, Evergreen Terrace actually has a little ditty titled "To The First Baptist Church Of Jacksonville" - can't hit much closer to home than that.  :o

Since we are going local scene, don't forget the "Ballad of Curtis Lowe"...The store is still on the corner of Plymouth and Lake Shore Drive. Judy Van Zandt said that Ronnie used to mish mash facts intentionally, but had a specific instance or location in mind when he wrote a song.
Curtis Lowe was fictional, but based on all the old bluesman that Young Ronnie encountered in the late 60's-early 70's on the west side of Jacksonville.

"Well I used to wake the mornin' - before the rooster crowed - searchin' for soda bottles to get myself some dough
brought em down to the corner - down to the country store - cash em in and give my money to a man named Curtis Lowe
Old Curt was a black man with white curly hair - when he had a fifth of wine he did not have a care
he used to own an old Dobro - used to play across his knee - I'd give old Curt my money he'd play all day for me"

CHORUS:

"Play me a song Curtis Lowe, Curtis Lowe...well I got your drinkin money..tune up your Dobro
people said he was useless - them people all were fools...cuz Curtis Lowe was the finest picker to ever play the blues"

There is a lot of history in a lot of Jacksonville artists songs.

Most of it is hidden in verse and rhyme.

you missed Gram Parsons, he was from Waycross, went to Bolles and hung out in Mandarin.  Allman Bros. first concert under that name and with Derek Trucks was in Willowbranch Park.  Mae Axton wrote Heartbreak Hotel, Joy to the World among others and birthed Hoyt.  Hoyt Axton grew up here and went to Lee before burning down a paintstore and taking off.

I believe "a place called the Jug" is on Beaver Street.

How in the world could we have forgotten Derek Trucks?!  He's a guitar god!

In the lobby of the downtown library there is a model of a St. John's River steamboat.  Next to it is a poster of a song about taking that steamboat to Jacksonville to visit my sweetheart there.  So there IS a song about Jacksonville,....circa 1880!

There is this mention, too, by the Charlie Daniels Band in "The South's Gonna Do It Again ":

QuoteWell, the train to Grinder's Switch is runnin' right on time
And them Tucker Boys are cookin' down in Caroline
People down in Florida can't be still
When ol' Lynyrd Skynrd's pickin' down in Jacksonville
People down in Georgia come from near and far
To hear Richard Betts pickin' on that red guitar

Chorus:
So gather 'round, gather 'round chillun'
Get down, well just get down chillun'
Get loud, well you can be loud and be proud
Well you can be proud, hear now
Be proud you're a rebel
'Cause the South's gonna do it again and again

Elvin Bishop sittin' on a bale of hay
He ain't good lookin', but he sure can play
And there's ZZ Top and you can't forget
That old brother Willie's gettin' soakin' wet
And all the good people down in Tennessee
Are diggin' barefoot Jerry and C.D.B

Chorus

I did a search on a song lyrics site ( http://search.stlyrics.com/cgi-bin/stseek.cgi?q=jacksonville&Submit=Search ) for "Jacksonville" and the only other two songs it came back, are below.  What's really missing, more than a reference to Jax, is a full blown ode to Jax.

Johnny Cash - "I've Been Everywhere Lyrics" (of course, when you see all the places mentioned, I don't think we should feel too special  :D ):

QuoteI was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Reno
Chicago
Fargo
Minnesota
Buffalo
Toronto
Winslow
Sarasota
Wichita
Tulsa
Ottawa
Oklahoma
Tampa
Panama
Mattawa
LaPaloma
Bangor
Baltimore
Salvador
Amarillo
Tocapillo
Barranquilla
And Padilla

I'm a Killer
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Boston
Charleston
Dayton
Louisiana
Washington
Houston
Kingston
Texarkana
Monterey
Ferriday
Santa Fe
Tallapoosa
Glen Rock
Black Rock
Little Rock
Oskaloosa
Tennessee
Tinnesay
Chicopee
Spirit Lake
Grand Lake
Devil's Lake
Crater Lake

