Charles Walton Papers
Finding Aid: Charles Walton Papers
Repository:
Chicago Public Library, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature
 | Walton with the Johnny Pate Trio, ca. 1956. From top to bottom, Johnny Pate, Lionel Bright, and Charles Walton. Maker: Unknown Owner: Unknown Note: Charles Walton Papers, Box 33, Folder 51, Chicago Public Library, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature |
 | The Sutherland Lounge was a key site in Charles Walton’s history of Bronzeville jazz and blues. The Lounge was located at the Sutherland Hotel at 4659 S. Drexel Boulevard. The elegant jazz lounge hosted a racially integrated clientele and major jazz acts, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Von Freeman, Dizzy Gillespie, and in the mid-1950s, Charles Walton with the Johnny Pate Trio (pictured). Maker: Unknown Owner: Unknown Note: Charles Walton Papers, Box 33, Folder 56, Chicago Public Library, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature |
 | Another key subject for Walton was the 1964 merger of Locals 10 and 208 of the American Federation of Musicians. When Chicago’s black musicians were denied membership in Local 10, they formed their own Local 208 in 1902. Segregated musicians locals were standard across the country but beginning in the mid-1950s, the tide turned, resulting in a controversial merger in 1964 in Chicago. This cover letter to the membership refers to the Plan of Merger of Local 10 and 208, claiming that the Order “does represent a reasonable compromise of the issues between the two locals and provides a framework under which a meaningful merger can be effected.” Note: Charles Walton Papers, Box 4, Folder 7, Chicago Public Library, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature |