Rockhead's Paradise

Rockhead's Paradise

Rufus Rockhead’s Jazz Club was an extremely monumental location that defined St. Antoine's Street and Little Burgundy district as the “Harlem of the North”. Although there were restrictions on what property Black citizens could own at the time of its opening in 1928, he persevered and the club became a must stop attraction of anyone coming to Montreal attracting Americans across the border and being a stage for many important figures and giving a space for talented Black musicians to express their creativity on a large stage. White people would also come to enjoy the music and no one was ever barred entrance due to race. Unfortunately, Rockheads and surrounding Black jazz clubs were a constant target for the local police who repeatedly tried to get them to shut down and restrict their performances due to discrimination.

Aubrey J.

J., Aubrey. Rockheads Paradise. Umi's Archives, Montreal, 1940

Umi's Archive Exhibit

1959

Umi's Archive Exhibit

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