With at least 3 books that will make mention of Philly soul in the 60's / 70's due out in the near future, another one has beaten them all to the finish line .....

ALREADY AVAILABLE is ....... “Joy Ride! The Stars and Stories of Philly’s Famous Uptown Theater” .....

“Joy Ride! The Stars and Stories of Philly’s Famous Uptown Theater” is the exclusive, behind-the-scenes, inside story of iconic disc jockey Georgie Woods’ spectacular R&B shows at Philadelphia’s Uptown Theater, and how the controlled creative chaos at the majestic movie house inspired “The Philly Sound.” Told by the people who actually lived it, “Joy Ride!” is the first comprehensive history on the Uptown, which was once a mandatory stop on the legendary “chitlin’ circuit.” It features the intimate, amusing, outrageous and sometimes scandalous stories of dozens of decorated entertainers, including 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. All agree that like Georgie Woods’ soulful theme song that opened his R&B extravaganzas, every show at the Uptown Theater was a“Joy Ride!”

 

...... see here ....... .https://www.phillytrib.com/lifestylesarticles/item/9303-joy-ride-tells-story-of-historic-uptown-theater.html

 

... AND HERE ....https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stories-Phillys-Famous-Uptown-Theater/dp/1479789003/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Edited May 31, 201311 yr by Roburt

I've already bought a copy as it looks like it will be a very informative book on this iconic venue ....

An extract from the book ..........

 

Tammi Terrell (& her sister) outside the Uptown around October 69 .... about 6 months before she died.

When not being used to stage live shows, like the other chitlin circuit theatres, the venue was a cinema & screened all the top movies.

The Uptown --- outside & in ...

...... the theatre could house up to 2,100 people and back in the 60's was just about always sold out when a top touring package played the venue.

The theatre closed in the 70's and was used as a church in the 80's ....

.... but after that it fell into disrepair ..... 

 

I've had this while.  Kimberly has done a great job.  Thoroughly recommended for anyone with even  a passing interest on how these theatres (and especially this iconic one), operated.  A great read with some fascinating anecdotes from people who lived it.

 

Great read.

 

Regards,

 

Dave

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Tammi Terrell (& her sister) outside the Uptown around October 69 .... about 6 months before she died.

When not being used to stage live shows, like the other chitlin circuit theatres, the venue was a cinema & screened all the top movies.

Tammi and Ludie Marriana Terrell ?

Edited June 2, 201311 yr by tfk

Tammi and Ludie Marriana Terrell ?

Yes, she's pictured with Ludie.

Here's another picture of the two of them ...........