For Pete's Sake
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Louisville
Nashville
Knoxville
Ombabika
Schefferville
Jacksonville
Waterville
Costa Rica
Pittsfield
Springfield
Bakersfield
Shreveport
Hackensack
Cadillac
Fond du Lac
Davenport
Idaho
Jellico
Argentina
Diamantina
Pasadena
Catalina

See What I Mean
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to:
Pittsburgh
Parkersburg
Gravelbourg
Colorado
Ellensburg
Rexburg
Vicksburg
Eldorado
Larimore
Atmore
Haverstraw
Chatanika
Chaska
Nebraska
Alaska
Opelika
Baraboo
Waterloo
Kalamazoo
Kansas City
Sioux City
Cedar City
Dodge City

What A Pity
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been everywhere

And, this one, to Ock's sure delight about a train going through Jacksonville!

Quad City DJ's - "(The Train-Part II) Bass Remix Lyrics"

QuoteWoo-woo, Yeah Yeah, Woo-woo, It's about that time
Woo-woo, You better pack your bags cause this cd about to ride out now

Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo, Yeah baby
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo, Come on now
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo, One time
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo, Come on now
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo
Come on ride the train, Woo-woo, And ride it, Woo-woo, Here we go now!

[Verse 1:]
Quad City Train comin down the street (Woo-woo, Yeah Yeah)
Stereo loud got you bumpin to the beat (Woo-woo, Come on now)
So put on your pumps and your daisy dukes (Woo-woo)
Pick up the phone and go gather your whole crew (Woo-woo)
Like Renee (Uh!), Monique (Uh!), Tina, Michelle (Woo-woo)
And them big booty girls with the weave on the tail (Woo-woo, Yeah baby)
Come on, get ready, cause we callin your name (Woo-woo)
Pack your bag and don't you miss that Quad City train (Woo-woo)

[Bridge 1:]
Quad City DJ, Come on now, Quad City DJ, One time
Quad City, Qu-Qu-Quad City, Qu-Quad City DJ, Yeah one time (Woo-woo)
Quad City DJ, Come on now, Woo-woo, Quad City DJ, One time, Woo-woo
Quad City, Qu-Qu-, Woo-woo, Quad City, Qu-Quad City DJ, Woo-woo
Yeah, baby!

[Verse 2:]
Way deep down south, yo we play this game
It's them Quad City DJ's and yo, we call it the train
So, if you wanna ride the thing
Just come on down the train
We goin around
Ooh lord, just jump onboard, baby
So, get your next of kin, Come on!, your sister, and your friend, Uh!
Pack up that Choo-Choo!, ride on this Choo-Choo
And boo, you need to stop thinking and come on with me
I wanna take you home with me to be alone with me
And I can see you wanna hide it, Come on!, just divide it, yeah baby!
And please don't knock it (Knock it!), until you ride it (Ride it!)
Michelle, Tamika, and Tonya wanna ride this train, ride out now!

[Bridge 2:]
Daddy daddy, can I go? I wanna ride the train (Woo-woo)
Yeah, baby, you can go, if there ain't no shame in your game (Woo-woo)
But you better watch your back, cause I heard people say (Woo-woo)
That you can't walk when you ride the train with the Quad City DJ's (Woo-woo)

Attention all ticketed passengers:
The Quad City train is getting ready to ride. (Woo-woo)
Just, ah, move your body to the,
Woo-woo, funky sound cause the, Woo-woo
Party train, Woo-woo, is coming, to your town, Woo-woo, so, ah
Pack your bags, Woo-woo, and, ah, wait by the tracks as I, Woo-woo
Once we leave, Woo-woo, ain't no turnin back, Woo-woo
So, ah, for all you ladies, Woo-woo, get yo daisy dukes and, Woo-woo
All the fellas, Woo-woo, get that, gin and juice, Woo-woo
Cause, uh, we bring the dip baby, Woo-woo
Come take a trip baby, Woo-woo
From Alizay, Woo-woo, Jay be, Woo-woo
Jay be on the way come on and ride that thang, baby

