City guides
Philadelphia Jazz History: Legendary Musicians, Clubs & Hotspots

Portrait of Dizzy Gillespie. May, 1947. Photographer: Gottlieb, William P. Photograph retrieved from the Library of Congress.
Philadelphia has been a cornerstone of jazz history, shaping the careers of legendary musicians like John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Dizzy Gillespie. From historic jazz clubs to today’s thriving live music venues, the city of brotherly love continues to be a hub for jazz lovers. In this article, we explore the jazz musicians and venues that have shaped its history as well as where to hear live jazz music today.
Philadelphia’s Jazz Legends
How many times have you walked by 1409 Lombard Street, unaware it was the home of Billie Holiday? Born Elinore Harris in West Philly in 1915, she moved to Baltimore, then New York City where she became the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. In 1947, she returned to Philly and performed at the Showboat located in the basement of the Douglas Hotel where Holiday lived during this time. There is a historical marker in front of the property.


Singer Ethel Waters,1896-1977, was born in Philadelphia and went on to be not just a recording phenomenon but an actress and film star. She made her Broadway debut in 1927 and headlined at Harlem’s Cotton Club in 1933. She was one of the first jazz singers to record her music and three of her recordings were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1939 she became the first African American to star in her own TV show, The Ethel Waters Show, which was broadcast on NBC.
John Coltrane, 1926–1967, was an iconic jazz saxophonist and composer born in North Carolina but he moved to Philadelphia in his teens and it was here that he developed his musical ability. The John Coltrane House at 1511 N. 33rd St. is a highlight of all Philly jazz history tours. This was Coltrane’s home from 1952 until 1958. He maintained the home as an alternate resident to his New York home until the end of his life in 1967. The property is scheduled to receive its long overdue renovation in the coming year.

Retrieved from the Library of Congress.
Jazz trumpeter and bebop pioneer, Dizzie Gillespie, (1917-1993) was born in South Carolina but moved to Philly with his family in 1935. He performed at the Downbeat Club, 23 S 11th St., in the early 1940s, one of the first local clubs where Black and White people fraternized. Gillespie was a founding member of the Black Musicians Union, now the location of the Clef Club at 736 S Broad. He also performed at the Academy of Music in a jazz concert series attended by a young John Coltrane.
Philadelphia Jazz Scene Timeline
The Great Migration, starting in 1915, resulted in an explosion of Black-owned jazz clubs. Philadelphia even had its own Cotton Club at 703 S. Broad Street. In 1934 the elegant Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club Orchestra captivated audiences at the Earle Theater at 11th & Market.
In the 1950s, the jazz scene relocated to 52nd Street in West Philly. By the 1960s, 52nd St was where you could see celebrities including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Teddy Pendergrass, and Stevie Wonder. The Aqua Lounge, 223 S 52nd St., drew jazz luminaries George Benson, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Hugh Masekela, and Thelonious Monk. In 1963, Etta James headlined at the State Theater 52nd & Chestnut.
Meanwhile, audiences grooved to big-name jazz stars at Pep’s at Broad & South and The Showboat, 1409 Lombard, through the 1960s. From 1979 to 1989, you could catch Nina Simone or Kevin Eubanks at Jewels, an intimate club on North Broad Street.
In the late 1980s, Apropos, a restaurant on Broad St just south of Walnut, turned into a late-night jazz scene on weekends featuring Minas, a Brazilian band that played until the wee hours. While Apropos closed, the good news it that Minas now performs in the Sky High Lounge atop the tallest tower in the City, the Four Seasons, 1 N 19th St.
Just when the Philly jazz scene appeared to be tapering off, along came the Bynum Brothers. These Mt. Airy natives were inspired by their father Ben Bynum, Sr. who had owned the Cadillac Club at Broad & Germantown and featured an eclectic mix, including BB King, Count Basie, and Aretha Franklin. He also owned the Starlight Supper Club at Broad & Erie which opened 2009 and closed 2019.
In 1991, Bynum’s young sons, Ben Jr and Robert, fresh out of Temple University, opened Zanzibar Blue, an intimate jazz club on South 11th St between Spruce and Pine. They moved the club to a much larger space in the lower level of the Bellvue Stratford Hotel. Meanwhile, in 1995 they launched Warmdaddys, a blues club featuring New Orleans cuisine on Front Street, later relocating it to Columbus Ave & Reed St. in North Philly.
Not long after, the Bynum Brothers opened Paris Bistro, an upscale jazz club on the lower level of an upscale French restaurant of the same name in Chestnut Hill. When it closed, jazz lovers were bereft. Meanwhile, they also operated Relish, a West Oaklane jazz supper club that closed after 15 years.
Where To Listen to Live Jazz in Philly
The Bynum Brothers still have a successful jazz venue. South Jazz Kitchen at 600 N. Broad serves up hot Cajun cuisine and cool jazz. This is where Denzel Washington and Kamala Harris dine when they’re in town. While the restaurant is quite large, the jazz lounge seats just 75, so reservations are a good idea unless you are just popping by for the Tuesday night Jam. Take advantage of Restaurant Week, when a 3-course meal here is just $40. Note: This is not a casual spot. Dress to impress!

These days, there is no shortage of area clubs. Serious jazz fans head to Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom, Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, 1509 South, and the newest addition, The Cellar Dog, 258 S 15th St. which has another location in NYC. Keep in mind that jazz can also be heard at the Kimmel, the Clef Club, and on Friday nights at the Art Museum and the Barnes.

With Valentine’s Day in mind, we can’t resist tipping our hat to the Library Bar at The Rittenhouse which features jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights in a romantic setting. Sharon Sable, who warbles in English, French, and Portuguese, performs there regularly.
Philadelphia Jazz Tours
A great way to explore Philly’s expansive jazz scene is to take a tour. 1619 Music Tours offers three different options featuring performers, walking tours, or jazz in area art museums. Or take an escorted tour of 52nd St. led by All That Philly Jazz.
Whether you’re a jazz lover or you’re just in town looking for a great night out, Philadelphia’s jazz scene has something for everyone. Visit historic clubs, hear live jazz at top venues, or take a guided tour to dive deeper into the city’s jazz heritage. Just let the music guide your journey!