Charlie's Place reconstruction continues in Myrtle Beach
Reconstruction of the former Whispering Pines Motel at Charlie’s Place is coming along nicely. The City of Myrtle Beach is restoring and recreating the home and adjacent motel of Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald on Carver Street. Charlie’s Place, the adjacent nightspot that catered to African-American performers of the day, is long gone, but plans call for using the location as an events space and a small business incubator. Some of the motel units will preserve the history of the period (the late 1930s through early 1960s), while others will be available for small businesses, classes and other program in keeping with the Fitzgeralds’ economic contributions.
Myrtle Beach’s unique musical history is part of the story being told with the preservation work at Charlie’s Place. The shag and “beach music” all have their origins here. Famous African-Americans entertained at Charlie’s Place in the days before integration, and many stayed at the Whispering Pines Motel, next door. Charlie’s Place was part of the “chitlin circuit” which catered to early Motown stars who were excluded from other clubs and venues. Those who performed at Charlie’s Place included Dizzy Gillespie, Little Richard, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Count Basie, Muddy Water and Ray Charles.
Myrtle Beach’s unique musical history is part of the story being told with the preservation work at Charlie’s Place. The shag and “beach music” all have their origins here. Famous African-Americans entertained at Charlie’s Place in the days before integration, and many stayed at the Whispering Pines Motel, next door. Charlie’s Place was part of the “chitlin circuit” which catered to early Motown stars who were excluded from other clubs and venues. Those who performed at Charlie’s Place included Dizzy Gillespie, Little Richard, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Count Basie, Muddy Water and Ray Charles.