Unpacked by AFAR · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
In 1917, African American musicians in Buffalo formed their own union due to exclusion from white unions, leading to the establishment of the Colored Musicians' Club. This club became a vital space for Black artists who performed in white venues but were denied accommodation in city hotels. Renowned musicians like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald jammed at the club after their performances.
“In 1917, African American musicians were not allowed to join white musicians unions.”
“So they started their own musicians union, which is one of the earliest African American musicians union in the country that still exists.”
“The greatest musicians in the world would come play Buffalo's white venues, but then they couldn't sleep in most of the hotels.”
“So when you talk about Du Kettington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, you name the musician, they came to Buffalo and in many cases stayed in Buffalo, jammed at the club.”