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“Did you know that the Chitlin Circuit ran through Courtland in the 1950’s. The Chitlin Circuit was a group of talented Black musicians that barnstormed their way through small venues to make a few bucks before they “blew” up! But most were destined to juke joints and gin and licker houses. This peanut warehouse in Courtland was owned by the Hancock Peanut Family and rented to Master Entrepreneur Joseph Bryant. His daughter, Juanita, would come from New York to help him with the logistics of getting entertainers and providing payroll to everyone involved. Lil James (James Scott Jr.) work the door as a ticket taker.
I can remember standing on an old wooden Nehi drink crate on a Saturday night while looking through the cracks in the tin to see songstress Ruth Brown from Portsmouth, Virginia performing. There was a dance called the “Jive” that showcased and incorporate every dance and athletic move imaginable! My entertainment came to a screeching halt when my mom realized that I had sneaked through a window at our house and she came to retrieve me. Oh well, it was almost time for Sunday School and I could sleep at church.” – Written by: Maurice Darden | May 2, 2024
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