[Chorus]

[Outro:]
Yeah, baby, it's Jay-Ski
You wanna ride with me?
Okay, go pack your bags, get ready, and when I call your town
Move your arms up and down and make that choo-choo sound, like this
Jacksonville go Woo-woo
O-Town wanna Woo-woo, yeah baby
Tampa wanna Woo-woo
Hotlanta wanna Woo-woo
Chi-town wanna Woo-woo
The Carolina's wanna Woo-woo
L.A. wanna Woo-woo
Dallas wanna Woo-woo
Frisco wanna Woo-woo
Houston gonna Woo-woo
New cd Woo-woo

well, i think the quad city DJ's were from jax so it's not that surprising.

yellowcard (as just one example) has songs about their hometown as well...

Quote from: stjr on November 21, 2009, 10:42:39 AM


And, this one, to Ock's sure delight about a train going through Jacksonville!

Quad City DJ's - "(The Train-Part II) Bass Remix Lyrics"

Quote from: ProjectMaximus on June 26, 2010, 07:32:52 PM
well, i think the quad city DJ's were from jax so it's not that surprising.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/Quad_City_DJ%27s.jpg)

Basically, yes, per this Wikipedia article:

Quote
Quad City DJ's was the music artist and producer duo of C.C. Lemonhead  (Nathaniel Orange) and Jay Ski (Johnny McGowan), who produced the Miami bass hit "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" in 1995. Female singer JeLana LaFleur also contributed sung vocals to many of their songs.

The two first partnered in 1992 during high school in Jacksonville, Florida. They first were in a group known as Chill Deal. During this time they produced fellows acts Three Grand and Icy J, the latter being famous for the female answer rap to Rob Base's "It Takes Two" entitled "It Takes a Real Man". After Chill Deal dissolved, they reformed as 95 South to create the triple platinum hit "Whoop! (There It Is)". Their success led to work with Dis-n-Dat producing "Freak Me Baby" and 69 Boyz producing the double platinum single "Tootsee Roll".

In 1996 the two formed Quad City DJ's and produced the single "C'Mon N' Ride It (The Train)" (based on a sample of Barry White's 1974 song "Theme from Together Brothers"). The song was very successful, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum. They then produced the following album Get On Up and Dance, featuring the hit single, which peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 200 and also was certified platinum. The album also included the minor hit "Summer Jam" which peaked at #27 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.

Later in 1996 the group contributed to the Space Jam soundtrack, including the theme song. The theme song got frequent showing on MTV and charted fairly well, peaking at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quad_City_DJ%27s

Quote
"C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" is a popular dance  song recorded by the Quad City DJ's in 1995, and released in 1996 as a single from the album Get on Up and Dance. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It was ranked the #1 song of 1996 by Village Voice magazine and is ranked the 1692nd best song of all time and 20th best of 1996 on Acclaimedmusic.net [1]  This song is played at dance clubs quite often. Many remixes were made out of this song. The song is used as the theme song for the 1996 Jon Lovitz comedy-crime film High School High.

The Seattle Storm play this song at their WNBA games to lead fans in a conga line on the court.

The lyrics bear striking similarity to the song Double Dutch Bus by Frankie Smith.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%27Mon_N%27_Ride_It_%28The_Train%29

can't forget Mofro

The late soul singer Freddie Scott (born in Providence, RI) has a song called "Are You Lonely for me Baby?" He sung about coming home and "taking the last train to Jacksonville" to see his love.

www.youtube.com/watch/?v=fN3ki96eeuQ

Blind Blake, a ragtime guitarist had a song called "The Ashley Street Blues," back in 1927.

