Jazz in the Hill
This tour takes you through the sites which once made up the Hill's vibrant jazz scene. Known in the mid-century as "Little Harlem", the Hill was for many decades a crossroads for jazz masters traveling on their way to Philadelphia or New York, and birthed several legends itself. Take a look at the sights and sounds of Pittsburgh's historic jazz scene on this tour.
George Benson
Hill District Child Prodigy
George Benson is a renowned jazz guitarist who has won ten Grammys, recorded a certified triple platinum album, and worked with the likes of Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Quincy Jones over the course of his career. He is also the child of a poor, single mother from Pittsburgh, who got his start…
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New Granada Theater
A Pillar of Pittsburgh Black Culture
The New Granada, located in the Hill District at 2007 Centre Avenue, tells a story that is still being created today. The three-story building has served various roles in the community throughout the decades. From ballroom dancing, star-studded music performances, weekly cinematic features, and…
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Hurricane Lounge
Influential Incubator for Pittsburgh Jazz
In the 1950s and '60s, the Hurricane served as an upscale jazz lounge that nurtured young musicians, a vision of its dynamic co-owner "Birdie" Dunlap.
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Crawford Grill
A Multicultural Haven for Jazz and Community
A key remnant of Pittsburgh’s 20th century musical culture, Crawford Grill was a landmark of Black entrepreneurship, inclusive atmosphere, and legendary jazz music.
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Art Blakey
Orphan from the Hill became world-famous jazz legend
When most people think of jazz drummer Art Blakey, they might think of his unique and influential style of playing, or his years spent with his wildly popular band the Jazz Messengers. What often goes unnoticed are his roots in the Hill.
Blakey was born on October 11, 1919 in Pittsburgh to a…
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Stanley's Tavern
Stanley Williams was a restaurateur and nightclub owner who left an indelible imprint in the Hill District and in Pittsburgh history. He and his two brothers, Alexander and Charles, had emigrated from Barbados. Stanley and Alexander Williams owned and operated the city’s first Black-owned…
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