Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Count Basie played in Minneapolis 60 years ago

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Today's Morning Edition music is from the Count Basie Sextet with "Royal Garden Blues." It's the type of music Basie was making 60 years ago when he was in town to play at the Flame Club in Minneapolis.

The Flame was in a couple of locations at the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 16th Street South.

For awhile it was hangout for gangster Kid Cann. In the early '50s, it was a jazz venue. Then, new management took over and it became the "House of Western Swing" and finally a rock 'n' roll club.

When the city shut it down in 1978 for repeated violations, a sign at the Flame advertised "Hard & Soft Rock, Old & New Blues, Snacks, Dancing, and Giant Drinks."

Here's a video of the group performing "I Cried for You."