You can hear a little of it here: http://www.emusic.com/album/Blind-Blake-Blind-Blake-Vol-1-1926-1927-MP3-Download/10868583.html

This is not to be confused with a good 147 page dissertation on LaVilla and Ashley Street written by Peter Smith:

"Ashley Street Blues: Racial Uplift And The Commodification Of Vernacular Performance In LaVilla, Florida, 1896-1916"

http://etd.lib.fsu.edu/theses_1/available/etd-03312006-171940/unrestricted/pds_dissertation.pdf

This report claims that the first documented professional performance of the blues on stage was at Ashley Street's Colored Airdome.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 27, 2010, 08:30:07 AM
This is not to be confused with a good 147 page dissertation on LaVilla and Ashley Street written by Peter Smith:

"Ashley Street Blues: Racial Uplift And The Commodification Of Vernacular Performance In LaVilla, Florida, 1896-1916"

http://etd.lib.fsu.edu/theses_1/available/etd-03312006-171940/unrestricted/pds_dissertation.pdf

This report claims that the first documented professional performance of the blues on stage was at Ashley Street's Colored Airdome.

Lake, I just read through most of this dissertation and it is an absolutely fascinating take on a part of Jacksonville history nearly lost  (P.S. This link should be cross posted on MJ's Ashley Street thread).  To think that at one time Jax was not only the "Hollywood" of motion pictures, but, also the potential "Memphis/New Orleans" of music.  And, we have done next to nothing here to celebrate this.

I hope you send this dissertation to a variety of City political, cultural, historic preservation, and African-American leaders as an inspiration for saving what little we have left of these structures and and to encourage the celebration of this culture on the stages of the Ritz and elsewhere.  Especially, African-American's should insist on bringing this period alive, to preserve their own culture, to spotlight their contributions to the evolution of Jax, and to remind all facets of the community that the arts can bring all of us together in a spiritual experience.

The author should be encouraged by our community to build upon this research and to consult with the community on how to further disseminate this history.  A Ken Burns-style  documentary based on this would be a great start.  I wonder if the talent and resources could be found to create an ongoing "reproduction" of these obviously unique and "lost" shows at the Ritz.  It could do wonders in raising the esteem of Jax,  its African American and cultural communities, local history and historic preservation, and, simultaneously, create downtown economic development through entertainment and tourism.

And, here is the latest sad chapter (pages 113-114)  for which we as a City need to atone:

QuoteAshley Street in LaVilla is only now beginning to recover from the debilitating effects of urban decay and the crippling intrusion of Interstate 95 through the neighborhood. The Clara White Mission and the Stanton School still straddle Broad (formerly Bridge) Street. For a brief period, they were the only structures that remained standing for many blocks along the north side of Ashley Street. The Willie Smith Building, which housed Joe Higdon’s Hollywood Music Store and the Florida Cut Price Pharmacy had been built on the former site of the Colored Airdome. The city demolished it in 2003 to make way for the expansion of the Clara White Mission and now a new employment training center stands on the site. On the south side of Ashley Street, all the buildings are gone, save one. There is currently a project to restore Genovar’s Hall (also known as the Finkelstein Building), which was once the home of the Wynn Hotel and the Lenape Bar. This restoration was initiated through a cooperative agreement between Jacksonville’s Economic Development Commission and it is financed by the Nu Beta Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. The reconstruction has run into some challenges, though. The entire structure is now supported by jacks and the interior of the building is completely gutted. Some of the old facade remains on the second floor, but not much else. Recently, in a self-conscious attempt to create an historic tableau (currently referred to as, “the LaVilla Experience”) as part of a proposed James Weldon Johnson Memorial Park, three shotgun shacks from the 1920s have been relocated just behind the structure. Ashley Street currently terminates where it once crossed Jefferson Street and the campus of the new LaVilla School of the Arts begins here, where Ashley Street now ends.