Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Presenting the California Eagle (as seen through the eyes of the Robey Theatre Company).


The Low Down

Gossip column of the California Eagle.
Written by Mary Meddler
April 1, 1944

It has come to this reporter's attention that Mr. Jack Johnson is interested, yet again, in another clip joint right here in Los Angeles; the Club Alabam located inside the Dunbar Hotel on Central Avenue.  Remember, Mr. Johnson previously opened a night club in Harlem which he sold to known gangster, Owney Madden (who has since renamed it the Cotton Club).  Mr. Johnson seems to be remaining consistent with the kind of company he chooses to keep by associating, and helping to promote Club Alabam, with Lucious Lomax, a rather hard boiled fellow and rumored to have a rather nefarious background.  Both Mr. Lomax and Mr. Johnson have been criticized by Dr. John Sommerville (former owner of the Dunbar Hotel when it was called the Hotel Sommerville) for creating a place that encourages crime and criminal activity.  Even Black scholar Booker T. Washington had this to say about Mr. Jack Johnson's actions: 
“It is unfortunate that a man with money should use it in a way to injure his own people, in the eyes of those who are seeking to uplift his race and improve its conditions, I wish to say emphatically that Jack Johnson’s actions (does not) meet my personal approval and I am sure they do not meet with the approval of the colored race.”
Mr. Johnson who is certainly no stranger to controversy, has recently taken heat for his comments on why he thinks White women are attracted to Black men.  He responded to the
Boxer Jack Johnson with his white wife.
question by saying, 

"We eat cold eels and think distant thoughts."
I find that statement ridiculous, but then again, I must consider the source.  Mr. Johnson's comments and the things he does often fall short of my understanding.  Speaking as a Black woman, I don't think I know a Black man that has even seen an eel, much less eaten one.  But if I had a saw buck every time someone were to blow smoke this reporter's way, I'd be Rockefeller. 

And speaking of the dubious Club Alabam, the rather volatile relationship between Lena Horne and Ethel Waters continues there.  It has been rumored there was a fight that occurred last week at the Dunbar, over an alleged agreement that had been breached when the Hollywood chanteuses showed up at the Dunbar Hotel at the same time.  Apparently, there was an arrangement between Ms. Horne and Ms. Waters not to stay, nor perform, at the hotel at the same time.  A kind of, first come, first serve arrangement. 
When asked about the rumored agreement and the on going spat between Lena Horne and Ethel Waters, Ms. Horne had this to say, 
"I actually don't think there is any real conflict between myself and Ms. Waters, any divisiveness that appears to exist is constructed by Hollywood.  She (Ms. Waters) and I have more in common than most of my studio counterparts.  Ms. Waters first sang Stormy Weather at The Cotton Club before I recorded it in 1941.  MGM hired me to star in, and sing the record again in their 1943 film production of Cabin In the Sky.  Ms. Waters, naturally, was not too thrilled about their decision." 
Ethel Waters and Lena Horne.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

When I asked Ms. Waters the same question she had quite a bit to say on the matter. 
"Yes it is true that Ms. Horne and I have had choice words on more than one occasion.  I have a problem with her performing, recording, and getting the credit for songs, like Stormy Weather, that I have already recorded to critical acclaim.  I have more experience as a performer on Broadway and in radio broadcasts, film and television in my 'pinky finger' than Ms. Horne will have in her lifetime.
I also have a problem with phony people who look down on me for portraying maids.  My mother, Louise Anderson was a maid.  My grandmother, Sally, was a maid, and I have been a maid in real life and I resent anyone who thinks hardworking, honest maids are inferior citizens in our society.  Ms Horne's mother was an actress.  I know this because I headlined the TOBA tour show, Dumb Luck, in which Edna Louise Scottron Horne, Lena's mother, was a supporting player.
It has also been said that Ms. Horne has had an intimate relationship with our director, Mr. Vincent Minnelli, Judy Garland's husband, in order to secure her part in the film version of the play I worked so hard for, Cabin In the Sky.
Now, what Ms. Horne does in her bed is none of my business because I sure as hell don't want anyone poking their nose with what I do in my bed, but all that to say this, when you want a pretty, high-yellow thing to gawk over, call Ms. Horne.
When you want a world class performer to tear the house down, call Ethel Waters."
I asked Ms. Water to give me the first word that pops into her head when she thinks of Lena Horne.  She responded, "Heifer."

And that's the LOW DOWN!




IMPORTANT: NEW SHOWS FOR THE MAGNIFICENT DUNBAR HOTEL ADDED!


8pm Friday     12/26/14  
8pm Saturday 12/27/14
3pm Sunday    12/28/14
Tickets are selling out FAST!  
Get 'em quick!


Top row left to right: Chester Hines, Paul Robeson, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Jack Johnson, Dr. John Sommerville.
Bottom row left to right: Ethel Waters, Almena Davis, Lucious Lomax, Charlotta Bass, John Kinloch, Lena Horne.
Photo courtesy Tomoko Matsushita


The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel has reopened from November 22- December 28 
at the 
New LATC 514 S. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 9001


General Admission – $30 LAUSD Teacher – $20* | Veteran – $20* | Student – $20* | Senior (60+) – $20* Thursdays – $10 (Limited Number Available, Not Available Online). 

To Purchase by Phone Please Call – 866-811-4111
For Group Sales Please Call – 213-489-7402
(*Requires ID for Verification).






Content contributor Kellie Dantzler.

No comments:

Post a Comment